Enhancing the health of Canadians by fostering excellence in chiropractic care

Scope & Purpose

Refer to appropriate services

Conduct ongoing assessment for symptom improvement or progression during intervention and refer accordingly.

After additional assessment, and serious pathology has been ruled out, continue to care pathway

Adults with shoulder pain

Conduct an appropriate clinical evaluation

Risk factors for serious pathologies?

No

Other conditions?

No

Offer information on nature, management, course of shoulder pain as a framework for initiation of a program of care

Is treatment required?

Yes

Are symptoms ≤3 months?

Yes

Management of Symptoms

Based on shared decision making between the patient and provider, any one of the following therapeutic interventions is recommended:

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Is the person recovered after 3 months?

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

Refer to appropriate services

Go to appropriate clinical care pathways and

Discharge

Are symptoms >3 months?

Management of Symptoms

Based on shared decision making between the patient and provider, any one of the following therapeutic interventions is recommended:

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Yes

Discharge

Is the person recovered?

Yes

No

Literature search updated April 2015