How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Shoulder Pain in Children

Audience: pediatric

Shoulder pain in children can arise from many causes, including injury, overuse, or infection. Telemedicine offers a convenient way to consult healthcare providers without leaving home. To make the most of a telemedicine visit, it is important to prepare well. This includes gathering information about your child's symptoms, such as when the pain started, what activities make it better or worse, and any recent injuries. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask questions and may guide you through simple movements to assess the shoulder. Telemedicine can help identify common problems and suggest initial care steps. However, some situations require in-person evaluation, such as severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection. Knowing when to seek urgent care is important to keep your child safe. Preparing for the visit and understanding telemedicine's role can help you get timely advice and support for your child's shoulder pain.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has severe shoulder pain that limits movement or sleep — seek urgent in-person care.
• Shoulder area is swollen, red, warm, or has open wounds — get emergency evaluation.
• Child has fever with shoulder pain, which may indicate infection — seek prompt medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate shoulder pain.
• Guidance on symptom management and home care.
• Determining if in-person evaluation is needed.
• Answering questions about symptoms and treatment options.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing hands-on physical examination or imaging tests.
• Diagnosing fractures, dislocations, or serious infections.
• Providing emergency care for severe injuries or infections.
• Prescribing controlled substances or complex treatments requiring close monitoring.

What to Expect During a Telemedicine Visit for Shoulder Pain

During the telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's pain — when it started, how intense it is, and what activities affect it. You may be asked to show the child's shoulder on camera and help them perform gentle movements to check range of motion and pain triggers. The provider will also ask about any recent injuries, fever, or other symptoms. This information helps guide advice and whether further in-person evaluation is needed.

How to Prepare Your Child and Yourself for the Visit

Before the visit, find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection. Have your child's medical history handy, including any previous shoulder problems or injuries. Write down key details about the pain, such as when it started, what makes it better or worse, and any other symptoms like swelling or fever. Dress your child in loose clothing that allows easy access to the shoulder area. Have a family member assist if needed to hold the camera or help your child move.

When to Seek In-Person Care for Shoulder Pain

Some signs mean your child needs urgent in-person care, including:

If any of these occur, seek emergency or urgent medical care promptly.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain in Children

Shoulder pain in children often comes from:

The healthcare provider will consider these possibilities during the telemedicine visit to guide care.

Tips for Managing Shoulder Pain at Home

For mild shoulder pain, home care may include:

Always follow the healthcare provider's instructions and watch for any worsening symptoms.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit room with good internet connection.
• Have your child's medical history and symptom details ready.
• Dress your child in clothing that allows easy shoulder access.
• Prepare to describe when the pain started and any injury history.
• Have a family member assist with the camera or child's movements.
• List any questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on rest, medication, or exercises.
• Monitor your child's symptoms for improvement or worsening.
• Schedule in-person follow-up if recommended or if symptoms worsen.
• Keep track of any new symptoms such as fever or swelling.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns after the visit.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my child's shoulder pain?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide initial care, but it cannot replace a physical exam or tests needed to diagnose certain conditions. Sometimes an in-person visit is needed for a full evaluation.

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

If the pain worsens, especially with swelling, redness, fever, or limited movement, seek in-person medical care promptly. Contact your healthcare provider for advice if you are unsure.

Is it safe to give my child pain medicine before the telemedicine visit?

You can give over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed on the package or by your healthcare provider. Avoid giving any new medications without consulting a professional.

How can I help my child during the telemedicine visit?

Help your child stay calm and comfortable. Assist with positioning the camera to show the shoulder clearly. Help your child perform any movements the provider asks for carefully and gently.

Sources

1. Shoulder Pain in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Telemedicine: What to Expect — Mayo Clinic.
3. When to Seek Emergency Care for Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Shoulder Injuries in Children and Adolescents — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate in-person evaluation.