Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed. This can cause pain in your shoulders and neck and numbness in your fingers.
Common causes of thoracic outlet syndrome include physical trauma from a car accident, repetitive injuries from work- or sports-related activities, certain anatomical defects (such as having an extra rib), and pregnancy. Sometimes the cause of TOS is hard to be determined.
When I get any client that I suspect to be having TOS, the very import first step is to do a thorough history taking and assessment so that I can come up with a sound diagnosis.
Signs and Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Paraesthesia in extremities (numbness or tingling in your hands and arms)
- Pain and weakness
- Occipital headaches
These symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Being aware of the symptoms and sensations you are experiencing can help with proper diagnosis and treatment.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Possibly the most common treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome is Physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy offers you a variety of treatment options to find relief from your specific TOS symptoms.
Here are just a few approaches to TOS that may be used by your PT;
Electrical stimulation
Stretching exercises
Targeted heat therapy (such as therapeutic ultrasound)
Posture correction
Some of the Exercise include;
CHEST STRENGTHENINGStrengthening the muscles of the chest can help relieve compression.
Strengthening the muscles of the chest can help relieve compression.
Correcting your posture by building muscle can aid in reducing pain, discomfort, and help prevent future occurrences.
NECK STRETCHES
Neck stretches are commonly recommended for patients with TOS.
A great way to stretch your neck, even if you don’t have thoracic outlet syndrome, is to roll up a towel and place it on the floor behind your neck. Gently nod your head up and down, allowing the towel to both support and stretch the neck.
SHOULDER STRETCHES
Since much of the neuralgia and pain can be in the shoulder, stretching those muscles can feel great. One example is to stand with your back straight and arms at 90-degree angles, hands pointing out. This stretch can relieve tension in your shoulders and chest.
Gently squeeze the shoulder blades together, opening the chest to do so.
Alex Omweri 