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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Looking to Improve Your Physical Health? Here are 6 Ways Physical Therapy Can Help
Are you struggling because of poor physical health? Your body's fitness is deeply connected to your happiness and mental state. Mayo Clinic research shows that active people often have longer lives and enjoy perks such like losing weight, building muscles, and having better health in general.
It might be tough to start exercising more, but a physical therapist can make it easier. Discover how Stride Physical Therapy's physical therapy can enhance your health:
1. Physical Therapy Treats Both Acute and Chronic Pain
Physical therapy helps greatly with both sudden and long-term pain. MoveForwardPT says that being more active can make you feel up to 28% less pain. When patients know why they hurt and how therapy will assist them, they're more apt to find relief from their pain through treatment.
2. Physical Therapy is a Safe, Natural, and Non-Invasive Option
Physical therapy offers a safe and non-invasive alternative to pain management, reducing the need for pain medications and surgery. It lowers the risk of infections, complications, and side effects, presenting a safer option than opioids and surgical treatments.
3. Physical Therapy Decreases the Risk of Injuries and Cardiovascular Problems
Strengthening muscles and joints through physical therapy can reduce the risk of injuries in everyday activities. Stronger muscles recover faster, decreasing the likelihood of repetitive stress injuries. An active lifestyle also helps protect against major health issues like stroke and heart attack.
4. Physical Therapy Helps Heal Damaged Tissues
A 2018 study by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) found that physical therapy holds promise in treating tissue damage, such as meniscal tears. This suggests additional benefits for other tissue injuries, helping those with injuries or a history of injuries improve stamina and overall function.
5. Physical Therapy Provides Energy Boosts
Physical therapy improves range of motion and activity levels. According to Harvard Health Publishing, increased activity is linked to higher energy levels. Patients with pain often experience greater mobility and energy with less discomfort through physical therapy.
6. Physical Therapy Enhances Mood and Reduces the Risk of Mental Illness
Physical therapy and consistent exercise improve your mental well-being and brighten your mood, says the National Institutes of Health. Feeling better mentally can decrease your chances of suffering from anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. Plus, if you're in good mental shape, you're less prone to pain and swelling.
Start enjoying these benefits in your life now!
Physical therapy boosts health naturally, steering clear of drug side effects. Get the full perks safely with a qualified therapist. Choose Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ, for better health!
Need more info or ready to book? Visit our site or ring us up. Take the first step towards a healthier, painless life with Stride Physical Therapy.
