THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME (TOS)

greater likelihood of drooping shoulders as a result of additional breast tissue. Posture is definitely a factor in TOS, but trauma and fractures to the rib or clavicle are also common mechanisms of injury for athletes.

There are three types of TOS, distinguished by what is compressed — arterial, venous, and neurogenic. Each has their own causes and their own symptoms. We’ve treated all three many times at MOTUS, and have narrowed down the most effective ways to deal with each.

Most of the time, TOS occurs in healthy, active people who participate in a sport with a lot of overhead activity. Basketball players are at risk of neurogenic TOS. By constantly raising their arms to shoot or block shots, they often compress the nerves in their thoracic outlet. Any athlete playing an overhead sport like volleyball, tennis, swimming, baseball, or softball can be at potential risk.

When we treat TOS, we seek to increase the space in the thoracic through a personalized approach. Our treatment plans usually consist of patient education, exercise to improve strength and posture, and manual manipulation. TOS is a complicated diagnosis because of its different types and presentations, but with our experience we’re able to work with patients and find the right solutions.