What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Shoulder Pain (Strain/Tendinitis) in Children

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for shoulder pain caused by strain or tendinitis in children, you will usually receive advice on how to care for the shoulder at home. This often includes rest, gentle exercises, and ways to reduce pain and swelling. The healthcare provider may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers and guidance on when to return for more care. Sometimes, they will recommend physical therapy or in-person visits if the pain does not improve or if there are signs of a more serious problem. It is important to follow the care plan and watch for any warning signs that need urgent attention. Telemedicine helps you get quick advice but does not replace the need for in-person exams when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe shoulder pain that does not improve with rest or pain medicine — seek in-person care promptly.
• Inability to move the shoulder or arm normally — urgent medical evaluation needed.
• Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, swelling, or fever — get immediate medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate shoulder pain and strain symptoms.
• Providing education on home care, pain management, and activity modification.
• Monitoring progress and advising on when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe injuries requiring physical examination or imaging (e.g., fractures, dislocations).
• Signs of infection or systemic illness needing urgent evaluation.
• Persistent or worsening symptoms that do not respond to initial treatment.

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine appointment, the healthcare provider will likely give you instructions on how to manage your child's shoulder pain at home. This may include resting the shoulder, applying ice packs, and avoiding activities that cause pain. They might also suggest simple exercises to keep the shoulder moving gently.

Medications and Pain Relief

You may be advised to use over-the-counter pain medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce pain and swelling. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider or on the medicine label, especially for children.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child's pain gets worse, if they cannot move their shoulder, or if there is swelling, redness, or fever, you should seek in-person medical care. Sometimes, a physical exam or imaging tests are needed to check for more serious injuries.

Follow-Up and Physical Therapy

Your provider may recommend a follow-up telemedicine visit or an in-person appointment to check progress. Physical therapy might be suggested to help your child regain strength and flexibility in the shoulder.

How to Support Your Child’s Recovery at Home

Encourage your child to rest the shoulder but keep it moving gently as advised. Use ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling. Make sure they avoid heavy lifting or sports until the shoulder feels better.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your child's symptoms ready, including when the pain started and what makes it better or worse.
• Prepare to show the child's shoulder on camera if possible, to help the provider see the area.
• Have a list of any medicines your child is taking.
• Be ready to describe your child's daily activities and any recent injuries.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the telemedicine visit to communicate clearly.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions on rest, ice, and pain medicines.
• Encourage gentle shoulder movements as advised to prevent stiffness.
• Watch for any red flags or worsening symptoms.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if recommended.
• Consider physical therapy if suggested to aid recovery.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose a serious shoulder injury in my child?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide initial care, but it cannot replace a hands-on exam or imaging tests needed to diagnose serious injuries like fractures or dislocations. If your child has severe pain or cannot move the shoulder, an in-person visit is important.

What should I do if my child's shoulder pain gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If the pain worsens, or if your child develops new symptoms like swelling, redness, fever, or inability to move the arm, seek in-person medical care promptly. These could be signs of complications.

How long does shoulder strain or tendinitis usually take to heal in children?

With proper care, mild shoulder strain or tendinitis often improves within a few weeks. Recovery time can vary depending on the injury severity and how well your child follows the care plan.

Is it safe to give my child over-the-counter pain medicine without seeing a doctor in person?

Over-the-counter pain medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are generally safe when used as directed. Your telemedicine provider will guide you on the correct dosage and when to use them.

Sources

1. Shoulder Pain — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Shoulder Tendinitis and Bursitis — Mayo Clinic.
3. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Pediatric Shoulder Injuries — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical care. Telemedicine can provide guidance but is not a substitute for an in-person examination when needed. Always seek urgent care if your child has severe symptoms or red flags.