How massage therapy can help Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Having pain, numbness, or tingling down your arm is a common symptom for someone experiencing thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). This condition occurs when the nerves and blood vessels in your thoracic outlet, a narrow space between your collarbone and first rib, become compressed. This may be caused by certain muscles in your body compressing against your nerve and blood supply. Massage therapy can be a helpful way to relieve your symptoms of muscle-related TOS. Here’s how:

Reducing Muscle Tightness

When your muscles surrounding the thoracic outlet get tight such as your scalenes and pectoralis minor muscle, they can compress on the blood vessels and nerves in that area. Your massage therapist will be able to determine which structures are the culprit to your symptoms and use therapeutic techniques to loosen the muscles so they are not irritating the nerves or pressing on the blood vessels.

Increasing your Range of Motion

Tightened muscles may restrict some movement in your neck and shoulder and exacerbate your symptoms. Massage therapy can help you regain healthy movement through manual techniques so you can achieve more range of motion in your neck and shoulder without recreating your symptoms of numbness, tingling or pain down your arm.

Improving Posture

Poor posture may be contributing to your TOS. By allowing yourself to stay in unhealthy posture patterns, the thoracic outlet will narrow and the surrounding muscles will tighten which will contribute to the compression of your blood and nerve supply going through that outlet. Your massage therapist will address any postural issues and use manual techniques to encourage your body to adapt a healthier posture, ultimately relieving pressure in the thoracic outlet.

By targeting muscle tension, increasing range of motion, and encouraging better posture, massage therapy can aid in helping you alleviate your symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome. If you are experiencing symptoms of TOS, book a massage therapy appointment at Zoomers to start your recovery journey.