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Shoulder pain - Management
When should I refer people with frozen shoulder?
- Refer to an interface clinic (if available locally), or an orthopaedic surgeon or rheumatologist (depending on the reason for referral) if:
- The diagnosis is uncertain.
- There is an inadequate response to 6 months of non-operative treatment.
- Opioid analgesia is being considered.
- Manipulation under anaesthesia is being considered.
- Consider earlier referral for certain groups for whom shoulder pain is particularly disabling (e.g. athletes involved in overhead sports, or people involved in heavy manual labour).
- Consider urgent referral to the appropriate specialist if red flag features are present.
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