Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) occurs when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and first rib are compressed. These exercises and their progressions can help alleviate symptoms by improving posture, strength, and flexibility in the affected area. Remember to consult a healthcare professional before starting any exercise program, especially if you have TOS.

Neck stretches:

Start: Sit or stand upright with your shoulders relaxed. Gently tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.

Progression: Add gentle pressure with your hand to increase the stretch. Be cautious not to overstretch.

Scalene stretch:

Start: Sit or stand upright. Place one hand on your collarbone to stabilize it. Gently tilt your head away from the stabilized side, looking up towards the ceiling. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.

Progression: Apply gentle pressure with your opposite hand on the side of your head to deepen the stretch. Be cautious not to overstretch.

Pectoral stretch:

Start: Stand facing a wall or doorway. Place your forearm on the wall with your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle. Slowly lean forward until you feel a stretch in your chest. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.

Progression: Adjust your arm position (higher or lower) to target different parts of your pectoral muscles.

Shoulder rolls:

Start: Sit or stand with your arms relaxed by your sides. Slowly roll your shoulders forward, up, back, and down in a circular motion. Do 10-15 repetitions, then reverse the direction.

Progression: Hold light weights in your hands while performing the shoulder rolls.

Thoracic extension:

Start: Sit on a chair with a rolled-up towel or foam roller placed horizontally behind your upper back. Place your hands behind your head and gently lean back over the towel or foam roller, extending your upper back. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat 10-15 times.

Progression: Increase the thickness of the towel roll or use a larger foam roller for a deeper stretch.

Scapular retractions:

Start: Sit or stand with your arms at your sides. Squeeze your shoulder blades together, holding for 5-10 seconds. Release and repeat 10-15 times.

Progression: Add resistance using a resistance band or cable machine while performing the exercise.

Please consult a healthcare professional, s

When treating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) with chiropractic care, the primary goals are to reduce symptoms, improve posture, and enhance the function of the affected area. A chiropractic treatment plan for TOS may include thoracic manipulation, soft tissue manipulation, and exercises, as well as patient education and lifestyle modifications. Here's an example of a treatment plan:

Please note that it's essential to consult a licensed chiropractor or healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

Patient education:

Educate the patient about TOS, its causes, and the importance of proper posture, ergonomics, and self-care in managing and preventing symptoms.

Postural assessment and correction:

Evaluate the patient's posture and identify any imbalances or deviations. Provide guidance on proper posture and ergonomics to alleviate stress on the affected area.

Thoracic manipulation:

Perform spinal manipulations to improve alignment and mobility in the thoracic spine. This can help reduce tension in the muscles and nerves around the thoracic outlet.

Soft tissue manipulation:

Apply techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, or active release technique (ART) to address tightness, adhesions, or trigger points in the affected muscles, including the scalenes, pectoralis minor, and trapezius.

Exercises and stretches:

Incorporate the exercises mentioned previously in this conversation, including neck stretches, scalene stretches, pectoral stretches, shoulder rolls, thoracic extensions, and scapular retractions. These exercises aim to improve flexibility, posture, and strength in the affected area.

Here's a suggested progression for incorporating exercises into the treatment plan:

Weeks 1-2: Focus on gentle stretching and postural exercises to increase flexibility and create a foundation for further strengthening.

Weeks 3-4: Begin to incorporate strengthening exercises, such as scapular retractions, with low resistance or bodyweight only.

Weeks 5-6: Progressively increase the resistance or difficulty of the strengthening exercises, ensuring the patient maintains proper form and does not experience increased symptoms.

Lifestyle modifications:

Advise the patient to make any necessary changes in their daily activities, work environment, or habits that may contribute to TOS. This may include ergonomic adjustments to their workstation, avoiding carrying heavy bags on the affected side, and taking frequent breaks to stretch and change positions throughout the day.

Regular follow-up appointments:

Schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor the patient's progress, modify the treatment plan as needed, and provide ongoing support and guidance.

It's crucial to remember that each patient's situation is unique, and the treatment plan should be tailored to their specific needs and goals. The duration and frequency of the treatment plan will depend on the severity of the patient's TOS and their individual response to treatment.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) with compression under the pectoralis muscle, also known as pectoralis minor syndrome, is a type of neurovascular compression syndrome. The compression occurs beneath the pectoralis minor muscle, affecting the brachial plexus (a network of nerves) and/or the subclavian vessels (artery and vein). Objective findings for this type of TOS can include:

Decreased or absent radial pulse: This can be observed when the patient's arm is in an overhead or provocative position, such as during the Elevated Arm Stress Test (EAST) or Wright's test.

Neurological symptoms: Compression of the brachial plexus can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected arm, particularly in the forearm, hand, and fingers. These symptoms may be exacerbated by certain arm positions or movements.

Vascular symptoms: Compression of the subclavian artery or vein can result in coldness, pallor, or bluish discoloration of the affected arm, especially with the arm in certain positions or during exercise.

Muscle weakness or atrophy: Compression of the nerves can lead to muscle weakness or atrophy in the affected arm. This may be observed during muscle strength testing.

Tenderness upon palpation: The area around the pectoralis minor muscle and the coracoid process may be tender to touch.

Positive provocation tests: Patients with pectoralis minor syndrome may exhibit positive results on provocation tests, such as Roos test, EAST, or Wright's test. These tests are designed to reproduce symptoms by placing the arm and shoulder in positions that may exacerbate the compression.

Reduced range of motion: Patients may have limited range of motion in the affected shoulder, particularly in abduction and external rotation.

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough examination and accurate diagnosis. These objective findings can help guide the clinician in determining the presence of TOS with compression under the pectoralis muscle. However, additional tests, such as nerve conduction studies, electromyography, or imaging studies, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

There are several supplements that may help reduce neuroinflammation, though it's important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. Some of these supplements include:

Omega-3 fatty acids: These essential fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are known to have anti-inflammatory effects and can be found in fish oil supplements or from eating fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines.

Curcumin: The active compound in turmeric, curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to have potential benefits in reducing neuroinflammation in various neurological disorders. However, curcumin has low bioavailability, so consider supplements with enhanced absorption, like those that include piperine or are in liposomal form.

Alpha-lipoic acid: This antioxidant has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the nervous system. It can be found in supplement form and is also naturally present in foods like spinach, broccoli, and red meat.

Vitamin D: A deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to increased inflammation, and adequate levels may help reduce neuroinflammation. It can be obtained through sunlight exposure, certain foods, or supplements.

Resveratrol: A polyphenol found in grapes, red wine, and berries, resveratrol has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may help protect the nervous system.

Green tea extract (EGCG): Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound found in green tea. It has been shown to protect neurons from damage and may help reduce inflammation in the brain.

Magnesium: Adequate levels of magnesium are essential for proper neurological function, and magnesium deficiency has been linked to increased inflammation. Magnesium supplements may help support a healthy nervous system and reduce inflammation.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC): This antioxidant and precursor to the potent antioxidant glutathione can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain.