Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Get urgent or emergency help if:
The shoulder looks deformed after an injury
The arm or hand becomes cold, pale, blue, numb, or unusually weak
The shoulder is red, hot, very swollen, and you have a fever
Shoulder or arm pain occurs with chest pressure, sweating, breathlessness, or nausea
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical assessment after an injury if you suddenly cannot lift your arm, develop major weakness, or notice significant bruising.
An acute tear, fracture, or dislocation may need early investigation.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if shoulder pain lasts more than a few weeks, repeatedly affects sleep, or makes normal activities difficult.
You should also seek assessment for ongoing weakness, increasing stiffness, or symptoms that are not improving with reasonable activity changes.
These signs may indicate a fracture, dislocation, circulation problem, infection, or heart problem rather than a routine rotator cuff disorder.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Rotator cuff disorders. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.