
What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Thoracic outlet syndrome is defined as compression of neurovascular structure (blood vessels or nerves) at the thoracic outlet. This condition can lead to pain in the neck and shoulder, numbness or tingling of arm and finger.
Causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
– Trauma, Repetitive activities
– Disease
– Congenital Problem
– More women than men
– Poor posture: slouching, forward head posture
– Obesity
– Muscle hypertrophy at neck and shoulder from weight lifting or lift heavy loads
Signs and Symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
– Vague aching pain neck
– Pain in the arm, which is shooting or burning.
– Tingling and numbness in the arm.
– Limited range of shoulder movement; Overhead activities are difficult
– Swollen, blue arm with activity is sometimes seen
– Arm tired easily
– Weakness in grip strength
Very rarely if the subclavian artery is compressed, stroke is a possibility.
What are the Treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Thoracic outlet syndrome can cause permanent neurological damage if untreated for years, so it’s important to seek help early and get treated to prevent the disorder.
Treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome usually recovered with physiotherapy and rehabilitation. If symptoms are worsening and severe after physiotherapy, surgery may be required.
Therapy may include:
– Physiotherapy: Your physiotherapist will understand about your pain and perform physical examinations. Your neck, thoracic, shoulder area will be assess and explain before implementing solutions to your thoracic outlet syndrome
– Pain Relief Therapy: ultrasound for tissue healing, electrical stimulation to stimulate nerve
– Posture correction and training
– Massage Therapy: soft tissue release, deep friction massage, myofascial release, trigger points release
– Exercise Therapy: Guided progressive stretching and strengthening neck, shoulder and thoracic muscles, postural correction exercises
– Weight loss program: If you’re overweight, you can prevent or relieve symptoms associated with thoracic outlet syndrome by losing weight.
– Lifestyle modifications: avoid repetitive movements and lifting heavy objects.
Our Non-invasive, Fast, Effective Treatment for Thoracic Outlet Pain
At heal360 Physioclinic, our therapist adopts our own signature painrelief360™ program with a detailed comprehensive assessment to find your root cause and targeted cost-effective solution for your pain. Our therapist works with you closely to achieve fast optimal results and return back to active lifestyle.