THE ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY OF PATIENTS WITH SUBACROMIAL BURSITIS – INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Subacromial bursitis is one of the main causes of shoulder pain and can significantly impair upper limb functionality and quality of life. In this context, physiotherapy plays a fundamental role in the functional recovery of these patients through different therapeutic techniques and approaches. This study aimed to analyze the role of physiotherapy in the functional recovery of patients with subacromial bursitis through an integrative literature review. The search was conducted in PubMed, SciELO, and the Virtual Health Library (VHL), including articles published between 2013 and 2025 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The results showed that therapeutic exercises, especially scapular stabilization and muscle strengthening, promote pain reduction, improved functionality, and increased range of motion. In addition, combining therapies such as manual therapy and electrophysical resources enhances treatment outcomes. It is concluded that physiotherapy is essential in the rehabilitation of patients with subacromial bursitis, significantly contributing to symptom improvement, functional recovery, and quality of life.