Conditions
Shoulder pain initial assessment
Outpatient shoulder pain triage with imaging appropriateness, functional goals, and escalation thresholds.
Last reviewed 2026-02-07|shoulder pain | musculoskeletal | imaging
Assessment priorities
- Clarify trauma context, pain arc, weakness pattern, and functional limitations.
- Evaluate neurovascular status and cervical contributions.
- Separate likely soft-tissue pain from fracture/dislocation concern.
Red flags
- Major trauma with deformity or neurovascular compromise.
- Progressive weakness with severe loss of active range.
- Infection signs or severe unremitting pain.
Initial management
- Use decision rules to target imaging when clinically indicated.
- Start conservative analgesia and mobility-preservation plan.
- Set explicit goals and timeline for reassessment.
Follow-up and escalation
- Reassess function and pain trend at planned interval.
- Escalate for deteriorating function, instability, or persistent severe pain.
- Refer for suspected full-thickness injury or non-response to first-line care.