Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is one of those scary-sounding medical terms that isn't nearly as bad as it sounds. So if you've been diagnosed with it, don't panic -- just call a competent massage therapist. Massage can be highly effective for TOS.

What Is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Symptoms

• Finger numbness or tingling, finger pain pain in the ring and pinky fingers
• Shoulder and neck pain or tingling
• Hand pain, inner forearm pain (usually an aching kind of pain)
• Hand weakness, forearm weakness
• Wasting in the fleshy area at the base of the thumb
• Signs of poor circulation in the hand or forearm

Symptoms are often worse at night, or after activities that require holding the arms overhead for periods of time.

Causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

• an accident or other trauma
• repetitive stress to muscles in the thoracic outlet region
• poor posture (rounded shoulders, forward head).

Pregnancy, being born with an extra rib above the first rib, and obesity can also cause or contribute to TOS.

Groups of people likely to experience TOS are those who have been in motor vehicle crashes, are heavy computer users, or perform work or hobbies that require them to hold their arms overhead for long periods of time, such as electricians, painters, swimmers, volleyball players, baseball players, weightlifters and rock climbers.

How Massage Can Help Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Massage that targets these muscles, lengthening and relaxing them, can provide considerable if not total relief for many cases of TOS.

Self-Care for TOS

Other ways to prevent or improve TOS include:

• Don't carry heavy bags over your shoulder.
• Don't sleep with your arms overhead.
• If you lift weights, take a break to see if weight-lifting is causing your symptoms, and if it is, modify your work-out.
• Certain repetitive motions can cause or contribute to TOS. If you can, avoid work or play that requires you to keep your arms overhead or out in front of you for long periods of time.
• Observe good posture: keep your shoulders back and your head directly over your shoulders.

Most people can eliminate or greatly improve TOS with massage, self-care, and/or physical therapy. However, occasionally more aggressive medical care, such as surgery, is needed. If conservative treatments are not helping relieve your symptoms, be sure to be evaluated by a medical professional.

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