Rule out major structural or other pathologies as the cause of the symptoms.
Risk factors for serious pathologies (also known as red flags -see next step in algorithm) identified during the history and examination warrants further investigation and referral to the appropriate healthcare provider. Once pathology has been ruled out, the patient should be treated according to the shoulder pain care pathway.
No
No
Yes
Are symptoms ≤3 months?
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Discharge
Are symptoms >3 months?
Yes
Discharge
Yes
No