In our Alpharetta Massage Therapy practice we
normally treat discomfort from numerous syndromes such as Thoracic Outlet
Syndrome. Like several painful conditions, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome responds well to massage therapy and chiropractic.
What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Though many men and women with this condition
feel they may have just "slept wrong" and awakened with a numb hand,
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome may be the name given to a group of painful nerve
impingement conditions in which the nerve bundle to the arm (brachial plexus)
is placed below abnormal pressure by the muscles inside the front on the neck
(scalenes), by the collar bone and rib, or the pectoralis minor muscle in the
upper chest. Probably the most popular symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome are
pain and numbness within the arm and hand from the affected side; on the other
hand, individuals who suffer from this situation may only have pain or only
numbness.
In some instances, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome might also cause a
restriction of blood flow. The majority of the time the signs and symptoms are
on 1 side, but may affect both sides in some instances.
What causes Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
There are a few causes for Thoracic Outlet
Syndrome like whiplash injuries from car accidents and sports injuries.
Postural concerns, such as a forward head posture like that maintained by
office workers and laptop users, may also trigger the onset of this syndrome.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome might also be the result of over stressing the muscles
in the thoracic outlet region during workout, or by impact injuries towards the
shoulder or upper chest location. Moreover, even though it is actually rare, a
"cervical rib" could be the blame for this condition.
Massage Therapy and Bodywork for Thoracic Outlet
Syndrome
There are many approaches that massage
therapists and chiropractors might utilize to treat Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. For
example, the massage therapist could use Neuromuscular Therapy or Trigger Point
Therapy to release myofascial trigger points in the scalene muscles as well as
other muscles of your front of your neck. The massage therapist could also use
Myofascial Release methods or Deep Tissue Massage to release fascial adhesions
in the location of the thoracic outlet and surrounding tissues as well as working
with Muscle Energy techniques to gently lengthen the scalene muscles and other
affected neck, chest, and shoulder muscles. In addition to working on the
scalene muscles and pectoralis minor muscle it might be essential to give
therapy for other muscles adjacent to, or opposing the scalenes or pectoralis
minor muscle to improve muscular balance. Therapy for postural problems might also be
needed. Using a home system of stretching and physical exercise helps to
resolve Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
Other Names for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
1) Anterior Scalene Syndrome;
2) Costoclavicular Syndrome;
3) Pectoralis Minor Syndrome;
4) Thoracic Inlet Syndrome
Visit http://www.somerschiro.com
for more info about our massage therapy and chiropractic practice. Give us a call at (678) 240 0049 and find out how
we can help you resolve Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
