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
Seek urgent or emergency care for:
A new deformity after an injury
Sudden inability to move the arm after a fall or forceful event
A cold, pale, blue, or very swollen arm or hand
New severe numbness or loss of hand function
Chest pain, breathing difficulty, or shoulder pain with sweating or faintness
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 advice if your shoulder becomes hot, red, increasingly swollen, or you develop a fever, particularly after surgery or an injection.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Contact your rehabilitation or surgical team during routine hours if exercises cause a sustained increase in pain, your movement is declining, or you are unsure whether you are following postoperative restrictions correctly.
Also arrange review if progress has stopped or weakness is worsening.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Rotator cuff rehabilition. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.