The practice guideline 'Diagnosis and treatment of the subacromial pain syndrome' provides a thorough overview of the treatment possibilities that a doctor has when a patient with a painful shoulder presents. This guideline recognizes the importance of occupational exposure and functioning in the development, maintenance and treatment of health problems too. As is the case with so many multidisciplinary guidelines, it can be seen as an appeal to doctors to inquire about work and an appeal to occupational physicians to become active in the functional recovery of patients with a subacromial pain syndrome.