Shoulder Problems And Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Are you unable to move your shoulder normally?

See significance of inability to move shoulder normally if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Is your shoulder locked in one position, and you are unable to move it normally?

Yes

Do you have severe pain?

Yes

Does your shoulder feel loose or unstable, and a lot of swelling has developed within 30 minutes?

Yes

After having a shoulder splint applied, are you unable to move your arm normally (not because the splint is in the way)?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does your shoulder feel loose or unstable, but you do not have other symptoms?

Yes

Is a young child carefully protecting his or her shoulder or unable to use an arm?

Yes

Are you unable to lift your arm above your head after an injury?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have shoulder stiffness or decreased movement after 48 hours of home treatment?

Yes

Do you have muscle spasms with movement?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does your shoulder lock up from time to time, but it is not locked up now?

Yes

Has your shoulder felt loose or unstable off and on for a long time, and your symptoms have not been evaluated by a doctor?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	September 24, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer