Point Sports Therapy Clinic
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INJURY DATA
THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME (TOS)
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (the thoracic outlet) are compressed. It is caused by trauma or repetitive action.
Average recovery time -
16 to 24 weeks +
Likelihood of reoccurrence -
High
Digital illustration of TOS generated by EVE.
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition where the nerves, arteries and/or veins that travel from the lower neck to the armpit are compressed in the thoracic outlet (area between the first rib and collar bone) and this causes pain into the shoulder and neck, and numbness/tingling into your fingers. These structures can be also get compressed by neck muscles at the top of the thoracic outlet.
Common causes include car accidents, repetitive strain at work (especially in hairdressers or office workers with poor posture), pregnancy/holding a baby for a prolonged period or having an anatomical defect (having an extra rib). However, sometimes the cause is unknown even to doctors.
There are three main types of TOS:-
Neurogenic - Neurological form of TOS, occurs in 95-99% of all cases and is caused by compression to the nerves that travel from the neck to the arm (the brachial plexus)
Venous - Vascular form of TOS, occurs in 5% of cases and it is where the veins are compressed leading to effort thrombosis/ blood clots*
Arterial - Vascular form of TOS, occurs in 1% of cases and it is when the artery is compressed.
Venous and arterial syndromes together are known as vascular thoracic outlet syndrome.
* Effort thrombosis or Paget-Schroetter syndrome is a type of deep vein thrombosis which is commonly seen in the lower limbs. In this case, however, the clots are formed as the result of overhead movements that compress the vein.
Signs & SYMPTOMs
Neurogenic TOS:
Pain in your neck, shoulder, arm or hand
Numbness or tingling in your arm or fingers
Weakened grip
Weakness in the shoulder and arm
Atrophy (muscle shrinking and weakness) of the muscle in the palm that leads to the thumb; this is quite rare however
Pain when holding your arms up
Venous TOS:
Discolouration of your hand and/or arm
Blood clot in the veins in the upper area of your body
Arm fatigue (tiredness) with activity
Throbbing lump near your collarbone
Swelling of the arm, hand or fingers
Painful tingling in the hand and arm
Very prominent veins in the shoulder, neck and hand
Arterial TOS:
Cold fingers, hands or arms
Pain in the hand or arm, especially during overhead motions of the arm
Discolouration in one or more of your fingers or your entire hand
Weak or no pulse in the affected arm
If you believe you have symptoms of TOS please seek guidance from a medical professional! - EVE
Additional illustrations.
Above shows an expected VAS (pain) score for this injury as calculated by EVE.
sports
This injury is commonly seen in sports such as...
- Baseball
- Swimming
- Gymnastics
- Weightlifting
- Formula 1 racing
- Volleyball
- Golf
- Bodybuilding
treatment & prevention
Follow these steps to treat this injury....
Extra information
Only use heat after 48 hours as to not cause additional inflammation/swelling.
Get in touch with a sports therapist to assist with your injury rehabilitation journey.
Stay tuned for our upcoming therapist database!
Reach the starting point of your recovery by purchasing the complete injury rehabilitation package at the Self-Help Shop!
Follow these steps to prevent this injury....
DOs
Take frequent breaks when in remaining one position for prolonged periods
Try to achieve and sustain a healthy body weight
Allow adequate rest between sessions
Incorporate regular breaks in activities that put significant strain in the area
Use proper technique while engaging in sports - consider having someone observe you to remind you
Visit EVE's Top Tips to prevent injury page!
(link below)
DON'Ts
Steer clear of heavy lifting where possible, or ask for assistance
Minimise strenuous use and repetitive movements of the affected area - take regular breaks if unavoidable
Avoid slouching while sitting or standing
Do not ignore your pain/symptoms! Address them promptly for a better recovery
Visit EVE's Top Tips to prevent injury page!
(link below)
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.