09/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/20/2024 14:48
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS)is a condition that develops when nerves or blood vessels are compressed in the thoracic outlet. This area is located between the collarbone and first rib. It contains important nerves and blood vessels. Neurogenic TOS is the most common type, and it results in arm pain, numbness, and weakness.
Fortunately, many cases of TOS can improve with exercise and other at-home treatments. Targeted exercises can increase flexibility and decrease muscle imbalances that contribute to symptoms. Learn more about exercises for TOS, including how to practice them safely, how they help, and which activities to avoid.
What are the best exercises for thoracic outlet syndrome? The best exercises for thoracic outlet syndrome include a combination of stretching and strengthening. That's because the condition is often due to narrowing of thethoracic outletfrom surrounding muscles that are tight, as well aspoor posture. Improvingboth these areascan help reduce symptoms and prevent TOS from coming back.
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1. Neck stretch A common area of compression in TOS is thescalene triangle. This is made up of the three scalene muscles at the base of the neck. When these muscles are tight or enlarged from overuse, they can narrow the thoracic outlet and compress nearby nerves and blood vessels.
Stretching the scalene musclescan help open up the thoracic outlet to reduce compression. Here's how to stretch these muscles:
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2. Chest stretch Known as acorner stretch, this move helps open up your chest and stretch the pec muscles. The pectoralis minor, the smaller of the two pec muscles, borders part of the thoracic outlet. When tight, it can cause compression of the nerves and blood vessels that pass by.
Here's how to stretch your pec muscles:
3. Chin tucksChin tucksstrengthen your deep cervical flexor muscles. These muscles help maintain good neck posture. When these muscles are weak, other muscles - like the scalenes - can overcompensate. This leads to poor posture and can tighten the thoracic outlet.
Here's how to do chin tucks:
4. Scapular rows Proper posture also involves good alignment of the shoulder blades. When the muscles that control the shoulder blades are weak, the shoulders tend to round forward. This can lead to compression in the front of the chest and shoulder, which can make thoracic outlet syndrome worse.
Scapular rowsstrengthen the muscles that control the shoulder blades. This exercise can help you keep a more upright posture to open up the thoracic outlet.
Here's how to do scapular rows:
5. Shoulder external rotation with resistance bandShoulder external rotation with a resistance bandis an exercise that works multiple muscles at the same time to maintain alignment of the shoulders and shoulder blades. This helps support good posture and opens up the thoracic outlet.
Here's how to do shoulder external rotation with a resistance band:
6. Wall slide with lift-offWall slide with lift-offis a move that involves sliding your forearms along a wall to form a Y shape, and then lifting your arms away from the wall. This combination of movements helps strengthen the lower trap muscle. This muscle is important formaintaining good alignmentof your shoulder blades.
Here's how to do a wall slide with lift-off:
What activities worsen thoracic outlet syndrome?Repeated overhead movementsincrease compression in the thoracic outlet and can make symptoms worse. These involve exercises like weightlifting, swimming, or tennis. Sports that involve throwing, as well asoverhead work duties, can also aggravate symptoms.
If you have symptoms of TOS, it's best to take a break from these activities. Starting treatment early can help manage symptoms and prevent thoracic outlet syndrome from getting worse. As your symptoms improve, you can gradually return to the activities you enjoy.
What other treatments can relieve thoracic outlet syndrome? The good news is that conservative treatment usually improves symptoms from TOS. In addition to the at-home exercises, you can also consider:
If your symptoms don't improve after a month or two of conservative treatment,surgery may be an option. It most often involves removing a section of the first rib and/or scalene muscle. This helps create more space in the thoracic outlet.
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" data-qa="ContentCalloutH2Title" The bottom line Thoracic outlet syndrome results from nerve or blood vessel compression within the thoracic outlet. This area at the front of the shoulder can become irritated from injuries, poor posture, or repeated upper-body movements. Fixing your posture and reducing muscle imbalances can help relieve symptoms. Stretch tight muscles in the neck and chest and strengthen muscles that control the shoulders and shoulder blades. This will help support your posture and keep your upper body in good alignment.