Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)

Definition/Description[edit | edit source]

The term ‘thoracic outlet syndrome’ describes compression of the neurovascular structures as they exit through the thoracic outlet (cervicothoracobrachial region). The thoracic outlet is marked by the anterior scalene muscle anteriorly, the middle scalene posteriorly, and the first rib inferiorly.[1] [2]

This condition has emerged as one of the most controversial topics in musculoskeletal medicine and rehabilitation[3]. This controversy extends to almost every aspect of pathology including the definition, incidence, pathoanatomical contributions, diagnosis, and treatment.

The term ‘TOS’ does not specify the structure being compressed. Investigators, namely, identify two main categories of TOS:

  1. The vascular form (arterial or venous), which raises few diagnostic problems,
  2. The neurological form, which occurs in more than 95-99% of all cases of TOS,

Therefore, the syndrome should be differentiated by using the terms arterial TOS (ATOS), venous TOS (VTOS), or neurogenic (NTOS).[1][2]

Clinically Relevant Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The first narrowing area is the most proximal and is named the interscalene triangle: This triangle is bordered by the anterior scalene muscle anteriorly, the middle scalene muscle posteriorly, and the medial surface of the first rib inferiorly. The presence of the scalene minimus muscle and the fact that both the anterior and middle scalene muscles have their insertion in the first rib (which can cause overlapping) can cause a narrow space and therefore compression. The brachial plexus and the subclavian artery pass through this space.

The second passageway is called the costoclavicular triangle, which is bordered anteriorly by the middle third of the clavicle, posteromedially by the first rib, and posterolaterally by the upper border of the scapula. The subclavian vein, artery, and plexus brachialis cross this costoclavicular region and then further enter the subcoracoïd space. Just distal to the insterscalene triangle. Compression of these structures can occur as a result of congenital abnormalities, trauma to the first rib or clavicle, and structural changes in the subclavian muscle or the costocoracoid ligament.

The last passageway is called the subcoracoid or sub-pectoralis minor space: This last passageway is beneath the coracoid process, just under the pectoralis minor tendon. The borders of the thoraco-coraco-pectoral space include the coracoid process superiorly, the pect minor anteriorly, and ribs 2-4 posteriorly. Shortening of the Pectoralis Major can lead to a narrowing of this last space and therefore compression of the neurovascular structures during hyperabduction.[2][4][5]

Certain anatomical abnormalities can potentially compromise the thoracic outlet as well. These include:

  1. the presence of a cervical rib,
  2. congenital soft tissue abnormalities,
  3. clavicular hypomobility [3], and
  4. functionally acquired anatomical changes[4]

Soft tissue abnormalities may create compression or tension loading of the neurovascular structures found within the thoracic outlet (such as hypertrophy, a broader middle scalene attachment on the 1st rib, or fibrous bands that increase stiffness).

Tos.jpg

Epidemiology/Etiology[edit | edit source]

TOS affects approximately 8% of the population and is 3-4 times as frequent in women as in men between the ages of 20 and 50. Females have less-developed muscles, a greater tendency for drooping shoulders owing to additional breast tissue, a narrowed thoracic outlet, and an anatomical lower sternum. These factors change the angle between the scalene muscles and consequently cause a higher prevalence in women.[4][5][6] The mean age of people effected by TOS is 30–40; it is rarely seen in children. Almost all cases of TOS (95–98%) affect the brachial plexus; the other 2–5% affect vascular structures, such as the subclavian artery and vein. 

There are several factors that can cause TOS:

  • Cervical ribs are present in approximately 0.5-0.6% of the population, 50-80% of which are bilateral, and 10–20% produce symptoms; the female to male ratio is 2:1.
  • Cervical ribs and the fibromuscular bands connected to them are the cause of most neural compression.[7]

Fibrous bands are a more common cause of TOS than rib anomalies.

Congenital Factors:[edit | edit source]

  • Cervical rib[8][9][10]
  • Prolonged transverse process
  • Anomalous muscles
  • Fibrous anomalies (transversocostal, costocostal)
  • Abnormalities of the insertion of the scalene muscles[8]
  • Fibrous muscular bands[8]
  • Exostosis of the first rib
  • Cervicodorsal scoliosis[11]
  • Congenital unilateral- or bilateral elevated scapula
  • Location of the A. or V. Subclavian in relation to the M. scalene anterior

Acquired Conditions:[edit | edit source]

  • Postural factors
  • Dropped shoulder condition[8]
  • Wrong work posture (standing or sitting without paying attention to the physiological curvature of the spine)
  • Trauma[11]
  • Clavicle fracture[8]
  • Rib fracture[8]
  • Hyperextension neck injury, whiplash[9][12]
  • Repetitive stress injuries (repetitive injury most often form sitting at a keyboard for long hours.)[12]

Muscular Causes:[edit | edit source]

Characteristics/Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Signs and symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome vary from patient to patient due to the location of the nerve and/or vessel involvement. Symptoms range from mild pain and sensory changes to limb-threatening complications in severe cases.

  1. Patients with thoracic outlet syndrome will most likely present pain anywhere between the neck, face, and occipital region or into the chest, shoulder, and upper extremity, and paresthesia in the upper extremity.
  2. The patient may also complain of altered or absent sensation, weakness, fatigue, or a feeling of heaviness in the arm and hand.
  3. The skin can also be blotchy or discoloured. A different temperature can also be observed.
  4. Signs and symptoms are typically worse when the arm is abducted overhead and externally rotated with the head rotated to the same or opposite side. As a result, activities such as overhead throwing, serving a tennis ball, painting a ceiling, driving, or typing may exacerbate symptoms.[13][14]
  5. When the upper plexus (C5,6,7) is involved, there is a pain in the side of the neck, and this pain may radiate to the ear and face. Often, the pain radiates from the ear posteriorly to the rhomboids and anteriorly over the clavicle and pectoralis regions. The pain may move laterally down the radial nerve area. Headaches are not uncommon when the upper plexus is involved.
  6. Patients with lower plexus (C8, T1) involvement typically have symptoms that are present in the anterior and posterior shoulder regions and radiate down the ulnar side of the forearm into the hand, the ring, and small fingers.[3][5]

There are four categories of thoracic outlet syndrome, and each presents with unique signs and symptoms (see Table 1). Typically, TOS does not follow a dermatomal or myotomal pattern unless there is nerve root involvement, which will be important in determining your PT diagnosis and planning your treatment [3][4].

Arterial TOS Venous TOS True TOS Disputed Neurogenic TOS
  • Young adult with vigorous arm activity
  • Pain in the hand
  • Claudication
  • Pallor
  • Cold intolerance
  • Paresthesias
  • S/s usually appear spontaneously
  • Younger men with vigorous arm activity
  • Cyanosis
  • Feeling of heaviness
  • Paresthesia in fingers and hand (result of oedema)
  • Oedema of the arm 
  • Hx of neck trauma
  • Pain, paresthesia, numbness, and/or weakness
  • Occipital headaches
  • S/s present-day and/or night
  • Loss of fine motor skills
  • Cold intolerance (possible Raynaud's phenomenon)
  • Objective weakness
  • Compressors*: s/s day>night
  • Hx of neck trauma
  • Pain, paresthesia, and "feeling" of weakness
  • Occipital headaches
  • Nocturnal paresthesias that often wake patient
  • Loss of fine motor skills
  • Cold intolerance (possible Raynaud's phenomenon)
  • Subjective weakness
  • Releasers*: s/s night>day

Compressors* : a patient that experiences symptoms throughout the day, while using prolonged postures resulting in increased tension or compression of the thoracic outlet. The most common aggravating postures are head forward with the shoulder girdles protracted and depressed, or activities that involve working overhead with the arms elevated. These positions cause an increase in tension/compression (such as working overhead with elevated arms) that would result in an increase in tension or compression of the neurovascular bundle of the brachial plexus

Releasers* : Describes patients who often experience paraesthesia at night that often wakes them up. It is caused by a release of tension or compression to the thoracic outlet, that restores the perineural blood supply to the brachial plexus, signaling a return of normal sensation. This is used as an indicator of a favorable outcome and resolution of symptoms.

Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Due to its variability, TOS can be difficult to distinguish from other pathologies with similar presentations. A thorough history and evaluation must be done to determine if the patient’s symptoms are truly TOS. The following pathologies are the common differential diagnoses for TOS[15][16] :


Systematic causes of brachial plexus pain include:

There are conditions that can coexist with TOS. It is important to identify these conditions because they should be treated separately. These associated conditions include:

Outcome Measures[edit | edit source]

DASH (Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand)

SPADI (Shoulder Pain And Disability Index)

NPRS (Numeric Pain Rating Scale)

McGill Pain Questionnaire

Diagnostic Procedures [edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of TOS is essentially based on history, physical examination, and provocative tests. I needed ,ultrasound, radiological evaluation, and electrodiagnostic evaluation. I

t must always be kept in mind that TOS diagnosis is usually confirmed by the elimination of other causes with similar clinical presentation. Especially differential diagnosis of cervical radiculopathies and upper extremity entrapment neuropathies can be hard (McGillicuddy 2004).[2][17] In order to diagnose accurately, the clinical presentation must be evaluated as either neurogenic (compression of the brachial plexus) or vascular (compression of the subclavian vessels). TOS manifestations are varied, and there is no single definitive test, which makes it difficult to diagnose.[5][13]

Examination[edit | edit source]

The following includes common examination findings seen with TOS that should be evaluated; however, this is not an all-inclusive list, and examination should be individualized to the patient.

History[18][edit | edit source]

Make sure to take a thorough history, clear any red flags, and ask the patient how signs and symptoms have affected his/her function.

  1. Types of symptoms
  2. Location and amplitude of symptoms
  3. Irritability of symptoms
  4. Onset and development over time
  5. Aggravating/alleviating factors
  6. Disability

Physical Examination[6][18][edit | edit source]

Observation[edit | edit source]

  1. Posture
  2. Cyanosis
  3. Oedema
  4. Paleness
  5. Atrophy

Palpation[edit | edit source]

  1. Temperature changes
  2. Supraclavicular fossa
  3. Scalene muscles (tenderness)
  4. Trapezius muscle (tenderness)

Neurological Screen[edit | edit source]

MMT & Flexibility of following muscles:

  1. Scalene
  2. Pectoralis major/minor
  3. Levator scapulae
  4. Sternocleidomastoid
  5. Serratus anterior

Special Tests[3][6][edit | edit source]

  • Elevated Arm Stress/ Roos test: the patient has arms at 90° abduction and the therapist puts downwards pressure on the scapula as the patient opens and closes the fingers. If the TOS symptoms are reproduced within 90 seconds, the test is positive.[5]
  • Adson's: the patient is asked to rotate the head and elevate the chin toward the affected side. If the radial pulse on the side is absent or decreased then the test is positive, showing the vascular component of the neurovascular bundle is compressed by the scalene muscle or cervical rib.[5]
  • Wright's: the patient’s arm is hyper abducted. If there is a decrease or absence of a pulse on one side then the test is positive, showing the axillary artery is compressed by the pectoralis minor muscle or coracoid process due to stretching of the neurovascular bundle.[5]
  • Cyriax Release: the patient is seated or standing. The examiner stands behind the patient and grasps under the forearms, holding the elbows at 80 degrees of flexion with the forearms and wrists in neutral. The examiner leans the patient’s trunk posteriorly and passively elevated the shoulder girdle. This position is held for up to 3 minutes. The test is positive when paresthesia and/or numbness (release phenomenon) occurs, including reproduction of symptoms.
  • Supraclavicular Pressure: the patient is seated with the arms at the side. The examiner places his fingers on the upper trapezius and thumb on the anterior scalene muscle near the first rib. Then the examiner squeezes the fingers and thumb together for 30 seconds. If there is a reproduction of pain or paresthesia the test is positive, this addresses compromise to brachial plexus through scalene triangles.[3]
  • Costoclavicular Maneuver: this test may be used for both neurological and vascular compromise. The patient brings his shoulders posteriorly and hyperflexes his chin. A decrease in symptoms means that the test is positive and that he neurogenic component of the neurovascular bundle is compressed.[5]
  • Upper Limb Tension: These tests are designed to put stress on the neurological structures of the upper limb. The shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist and fingers are kept in specific position to put stress on particular nerve (nerve bias) and further modification in position of each joint is done as "sensitizer".
  • Cervical Rotation Lateral Flexion: The test is performed with the patient in sitting. The cervical spine is passively and maximally rotated away from the side being tested. While maintaining this position, the spine is gently flexed as far as possible moving the ear toward the chest. A test is considered positive when the lateral flexion movement is blocked.


Test Sensitivity Specificity LR+ LR-
Elevated Arm Stress 52-84%  30-100%  1.2-5.2  0.4-0.53 
Adson's 79% 74-100% 3.29 0.28 

Wright's

70-90% 29-53% 1.27-1.49 0.34-0.57 
Cyriax Release NT  77-97% NA NA 
Supraclavicular Pressure NT  85-98% NA NA 
Costoclavicular Maneuver NT 53-100% NA NA 
Upper Limb Tension 90% 38% 1.5  0.3 
Cervical Rotation Lateral Flexion 100% NT NA NA


Electrodiagnostic evaluation and imaging[edit | edit source]

Nerve conduction studies and electromyography are often helpful as components of the diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected TOS. Nerve conduction studies usually reveal decreased ulnar sensorial potentials, decreased median action potentials, and normal or close to normal ulnar motor and median sensorial potentials. Vascular TOS can be identified with venography and arteriography.
Besides the electrophysiological studies, imaging studies can provide useful information in the diagnosis of TOS. Cervical spine and chest x-rays are important in the identification of bony abnormalities (such as cervical ribs or “peaked C7 transverse processes)

Medical Management[edit | edit source]

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. Botulinum injections to the anterior and middle scalenes have also been found to temporarily reduce pain and spasm from neurovascular compression, further research is needed because there are discrepancies in the literature.[19][20][21] Surgical management of TOS should only be considered after conservative treatment has been proven ineffective.[22]
However, limb-threatening complications of vascular TOS have been indicated for surgical intervention.[23]
Surgery to treat thoracic outlet syndrome may be performed using several different approaches, including: transaxillary approach, supraclavicular approach and infraclavicular approach.[22]

  • Transaxillary approach. The first rib forms the common denominator for all causes of nerve and artery compression in this region, so that its removal generally improves symptoms. The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the first rib, divides the muscles in front of the rib, and removes a portion of the first rib to relieve compression, without disturbing the nerves or blood vessels.[22][24][25]
  • Supraclavicular approach has been advocated to perform first rib resection and scalenectomy, a safe and effective procedure, characterized by a shorter operative time and a complication rate lower or comparable to that of transaxillary first rib resection.
    This approach repairs compressed blood vessels. The surgeon makes an incision just under the neck to expose the brachial plexus region. Then he looks for signs of trauma or muscles contributing to compression near the first rib. The first rib may be removed if necessary to relieve compression.[22][24][25]
  • Infraclavicular approach. In this approach, the surgeon makes an incision under the collarbone and across the chest. This procedure may be used to treat compressed veins that require extensive repair.[22][25]
  • Neurogenic TOS: Surgical decompression should be considered for those with true neurological signs or symptoms. These include weakness, wasting of the hand intrinsic muscles, and conduction velocity less than 60 m/sec. The first rib can be a major contributor to TOS. There is controversy, however, regarding the necessity of a complete resection to reduce the chance of reattachment of the scalenes, scar tissue development, or bony growth of the remaining tissue. In addition to the first rib, cervical ribs are removed, scalenectomies can be performed, and fibrous bands can be excised[23]. Terzis found that the supraclavicular approach to treatment was an effective and precise surgical method[26]
  • Arterial TOS: Decompression can include cervical and/or first rib removal and scalene muscle revision. The subclavian can then be inspected for degeneration, dilation, or aneurysm. Saphenous vein graft or synthetic prosthesis can then be used if necessary[23]
  • Venous TOS: Thrombolytic therapy is the first line of treatment for these patients. Because of the risk of recurrence, many recommend that removal of the first rib is necessary even when thrombolytic therapy completely opens the vein. The results of a study show that the infraclavicular approach is a safe and effective treatment for acute VTOS. They had no brachial plexus or phrenic nerve injuries.[24][27] Angioplasty can then be used to treat those with venous stenosis[23]

In venous or arterial TOS, medication can be administered to dissolve blood clots prior to thoracic outlet compression. It may also be necessary to conduct a procedure to remove a clot from the vein or artery or repair the vein or artery prior to thoracic outlet decompression.[27]

Some larger-chested women have sagging shoulders that increase pressure on the neurovascular structures in the thoracic outlet. A supportive bra with wide and posterior-crossing straps can help reduce tension. Extreme cases may resort to breast-reduction surgery to relieve TOS and other biomechanical problems.[7][16][18]

Physical Therapy Management[edit | edit source]

Conservative management should be the first strategy to treat TOS since this seems to be effective at decreasing symptoms, facilitating return to work, and improving function, but yet a few studies have evaluated the optimal exercise program as well as the difference between conservative management and no treatment.[28] Conservative management includes physical therapy, which focuses mainly on patient education, pain control, range of motion, nerve gliding techniques, strengthening and stretching.[29]

Stage 1:[edit | edit source]

The aim of the initial stage is to decrease the patient’s symptoms. This may be achieved by patient education, in which TOS, bad postures, the prognosis and the importance of therapy compliance are explained. Furthermore, some patients who sleep with the arms in an overhead, abducted position should get some information about their sleeping posture to avoid waking up at night. These patients should sleep on their uninvolved side or supine, potentially by pinning down the sleeves. The Cyriax release test may be used if a ‘release phenomenon’ is present. This technique completely unloads the neurovascular structures in the thoracic outlet before going to bed.[23]

Cyriax Release Maneuver[edit | edit source]

  • Elbows flexed to 90°
  • Towels create a passive shoulder girdle elevation
  • Supported spine and the head in neutral
  • The position is held until peripheral symptoms are produced. The patient is encouraged to allow symptoms to occur as long as can be tolerated for up to 30 minutes, observing for a symptom decrescendo as time passes.[23]


The patient’s breathing techniques need to be evaluated as the scalenes and other accessory muscles often compensate to elevate the ribcage during inspiration. Encouraging diaphragmatic breathing will lessen the workload on already overused or tight scalenes and can possibly reduce symptoms.[23]

Scapula Settings and Control[edit | edit source]

In the treatment, you first have to start with scapula settings and control.

This is important to establishing normal scapula muscle recruitment and control in the resting position. Once this is achieved then the program is progressed to maintaining scapula control while both motion and load are applied. The programme begins in lower ranges of abduction and is gradually progressed further up into abduction and flexion range until muscles are being retrained in functional movement patterns at higher ranges of elevation.

Control the Humeral Head Position[edit | edit source]

It is also important to control the humeral head position. Specific drills are given to facilitate humeral head control. The most common aberrant position of the humeral head is an increase in anterior placement of the humeral head. A useful strategy to help facilitate co-contraction of the rotator cuff to help stabilize and centralize the humeral head is to facilitate a mid-level isometric contraction of the rotator cuff by applying resistance to the humeral head (Dark et al., 2007).

Further on in the treatment, this may be integrated into movement patterns. First in slow controlled concentric/eccentric motion drills, later isolated muscle strengthening drills.

Serratus Anterior Recruitment and Control[edit | edit source]

Abduction external rotation strategies described above are often sufficient to trigger serratus anterior recruitment and control without the risk of over-activating pectoral minor muscle

Stage 2:[edit | edit source]

Once the patient has control over his/her symptoms, the patient can move to this stage of treatment. The goal of this stage is to directly address the tissues that create structural limitations of motion and compression. How this should be done is one of the most discussed topics of this pathology. Some examples of methods that are used in the literature are.

  • Massage
  • Strengthening of the levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius (This group of muscles open the thoracic outlet by raising the shoulder girdle and opening the costoclavicular space)
  • Stretching of the pectoralis, lower trapezius and scalene muscles (These muscles close the thoracic outlet)
  • Postural correction exercises
  • Relaxation of shortened muscles [28]
  • Aerobic exercises in a daily home exercise program:[28][30]

Exercises[edit | edit source]

  1. Shoulder exercises to restore the range of motion and so provide more space for the neurovascular structures.
    Exercise: Lift your shoulders backwards and up, flex your upper thoracic spine and move the shoulders forward and down. Then straighten the back and repeat 5 to 10 times.
  2. ROM of the upper cervical spine
    Exercise: Lower your chin 5 to 10 times against your chest, while you are standing with the back of your head against a wall. The effectiveness of this exercise can be enlarged by pressing the head down by hands.
  3. Activation of the scalene muscles is the most important exercises. These exercises help to normalize the function of the thoracic aperture as well as all the malfunctions of the first rib. Exercises are Anterior scalene (Press your forehead 5 times against the palm of your hand for a duration of 5 seconds, without creating any movement), Middle scalene (Press your head sidewards against your palm), Posterior scalene (Press your head backwards against your palm
  4. Stretching exercises

Other Interventions[edit | edit source]

  • Repositioning/mobilization of the shoulder girdle and pelvis joints: cervicothoracic, sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, and costotransverse joints [23][28]
  • Glenohumeral mobilizations in end-range elevation with the elbow supported in extension[30]
  • Taping: some patients with severe symptoms respond to additional taping, adhesive bandages or braces that elevate or retract the shoulder girdle.[18][28]

Manipulative Treatment to Mobilize the First Rib[edit | edit source]

These should be carried out with caution and only after a thorough assessment as they can provoke irritation and pain symptoms in some patients[28]

  1. Posterior Glenohumeral Glide with Arm Flexion:
    The patient is supine. The mobilization hand contacts the proximal humerus avoiding corocoid process. The force is directed posterolaterally (direction of thumb).
  2. Anterior Glenohumeral Glide with Arm Scaption:
    The patient is prone. The mobilization hand contacts the proximal humerus avoiding acromion process. The force is directed anteromedially.
  3. Inferior Glenohumeral Glide:
    The patient is prone. The stabilizing hand holds the proximal humerus, the humerus distal to the lateral acromion process. The mobilization hand contacts the axillary border of the scapula. Mobilize the scapula in a craniomedial direction along the ribcage.[23]


Firstribselfmob.jpg First Rib Mobilization: Patient seated. Thin sheet strap positioned around the first rib. Pull strap towards the opposite hip. Neck retracted, contralateral lateral flexion, and ipsilateral rotation. Ipsilateral head rotation emphasizes scalene stretch. Contralateral rotation emphasizes rib mobilization.

Posteriorghglidearmflex.jpg Posterior Glenohumeral Glide with Arm Flexion: Patient supine. Mobilizing hand contacts proximal humerus avoiding corocoid process. Force is directed posterolaterally (direction of thumb).

Antghglidearmscaption.JPG Anterior Glenohumeral Glide with Arm Scaption: Patient prone. Mobilizing hand contacts proximal humerus avoiding acromion process. Force is anteromedially.

Infghglide.JPG Inferior Glenohumeral Glide: Patient prone. Stabilizing hand holds proximal humerus. Mobilizing hand contacts axillary border of scapula. Mobilize scapula in craniomedial direction along ribcage.


Post-Op Physical Therapy[edit | edit source]


If a patient does require surgery, then physical therapy should follow immediately to prevent scar tissue and return the patient to full function.

Key Research[edit | edit source]

Hooper T, Denton J, McGalliard M, Brismée J, Sizer P. Thoracic outlet syndrome: a controversial clinical condition. Part 1: anatomy, and clinical examination/diagnosis. Journal Of Manual and Manipulative Therapy. June 2010;18(2):74-83.

Hooper T, Denton J, McGalliard M, Brismée J, Sizer P. Thoracic outlet syndrome: a controversial clinical condition. Part 2: non-surgical and surgical management. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy. June 2010;18(3):132-138.

Resources[edit | edit source]

NINDS Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Information Page

Clinical Bottom Line[edit | edit source]

TOS can present in numerous ways due to the variety of tissues that can be involved (arteries, veins, nerves, and muscular tissue) and the different anatomical sites in which compression or entrapment can occur. In general, treatment for TOS should initially begin conservatively according to a literature review by Vanti et al, however, firm conclusions cannot be drawn from this review due to the lack of high-quality evidence. Conservative treatment seems to be effective at reducing symptoms, improving function, and facilitating return to work when compared to surgery. Higher-quality studies are needed to compare the conservative treatment to surgery, and even no treatment at all. Physical therapy can assist patients given a TOS diagnosis utilizing an impairment-based approach, addressing muscle imbalances and postural changes that these patients commonly present with.

Presentations[edit | edit source]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NCO4lzIN30TOS part 1 presentation title.png
Conservative Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Part 1

This presentation was created by Walt Lingerfelt, Fellow in training at Evidence in Motion.

Conservative Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Part 1 / View the presentation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVzx-XH1gwETOS part 2 presentation title.png
Conservative Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Part 2

This presentation was created by Walt Lingerfelt, Fellow in training at Evidence in Motion.

Conservative Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Part 2 / View the presentation

References[edit | edit source]

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  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Köknel TG. Thoracic outlet syndrome. Agri: Agri (Algoloji) Dernegi'nin Yayin organidir= The journal of the Turkish Society of Algology. 2005 Apr;17(2):5.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Hooper TL, Denton J, McGalliard MK, Brismée JM, Sizer PS. Thoracic outlet syndrome: a controversial clinical condition. Part 1: anatomy, and clinical examination/diagnosis. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. 2010 Jun 1;18(2):74-83.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Laulan J, Fouquet B, Rodaix C, Jauffret P, Roquelaure Y, Descatha A. Thoracic outlet syndrome: definition, aetiological factors, diagnosis, management and occupational impact. Journal of occupational rehabilitation. 2011 Sep 1;21(3):366-73.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 César Fernàndez et al.; Manual Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain Syndromes; Elsevier, 2016 
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  13. 13.0 13.1 Sandra J. Shultz et al.; Examination of Musculoskeletal Injuries; Human kinetics, 2010 
  14. Robert A. Donatelli; Physical therapy of the Shoulder; Churchill Livingstone, 1991
  15. Watson LA, Pizzari T, Balster S. Thoracic outlet syndrome part 1: clinical manifestations, differentiation and treatment pathways. Manual therapy. 2009 Dec 1;14(6):586-95.
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  17. Gillard J, Pérez-Cousin M, Hachulla É, Remy J, Hurtevent JF, Vinckier L, Thévenon A, Duquesnoy B. Diagnosing thoracic outlet syndrome: contribution of provocative tests, ultrasonography, electrophysiology, and helical computed tomography in 48 patients. Joint Bone Spine. 2001 Oct 1;68(5):416-24.
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