Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - Self Help

Stretching the Rhomboids - Dr. Jonathan Kuttner

Functional TOS tends to respond very well to trigger point therapy and various self-help techniques

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is one of a group of conditions that cause pain into the arm hand and fingers.

Not everyone is too aware of TOS and it's often something that takes a while to be correctly diagnosed.

Anyone who has suffered from TOS will know that the symptoms can be disturbing and debilitating. 

Functional TOS and Trigger Points

There are generally two types of TOS – one is an unmistakable blockage pressure (organic) to the nerves or blood supply and the other is a functional or temporary pressure issue.

This functional group tends to respond very well to trigger point therapy and various self-help techniques.

This is because functional TOS results from a combination of poor rib mechanics and tight muscles that cause pressure on the neurovascular structures (sometimes called a myogenic plexopathy).

Some of this muscle tightness may be associated with trigger points, especially in the Scalenes and Pectoralis Minor,  although we also look for trigger points in the upper trapezius and rhomboids.

The exercises below are commonly prescribed to clients who we are treating for functional TOS.

These exercises do not require any specialized equipment and should be easy for most people to perform at home.

If you haven't exercised for a while, or have any injury, make sure to consult with a suitably qualified healthcare professional before undertaking any of these exercises.

Rhomboid Strengthening