Final answer:
Walking the fingers of the affected arm up the wall is the most beneficial action for a patient with bursitis of the shoulder. This helps maintain joint mobility and contributes to a proper recovery while avoiding excessive strain. It's a recommended exercise in physical therapy plans designed for bursitis patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most beneficial action for a patient diagnosed with bursitis of the shoulder would be option 2) Walking the fingers of the affected arm up the wall. This activity is a gentle exercise that can help maintain mobility without exacerbating the condition. Lifting weights or performing push-ups could put too much strain on the inflamed bursa and worsen the symptoms while keeping the shoulder completely immobile in a splint could lead to stiffness and decreased range of motion over time. The goal in managing bursitis, especially in the acute phase, is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and preserve or improve joint function through proper exercises and physical therapy techniques.
Part of an appropriate physical therapy plan involves gentle range-of-motion exercises that can improve function without causing further irritation. The process of rehabilitation typically starts with modalities such as a heat pack to promote healing by increasing blood flow, followed by exercises, and ending with icing to minimize inflammation. As healing progresses, the physical therapy exercises gradually become more challenging to restore normal movement and strength to the affected shoulder.