First-Line Treatment of Subacromial Bursitis

Subacromial bursitis is characterised by shoulder pain requiring structured, stepwise management. The first-line protocol addresses the acute phase with the goal of achieving meaningful pain relief in the near term.

Initial Management Approach

First-line care begins with activity modification during the acute phase, paired with a short course of oral anti-inflammatory therapy. The complete algorithm — including the full sequence, criteria for continuation, and any alternatives — is contained in the structured regimen below.

Full regimen details, dosing guidance, and escalation criteria are available via the protocol.

Treatment Goal

The primary clinical target for this protocol is:

Shoulder pain reduction within 1 to 2 weeks

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

DOI: 10.3109/17453674.2014.920991

A non-operative treatment algorithm for SAPS starts with a recommendation of relative rest in the acute phase, if necessary combined with a prescription of NSAIDs for 1 or 2 weeks.
Oral NSAIDs appear to be more effective than placebo in reducing pain in the first 1–2 weeks.

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