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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Health Blog
Arthritis Pain Relief Without Medication
Arthritis pain in your knees or hips might make you want to reach for opioid painkillers. These drugs can offer short-term relief, but they're addictive and won't fix the real problem. Try a safe alternative: physical therapy. Get in touch with Stride Physical Therapy to see how a physical therapist can help ease your arthritis pain.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis causes joint pain, tenderness, and swelling. It's a myth that it only affects old people; it can strike at any age. Treatment at Stride Physical Therapy can help get your joints moving well again and increase flexibility.
Signs of Arthritis
Arthritis symptoms can be managed with physical therapy. Common symptoms include:
Swollen Tissues: Arthritis causes tissue swelling near the affected joint, often making the area warm to the touch.
Grinding Sensation: Loss of cartilage leads to a grinding feeling as bones move against each other.
Lost Mobility: Arthritic joints can restrict your range of motion, making daily tasks difficult.
Joint Stiffness and Aches: Joints are especially stiff upon waking and may be sensitive or painful to touch.
Pain: Pain during or after physical movement is common in arthritic joints.
The Dangers of Opioids
Opioid prescriptions and overdose deaths have surged fourfold in 20 years, resulting in addiction, fatal overdoses, withdrawal, and depression. According to the CDC, opioid sales jumped 300% since 1999 with daily prescription opioid deaths over 40 in 2011. Physical therapy provides a safer option.
Physical Therapy: A Safer Alternative
If you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis, physical therapy can help you manage your symptoms without painkillers. During your first appointment at Stride Physical Therapy, you’ll discuss your medical history and symptoms. Your physical therapist will assess your strength, balance, and range of motion to create an optimal treatment plan.
Treatment Approaches
Manual Therapy: Therapeutic massage helps loosen muscles, increase range of motion, and relieve stiffness and discomfort in arthritic joints.
Body Mechanics: Learn how to perform daily activities with minimal strain on your joints to prevent the grinding sensation and slow arthritis progression.
Additional Treatments
Posture: Learn methods to optimize joint function and minimize pain, and how to use muscles and joints efficiently to relieve pressure.
Education: If needed, your therapist will teach you how to use assistive devices like canes or walkers properly.
Exercise and Weight Management: Your treatment plan may include exercises to strengthen muscles, support weight, and relieve joint strain. Aquatic exercises in a pool may be recommended for joint relief.
Contact Us Today
Physical therapy can help you manage arthritis pain without powerful opioids or other painkillers. Call Stride Physical Therapy today to schedule your first appointment with a licensed physical therapist. Start your journey to pain-free living and improved mobility.
