Emergency signs first. Call 911 now if:

Shoulder or arm pain comes with chest pressure or discomfort, shortness of breath, a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness (possible heart attack). Source: American Heart Association
After a fall or a blow, the shoulder looks out of place, or you cannot move the arm. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo

This page cannot see or answer an emergency.

Which daily tasks does your shoulder make hard?

Mark each task. The page lists what is hard or impossible, worst first, so you can show the doctor in one look.

Shoulder problems often show up in routine tasks such as combing your hair or reaching behind your back. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
A tear that comes on suddenly, as from a fall, usually causes intense pain and may bring immediate weakness in the upper arm. If that happened, get seen soon. Source: AAOS OrthoInfo
Writing down what you can and cannot do before the visit helps you remember it there. Source: National Institute on Aging
Nothing you mark is saved or sent. Close the page and it is gone. To compare later, print and date each copy.

AAOS OrthoInfo: Rotator Cuff Tears (read 2026-10-27)
AAOS OrthoInfo: Shoulder Dislocation (checked 2026-09-29)
American Heart Association: Warning Signs of a Heart Attack (checked 2026-09-29)
National Institute on Aging: How To Prepare for a Doctor's Appointment (checked 2026-09-29)
American Physical Therapy Association: Direct Access by State (summary of state practice acts, resource date 2024-09-04; read 2026-10-27)