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Treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in Zaragoza
At FisioSentis we tackle Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in Zaragoza with physiotherapy treatment. Book your appointment now!
Have you ever felt tingling, weakness or pain in your arm with no apparent cause?
Many people who spend long hours at the computer, regularly carry weight or play certain sports can develop what’s known as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). In physiotherapy, this condition is addressed comprehensively — not only relieving the symptoms, but also correcting their causes and preventing relapses.
At FisioSentis we help you go deeper into everything you need to know about this condition.
What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a set of signs and symptoms resulting from the compression of neurovascular structures (nerves of the brachial plexus, the subclavian artery and vein) as they pass through an anatomical area called the “thoracic outlet”.
This outlet is formed by the space between the collarbone, the first rib and certain neck muscles, such as the scalenes.
The compression can cause neurological symptoms (such as pain, tingling or weakness) and/or vascular ones (colour changes in the hand, a feeling of cold, swelling, etc.).
Types of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Neurogenic: the most common (90-95% of cases), affecting the brachial plexus.
- Venous: affecting the subclavian vein.
- Arterial: the least frequent, affecting the subclavian artery.
Why does Thoracic Outlet Syndrome happen?
From a physiotherapy point of view, the most common causes include:
- Sustained postures with shoulders rolled forward and neck flexed.
- Muscle hypertrophy (in athletes) or knots in the scalene, pectoralis minor or subclavius muscles.
- Bony alterations such as a cervical rib (a congenital anomaly).
- Cervical trauma or repetitive injuries.
- Scars, fibrosis or adhesions after thoracic or cervical surgery.
In addition, some occupations that require repeatedly raising the arms or carrying weight on the shoulders can predispose you to this syndrome.
Symptoms and diagnosis of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Common symptoms
- Pain in the neck, shoulder, arm or hand.
- Tingling or numbness (especially in the 4th and 5th fingers).
- Weakness or loss of strength in the hand.
- Heaviness in the arm when raising it.
- Changes in the colour or temperature of the hand.
Diagnosis from physiotherapy
The physiotherapist carries out a thorough assessment that includes:
- Clinical history: habits, pain, background.
- Physical examination: palpation, mobility, strength and sensitivity.
- Specific orthopaedic tests: such as Adson’s test, Roos test, Wright’s test, etc.
In some cases it’s supplemented with medical tests such as EMG, Doppler, X-rays or MRI, depending on the clinical suspicion.
Treatment from physiotherapy
Goals
- Release the compressed structures.
- Correct postural and biomechanical alterations.
- Re-educate the movement pattern.
- Strengthen and mobilise the muscles involved.
Usual techniques
- Manual therapy to release muscle tension (massage, myofascial release, manipulations).
- Stretching exercises: scalenes, pectoralis minor, upper trapezius.
- Neurodynamic mobilisation of the brachial plexus.
- Strengthening of the scapular and cervical-spine stabilising muscles.
- Progressive therapeutic exercise adapted to the patient.
- Global postural re-education (GPR).
- Breathing and diaphragm techniques.
Benefits of physiotherapy for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Significant reduction in pain and discomfort.
- Improved arm strength and function.
- Recovery of daily-life activities.
- Avoids surgical treatment in most cases.
- Education for self-care and relapse prevention.
Recommended exercises
All exercises should be supervised by a physiotherapist. At FisioSentis we suggest a few as a general guide.
Scalene stretch
Sitting with your back straight, tilt your head to one side while holding the opposite collarbone with your hand.
Pectoralis minor self-lengthening
Facing a wall or doorframe, place your arm at a right angle and turn your trunk in the opposite direction.
Scapular activation
On all fours, push the floor with your hands, spreading the shoulder blades without bending the elbows.
Neural mobilisation
With your arm extended to the side and the wrist in extension, tilt your neck laterally to the opposite side to gently stretch the brachial plexus.
Tips and prevention for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Avoid carrying weight on a single shoulder (bags, backpacks).
- Use a good pillow that keeps the cervical spine aligned.
- Avoid sustained postures with the neck flexed.
- Introduce active breaks in office work.
- Strengthen your postural muscles.
- Correct the ergonomics of your workstation.
Frequently asked questions about Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
How long does recovery take?
It depends on the cause and how consistent the treatment is. In mild cases it can improve within weeks; in chronic cases it may take months.
Will I need surgery?
Only a small percentage of patients require surgery. Most improve with specialised physiotherapy.
Can I exercise?
Yes, but it should be adapted and supervised. Activities such as gentle swimming or therapeutic Pilates can be beneficial.
Can it be prevented?
Yes. Good postural habits and preventive training are key.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a common but often misdiagnosed condition. Physiotherapy offers effective tools for recovery, combining manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and education. Appropriate treatment can radically change the patient’s quality of life. If you suspect you may have it, don’t hesitate to book an appointment at FisioSentis.
