Thoracic
Outlet Syndrome
Signs or Symptoms
Numbness and weakness in the arm usually worse at night or if carrying
objects
Description
The nerves and blood vessels that supply the arm are pinched as they exit the
chest cage.
Causes
Weakness of the muscles that support normal posture causes shortening of the
muscle that entraps the nerves and blood vessels.
Standard treatment
Stretching of the shortened muscles.
AK Approach
Testing is done to find the weak muscles that are not supporting the posture.
These weaknesses are corrected and exercises are givens to strengthen them.
Specific muscle therapies are then directed to normalize the length of the
pectoralis minor muscle, the muscle that traps the nerves, and to stabilize the
normal muscle coordination between the muscles of the front and back of the
shoulder. These must be coordinated with an overall approach to normalize the
complete posture of the patient. This may involve working on areas from the
feet to the jaw muscles.
Other lifestyle modifications, like standing, sitting and sleep postures, are
used to prevent or minimize exacerbating the condition. A specific program for
your needs is created.