Red flags & when to go in person for Shoulder Pain (Strain/Tendinitis)

Audience: adult

Shoulder pain caused by strain or tendinitis is common and often results from overuse or injury. Many people experience discomfort, stiffness, or mild swelling in the shoulder area. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms, suggest ways to reduce pain, and guide you on gentle exercises. However, some signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person promptly. These include severe pain, sudden loss of movement, numbness, or signs of infection like redness and fever. Recognizing these red flags can help prevent complications. This guide explains when telemedicine is appropriate and when in-person care is necessary, helping you make safe choices about your shoulder pain.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden inability to move the shoulder or arm — seek emergency care immediately.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand — see a healthcare provider promptly.
• Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, swelling, or fever — urgent medical evaluation needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Advice on home care including rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief.
• Guidance on gentle shoulder exercises and activity modification.
• Monitoring symptom progress and deciding on need for in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring hands-on assessment.
• Imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds.
• Treatment of severe injuries, infections, or neurological symptoms.
• Emergency care for sudden severe pain or loss of movement.

What is Shoulder Strain and Tendinitis?

Shoulder strain happens when muscles or tendons around your shoulder are stretched or torn. Tendinitis means the tendons are inflamed, often from repetitive use. Both can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement. These conditions often improve with rest and simple care but may need medical attention if symptoms worsen.

Common Symptoms You Can Manage Through Telemedicine

You might feel a dull ache, stiffness, or mild swelling in your shoulder. Pain may increase with movement or lifting objects. Telemedicine providers can help assess these symptoms, suggest home treatments like ice, rest, or over-the-counter pain relief, and recommend exercises to improve strength and flexibility.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Certain symptoms require urgent evaluation in person:

If you notice any of these, please seek emergency or urgent care promptly.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine is useful for:

It offers convenience and quick access to healthcare professionals for many shoulder pain concerns.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Shoulder Pain

Telemedicine cannot:

In these cases, an in-person visit is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your symptoms ready, including when they started and what makes them better or worse.
• Prepare to describe any recent injuries or activities that may have caused your shoulder pain.
• Gather information about any medications or treatments you have tried.
• Ensure you have good lighting and a quiet space for your telemedicine visit.
• Be ready to show your shoulder area on camera if requested by the healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the home care advice given, such as rest, ice application, and gentle exercises.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended, if appropriate for you.
• Monitor your symptoms daily and note any changes or worsening.
• Schedule a follow-up telemedicine or in-person visit if symptoms do not improve or if red flags appear.
• Seek emergency care immediately if you develop any red flag symptoms.

FAQs

Can I use telemedicine for all types of shoulder pain?

Telemedicine is often helpful for mild to moderate shoulder pain from strain or tendinitis. However, severe pain, injury, or signs of infection usually require an in-person visit.

What should I do if my shoulder pain gets worse after a telemedicine visit?

If your pain worsens or you develop new symptoms like numbness, weakness, or fever, seek in-person medical care promptly.

Are there exercises I can safely do at home for shoulder tendinitis?

Yes, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help. Your telemedicine provider can guide you on appropriate exercises based on your condition.

When should I stop using ice or heat for my shoulder pain?

Ice is typically recommended during the first 48 to 72 hours after injury to reduce swelling. Heat may be used later to relax muscles. Follow your healthcare provider's advice for timing and duration.

Can telemedicine providers prescribe medications for shoulder pain?

Depending on your location and the provider's scope, telemedicine providers may suggest or prescribe certain medications, but this varies. Always follow their guidance and local regulations.

Sources

1. Shoulder Pain — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Tendinitis and Bursitis — Mayo Clinic.
3. Shoulder Injuries and Conditions — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Shoulder Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience any red flag symptoms or if your condition worsens, please seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional in person.