How to tell if you have thoracic outlet syndrome
Have you been experiencing pain or prickly burning in your arm? Do you notice your hands look blotchy and feel heavy? Have you felt a “throbbing” sensation in your collarbone? These are signs of a condition called thoracic outlet syndrome.
This syndrome develops due to blood vessels or nerves in the region between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) becoming compressed. TOS can result in shoulder and neck pain, and many patients also report feelings of numbness in their hands and fingers.
Although this condition can be challenging to live with, help is available at McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy in Warminster and New Britain, PA.
Causes of thoracic outlet syndrome
There are three kinds of thoracic outlet syndrome: neurogenic (neurologic) thoracic outlet syndrome, venous thoracic outlet syndrome, and arterial thoracic outlet syndrome. Although you may be diagnosed with one type of TOS, it is possible to have all three depending on what areas of your thoracic outlet are affected.
TOS can result from a physical trauma from a car accident, repetitive injuries from work or sports, anatomical anomalies (such as having an additional rib), and pregnancy.
Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome
The symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome are relatively easy to spot. According to Mayo Clinic, some of the most commonly experienced symptoms are:
- Numbness or tingling in your arm or fingers
- Pain or aches in your neck, shoulder, arm, or hand
- Weakening grip
- Discoloration of your hand (bluish color)
- Arm pain and swelling
- Blood clots in veins in the upper area of your body
- Arm fatigue with activity
- Paleness or abnormal color in one or more fingers or your hand
- Throbbing lump near your collarbone
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor to determine if physical therapy could be the best next step for you to find relief.
Physical therapy can provide relief from TOS
Physical therapy is an effective and safe way to find relief from compressed nerves that occur due to thoracic outlet syndrome.
Some common treatment techniques include:
- Manual therapy: Manual therapy is a type of treatment that involves hands-on therapy. This kind of treatment can help relieve symptoms like pain and numbness/tingling by manipulating or mobilizing the nerves in the arm. Your physical therapist might also try to gently mobilize your first rib and/or collarbone.
- Exercises: Your physical therapist will teach you muscle-strengthening exercises to increase movement and strength in the affected area. You will be able to perform many of these at home as well.
- Activity modification and postural techniques: Your physical therapist will educate you on modifying your activities and postural methods to relieve stress on the structures affected by TOS.
Call McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy in Warminster or New Britain, PA today to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy for TOS and to request an appointment with one of our skilled therapists!
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