Subdeltoid bursitis in its acute stages has hitherto been treated by rest to prevent primarily further traumatism to the bursa from motions which cause it to impinge on the coraco-acromial ligament. Counter-irritation, especially with the Paquelin cautery or hot air, has been employed together with the use of ice-bags for the pain. In most instances even with this treatment progress is not particularly rapid, a fact which can be readily appreciated from the sheltered position of the bursa beneath the deltoid muscle. Any treatment in which motion is permitted is sure to be slow owing to the renewed traumatisms to the already distended bursa. One of the most distressing difficulties is the loss of sleep due to the inability of the patients to find a comfortable position or to their being awakened by pain from any unconscious motion that brings the bursa between the ligament and the head of the humerus.