TOS is a disorder caused by the compression of nerves and/or blood vessels between the collar bone and the first rib (also known as the Thoracic Outlet)
Disorders can be of different natures, including Neurogenic (compression of the Brachial Plexus), Vascular (compression of arteries or veins) or Non Specific.
Symptoms include:
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Arm / forearm pain
- Numbness / tingling of fingers
- Poor circulation to extremities
Risk factors:
- Poor posture
- Trauma
- Heavy use of upper limb against resistance
- Weight lifting
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
How can Physiotherapy help?
Your Physiotherapist can provide appropriate exercises to help relax surrounding muscles, as well as a strengthening programme and postural correction measures to reduce pressure on nerves and blood vessels. Physiotherapists can help you to modify your activities to avoid compression of the Thoracic Outlet.
