Long Thoracic Nerve Palsy Treatment in Sinnamon Park

What are the causes and related conditions to LTN palsy?

Causes of long thoracic nerve palsy can be a result of inflammation or compression of the nerve from overuse, traumatic injury or even surgical procedures.

LTN Palsy can result in the development of co-morbid conditions:

• Nerve compression– by pressure or entrapment from inflamed muscle and tissue
• Contact sports– susceptible to shoulder and cervical injuries
• Surgical complications– e.g. from mastectomy, deep tissue massage, etc.
• Overuse of muscle– strenuous and repetitive muscle movement can overload, lengthen and ‘shear’ the LTNContact sports– susceptible to overstretching the LTN
• Contact sports– susceptible to overstretching the LTN
• Sustained pressure– excessive or prolonged weight bearing on the shoulder
• Illness– e.g. Influenza, Bronchitis, Tonsilitis
• Medication– e.g. drug reactions
• Degeneration– progressive weakening of the muscle causing muscular dystrophy
• Winging Scapula
• Parsonage-Turner Syndrome

Treatment for long thoracic nerve injuries

If you suspect you have symptoms of LTN damage and have pain in your shoulder blade, it is important to see a medical professional. You will likely be referred for imaging tests to determine the origin and extent of the injury or to rule out a differential diagnosis.

Physical therapy is highly beneficial in preventing further damage or overloading by retraining your body’s movement. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:

If the pain and reduced movement is severe, driving and strenuous activity should be avoided. Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, anti-inflammatory pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use neck support or a suitable pillow.

• Stretching, strengthening and/or conditioning exercises
• Restoring range of movement
• Postural improvement
• Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
• Shockwave Therapy
• Dry needling
• Taping
• A unique home exercise program
• Graded Exposure to load program