Relief from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome through Massage

Did you know that thoracic outlet syndrome is rarely found in people under the age of 20?

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition whereby symptoms are produced from the compression of nerves or blood vessels, or both, due to an inadequate passageway through an area between the collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet).  This firmness can lead to pain in your shoulders and neck as well as numbness in your fingers and weakness in extremities.

While thoracic outlet syndrome can be a result of a car accident, repetitive injuries from job or sports related activities or even pregnancy, doctors usually cannot determine a single cause. Therefore, beginning with conservative therapy is incredibly smart, beneficial and safe.

Massage therapy is an extremely efficient method to help loosen the tight muscles that are causing you pain, by stretching the tissues between the collarbone and first rib.  Therapists working on a patient with thoracic outlet syndrome will focus on relaxing the muscles that cause poor posture, checking for areas of extreme tension as well as testing for trigger points. Doctors might suggest physical therapy in combination with massage therapy to strengthen the muscles and reduce tension.

Luckily, thoracic outlet syndrome can also be prevented by regular massage therapy.  Massage therapists can loosen and relax the tissues around the shoulders and neck before thoracic outlet syndrome has a chance to develop.