How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Shoulder Pain

Audience: adult

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that can result from injury, overuse, or underlying health conditions. Preparing well for your telemedicine visit can help your healthcare provider understand your symptoms and guide you toward the right care. During a telemedicine appointment, you can describe your pain, show your shoulder movements, and discuss your medical history. Telemedicine is often suitable for initial evaluations, follow-ups, and managing mild to moderate shoulder pain. However, if you experience severe pain, sudden weakness, or signs of infection, in-person care is usually necessary. Gathering information about your pain, any recent injuries, and your daily activities before the visit can improve the quality of your consultation. This guide helps you get ready for your telemedicine visit about shoulder pain and understand when to seek urgent care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden inability to move your shoulder or arm — seek emergency care immediately.
• Signs of infection around the shoulder such as redness, swelling, warmth, or fever — contact healthcare promptly.
• Severe shoulder pain after a fall or injury, especially with deformity or numbness — get urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate shoulder pain.
• Follow-up visits to monitor recovery or response to treatment.
• Guidance on exercises, pain management, and activity modifications.
• Review of imaging results if already obtained.
• Discussion of medication options and side effects.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe trauma requiring physical examination and imaging.
• Signs of infection needing urgent intervention.
• Neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness needing detailed evaluation.
• Procedures or injections that require in-person care.
• Surgical consultations requiring physical assessment.

What to Expect During Your Telemedicine Visit

During your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will ask about your shoulder pain, including when it started, how severe it is, and what makes it better or worse. You may be asked to move your shoulder in different ways so the provider can observe your range of motion and look for signs of injury or inflammation. Be ready to discuss any recent injuries, your daily activities, and any treatments you have tried.

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Appointment

Before your visit, find a quiet, well-lit space with a stable internet connection. Have a device with a camera ready so you can show your shoulder. Wear clothing that allows easy access to your shoulder area. Prepare a list of your symptoms, any medications you take, and questions you want to ask. It may help to have a family member or friend nearby to assist if needed.

When Telemedicine Is Appropriate for Shoulder Pain

Telemedicine can often handle initial assessments for mild to moderate shoulder pain, follow-up visits, and guidance on exercises or medications. It is useful for discussing symptoms and monitoring progress without needing to travel. Your provider can recommend in-person care if further tests or treatments are needed.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Seek urgent in-person care if you experience: - Severe shoulder pain that does not improve with rest - Sudden weakness or inability to move your arm - Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, swelling, or fever - Shoulder injury after a fall or accident - Numbness or tingling in your arm or hand These signs may indicate serious conditions that need immediate evaluation.

Tips for a Successful Telemedicine Visit

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How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit location with good internet connection.
• Wear clothing that allows easy access to your shoulder.
• Have a device with a working camera and microphone ready.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms, including when they started and what affects them.
• Gather information about any recent injuries or treatments tried.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Have a family member or friend available to assist if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on medications, exercises, or activity changes.
• Schedule any recommended in-person visits or imaging tests.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new concerns.
• Contact your provider if your symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Keep a record of your treatment plan and progress for future visits.

FAQs

Can a telemedicine visit diagnose the cause of my shoulder pain?

Telemedicine can help your provider understand your symptoms and guide initial diagnosis based on your history and visible movement. However, some causes may require physical examination or imaging tests done in person for a definitive diagnosis.

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

If your pain worsens, especially with new symptoms like weakness, numbness, or signs of infection, seek in-person medical care promptly. For mild worsening, contact your provider for advice on next steps.

Can I show my shoulder through the camera during the visit?

Yes, showing your shoulder through the camera helps your provider assess your range of motion and look for visible signs of injury or swelling. Make sure your camera angle and lighting allow a clear view.

Are there exercises I can do at home for shoulder pain?

Your provider may recommend gentle exercises or stretches to improve mobility and reduce pain. It is important to follow their instructions carefully and avoid movements that increase pain.

When should I choose an in-person visit instead of telemedicine?

Choose in-person care if you have severe pain, recent injury, inability to move your arm, signs of infection, or neurological symptoms like numbness or tingling. These require hands-on evaluation and possibly urgent treatment.

Sources

1. Shoulder Pain — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Shoulder Pain: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Musculoskeletal Disorders and Telemedicine — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.