Shoulder pain is a fairly common symptom in adults. The estimated prevalence of shoulder complaints is between 7 percent and 34 percent. Subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) occurs when tendons of the rotator cuff and the subacromial bursa become irritated and painful.  Data analysis revealed that exercise therapy had high evidence of being as effective as surgery intervention to improve pain, function and range of motion for patients with SAPS. 

Physical Therapy should be considered a first treatment option for subacromial pain syndrome. Physical Therapists are trained in exercise prescription, joint mobilization and manual treatment techniques as those described in the above mentioned research.