Red flags & when to go in person for Shoulder Pain

Audience: adult

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that can result from injuries, overuse, or underlying health conditions. Many cases can be initially assessed through telemedicine, allowing you to discuss symptoms with a healthcare provider from home. However, certain signs—called red flags—may indicate a more serious problem that requires prompt in-person evaluation. These include severe pain, sudden weakness, or signs of infection. This guide helps you understand when telemedicine can be helpful and when to seek urgent or routine in-person care. Early recognition of serious symptoms can prevent complications and improve outcomes. Always prioritize your safety by seeking emergency care if you experience severe symptoms.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden inability to move the shoulder or arm — seek emergency care immediately.
• Signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling, fever) — get urgent in-person evaluation.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand — see a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate shoulder pain.
• Guidance on home care and exercises.
• Monitoring symptoms and advising when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe pain with loss of movement.
• Signs of infection or systemic illness.
• Neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness.
• Evaluation after significant trauma or injury.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can come from many sources. Common causes include muscle strains, tendon inflammation (tendinitis), bursitis, arthritis, or injuries like sprains and fractures. Sometimes, pain may be referred from the neck or other areas. Understanding the cause often requires a detailed history and physical exam, which can start with a telemedicine visit.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to describe your symptoms, show your shoulder movement on camera, and get advice on initial care. Providers can guide you on exercises, pain relief, and when to watch for warning signs. This approach is often suitable for mild to moderate pain without alarming features.

Red Flags Indicating Need for In-Person Care

Certain symptoms suggest a more serious problem needing urgent evaluation. These include:

If you experience any of these, seek in-person care promptly.

What to Expect During an In-Person Visit

A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, possibly order imaging tests like X-rays or MRI, and may do blood tests if infection or systemic disease is suspected. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include medications, physical therapy, or referral to a specialist.

Managing Shoulder Pain at Home

For mild shoulder pain without red flags, you can often manage symptoms at home by:

Monitor your symptoms and consult a provider if pain worsens or does not improve.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a family member or friend nearby if possible to assist.
• Prepare to describe your pain: when it started, intensity, triggers, and any injury.
• Be ready to show your shoulder movement on camera.
• List any medications or treatments you have tried.
• Note any other symptoms like fever, numbness, or weakness.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's recommendations for home care or medications.
• Schedule in-person follow-up if advised.
• Monitor for any new or worsening symptoms.
• Keep a record of your pain and function to discuss at follow-up.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my shoulder pain?

Telemedicine can help your provider understand your symptoms and guide initial care, but a definitive diagnosis often requires a physical exam and sometimes imaging tests that need to be done in person.

When should I go to the emergency room for shoulder pain?

Go to the emergency room if you suddenly cannot move your shoulder or arm, have severe pain, or if you have signs of infection such as fever, redness, and swelling around the shoulder.

Are there exercises I can do at home to help shoulder pain?

Yes, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help many types of shoulder pain. Your healthcare provider can guide you on safe exercises during a telemedicine visit.

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

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

Can shoulder pain be a sign of a heart problem?

Sometimes, shoulder or arm pain can be related to heart issues, especially if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or sweating. If you have these symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.

Sources

1. Shoulder Pain — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Shoulder Pain: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Musculoskeletal Pain Management — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Shoulder Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

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