The AIM of the study is to evaluate the benefit of Respiratory Physiotherapy (RP) added to conventional medical treatment (CT) in the management of patients with IPE, in terms of pain control, lung function evolution, resolution time and radiological (RX) sequelae. Material and methods: 31 patients admitted for IPE of bacterial etiology between 2014-2020 were included. FR group (n=16) received RP + CT, and CONTROL group (n=15) underwent only CT. RP treatment: debit controlled inspiratory exercises (EDIC), positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and mobilization of the diaphragm. Variables collected: pain control, respiratory function tests and evaluation of chest X-ray: at hospital discharge and every month for 6 months. At 3 months, patients in the control group that did not present RX and/or functional improvement started the RP program. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between both groups in pain control after one month (1.8±1.78 control vs 0.47±0.99 RF), 2 months (2±1.73 vs 0.5±0.85); at month three, none of the patients in the RP group reported pain. Regarding lung function, no differences at 3 - 6 months were found. Total RX resolution was observed in 42% patients of RF group vs 13% of the control group at 3 months. At the end of the study all the patients in the RP group presented radiological resolution while in the control group RX sequelae persisted in 4 patients. Conclusions: In infectious pleural effusions, respiratory physiotherapy reduces chest pain, accelerates functional recovery, and favors radiological resolution.