The general rule is that if you’ve had shoulder pain for two weeks or more, always consult a doctor for advice. See a doctor right away if you: Can’t move your arm The shoulder is hot or cold to the touch Can’t feel your arm or shoulder Have pins and needles in the arm or shoulder and it’s getting worse Experience an intense, immediate pain Have a badly swollen or misshapen shoulder These symptoms could be signs of a shoulder problem that needs urgent attention such as a bone dislocation. When you visit your doctor, they’ll perform a physical examination and assess your shoulder joint. Once they’ve assessed your shoulder, they’ll decide on the next steps. They might recommend an ultrasound, physiotherapy, or pain medication. Let’s look at what happens if you need diagnostic imaging on your shoulder.