Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) refers to conditions caused by the squeezing, injury, or irritation of nerves and blood vessels in the lower neck and upper chest. Named after the area located between your lower neck and upper chest, known as the thoracic outlet, TOS can affect anyone regardless of age or gender.
Types of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Neurological Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This type of TOS is the most usual. It happens when the brachial plexus—a bundle of nerves running from the spine, through the neck, to the arm—gets squeezed. It often affects those who do repetitive arm motions above their head at work or play sports like swimming or baseball.
Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) occurs when the subclavian vein—a crucial vessel transporting blood from the arms to the heart—is compressed. Often due to congenital narrow pathway from the shoulder to the heart, TOS is worsened by repetitive arm and shoulder movements. These shrink the tight thoracic outlet space, increasing pressure on the vein and exacerbating TOS.
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Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This condition, TOS, occurs when the subclavian artery—responsible for moving blood from the heart to the arm—gets blocked by a blood clot. It often affects people born with an additional rib in the neck or an irregularly shaped first rib, which can compress the artery and permanently narrow it.
Causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
TOS-related problems can be confusing, but we know they happen when the thoracic outlet's narrow space squeezes blood vessels or nerves too much, leading to irritation and TOS. Also, certain conditions, characteristics, or behaviors could increase your chances of getting TOS. These are called risk factors.
Unchangeable Risk Factors: You cannot alter these factors. Having more increases your TOS risk.
~ Pregnancy
Risk Factors You Can Change: These are the factors you can manage or improve with treatment, medication, or changes in your way of life.
1. Intense weightlifting.
2. Bad posture.
3. Sports with repeated arm/shoulder use.
4. Heavy loads on shoulders.
5. Depression.
Other conditions that contribute to the development of TOS:
1. Birth defects in body structure.
2. Abnormalities in bone and soft tissue.
3. Injury-related trauma.
4. Upper chest or underarm tumors or swollen lymph nodes.
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Kanwal Bhardwaj
PT, M.Sc.PT, CIMT, CMNT
Meet Kanwal Bhardwaj, PT, M.Sc.PT, CIMT, CMNT, the driving force behind Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in the field, Kanwal brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for holistic healing to his practice. Kanwal's journey began with a Master of Science in Orthopedic Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University in 2004. Over the years, he honed his skills and gained invaluable insights during 18 years of service in outpatient physical therapy offices. In 2014, fueled by a desire to deepen his understanding of patient care, he pursued a manual therapy certification (CIMT). This transformative experience allowed him to adopt a whole-body perspective, focusing on treating the root cause rather than just the symptoms...
At Stride Physical Therapy, we're dedicated to transforming lives. With a focus on the root cause of your condition, we're here to help you regain mobility and embrace an active lifestyle. What sets us apart? Our genuine passion for what we do. Let's stride towards a brighter tomorrow together.
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5 Activities To Improve Your Health
Living with constant pain can make the thought of exercise seem impossible. But the reality is, adding even gentle physical activity to your daily routine can significantly enhance your well-being, ease of movement, and general happiness. Read on to discover the benefits of staying active for a healthier, more comfortable life!
The Importance of Good Health
Being healthy is all about your body working at its best, from breathing to blood flow to digesting food. You don't need to be a top athlete - every little thing you do for your body counts toward better health. At Stride Physical Therapy, your physical therapist can guide you with exercises, stretches, and diet tips to boost your health and fitness level.
Physical Therapy Can Improve Your Overall Health Naturally!
Whether on your own or within a full physical therapy program, diverse activities can aid recovery and pain management. Our physical therapist can craft a personalized exercise plan matching your recovery goals if you're healing from injury, uncertain about what exercises suit you, or struggling with chronic pain.
Our expert will evaluate your health condition and goals to recommend the ideal exercises. Combining this with therapeutic techniques like massage, ultrasound, dry needling, hot and cold treatments, acupuncture, or laser therapy can amplify your healing. They work by repairing tissues, soothing inflammation, and alleviating pain, thus enhancing movement and quality of life.
5 Activities to Enhance Your Health
Cycling
Cycling enhances heart health, balance, and leg strength. It’s also lower-impact than running, making it suitable for those with back or knee issues.
Swimming
Swimming reduces the effects of gravity on the body, making it ideal for individuals with arthritis or extremity injuries. Even non-swimmers can benefit from water activities.
Running
Running improves heart and lung health and can reduce pain sensitivity. The "runner's high" offers pain-reducing benefits for chronic pain sufferers.
Weight Training
Weight training builds muscle tissue that supports joints and helps maintain bone density, reducing muscle wastage as you age.
Walking
Walking requires no special equipment and offers low-impact exercise. It improves circulation and benefits weight-bearing joints, especially for those with arthritis.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Good Health
Living healthily requires work, but it gets easier. It's important to eat well, and although exercise may be tough if you have chronic pain, it's key. Opt for physical therapy over medication to tackle pain and lead a healthier life.
Get on Track to Better Health with Physical Therapy
Life is too wonderful to spend it in bed or in a chair. Get up and schedule an appointment with Stride Physical Therapy today. It’s the healthiest move you can make!
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