About the condition

What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)?

The thoracic outlet is an area near the collarbone and first ribs, or the opening between your lower neck and upper chest. Within this small space are muscles, nerves and blood vessels which run from the neck to the shoulder. Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) involves swelling and pain caused by compression to the thoracic outlet.

Types of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is an umbrella term to describe a group of disorders of the thoracic outlet. The main types of TOS include:

Neurogenic (neurologic) thoracic outlet syndrome– most common, triggered by nerve compression of thebrachial plexusnerves which control movement and sensation of the shoulder, arm and hand.
Venous thoracic outlet syndrome– triggered by the compression of one or more blood vessels under the collarbone, causing blood clots.
Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome– most rare, occurring with compression of an artery under the collarbone, causing an aneurysm (arterial bulge).

Causes

What are the causes?

Females are more likely to develop TOS than males, and typically it is diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 50. Some common causes of nerve or blood vessel compression include:

Poor sitting/standing posture
Prolonged periods of laborious activity or repetitive arm movement
Traumatic injury (onset of symptoms may be delayed)
Anatomical defects, e.g.,cervical ribs or abnormally tight muscles in the thoracic outlet
Obesity
Pregnancy
Sleep disorders
Mental health conditions, e.g., anxiety/depression
Tumours

Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

Neurogenic (neurologic) thoracic outlet syndrome

Venous thoracic outlet syndrome

Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome

Neck/shoulder/arm/hand pain
Numbness/tingling sensations
Poor reflexes
Arm/muscle weakness
Pain and swelling in the arm
Arm/muscle weakness
Discolouration (bluish tinge) or paleness of the hand/fingers
Lumps under collarbone
Blood clots in the upper body
Coldness in the arms, hands or fingers
Pain in the hand/arm
Paleness or blue discolouration in one or more fingers/hand
Weak pulse

Treatment

Treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

As the types, cause and symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) vary, it is important to see a medical professional if you notice any signs of the condition. You may be referred for scans to detect and accurately determine diagnosis.

At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:

Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use neck or back support (braces), or a suitable pillow.

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

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) Treatment in Sinnamon Park

What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)?

What are the causes?

What are the symptoms?

Treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Treating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) in Sinnamon Park

Get it assessed properly