Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition that causes pain, numbness, or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand. It happens when nerves or blood vessels in the area between your neck and shoulder (called the thoracic outlet) get pressed or squeezed. This can make daily tasks like lifting, reaching, or even sleeping hard and painful.
Physical therapy for thoracic outlet syndrome can help reduce this pain and improve movement. A physical therapist teaches you how to stretch tight muscles, strengthen weak ones, and improve your posture. These simple changes take pressure off the nerves and blood vessels, helping you feel better without needing surgery.
Getting help early is important. If you wait too long, the pain might get worse and harder to treat. Starting therapy soon can help your body heal faster and stop the problem from coming back. Many people recover well with the right therapy plan and lifestyle changes.
In Salem, Oregon, local care is easy to find. For example, Dr. Raj at HWY Physical Therapy, located at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE, is known for helping people with neck and shoulder problems. You can call 971-202-1979 to learn more.
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a health problem that affects the space between your neck and shoulder. This space is called the thoracic outlet. In this small area, important nerves and blood vessels travel from your chest to your arm. When these nerves or vessels get squeezed or pinched, it causes pain, numbness, and weakness in your arm, shoulder, or hand.
There are three main types of thoracic outlet syndrome:
Common symptoms of TOS include pain in the neck or shoulder, numbness in the fingers, and a weak grip. Some people feel pain when lifting their arms, carrying bags, or sitting for a long time with poor posture.
TOS can happen to anyone, but it’s more common in people who use their arms a lot. It may be caused by bad posture, repetitive movements, injuries, or even just having tight muscles in the neck and chest.
The good news is that physical therapy for thoracic outlet syndrome can help. By learning the right exercises and stretches, you can take pressure off the nerves and blood vessels. Therapy also helps improve posture, which is a big part of feeling better.
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) can happen when something presses on the nerves or blood vessels between your neck and shoulder. This space is small, so it doesn’t take much for pressure to cause pain. There are a few main causes of TOS.
One common cause is poor posture. If you sit or stand with rounded shoulders or your head pushed forward, it can make the muscles in your neck and chest too tight. This tightness can squeeze the nerves and cause pain, numbness, or tingling in your arm or hand.
Another cause is repetitive motion. If you do the same arm movement over and over—like lifting, reaching, or working with your arms above your head—you may stress the muscles and nerves. Jobs like painting, cleaning, or factory work can lead to TOS.
Injury or trauma is also a cause. A fall, a car crash, or even lifting something heavy the wrong way can injure muscles or bones. This can lead to swelling or tightness that presses on the nerves.
Some people are just born with a smaller thoracic outlet space or extra muscles or ribs. This makes them more likely to develop TOS over time.
The good news is that many of these causes can be helped with physical therapy for thoracic outlet syndrome. Therapy helps stretch tight muscles, strengthen weak areas, and teach you better posture and movement habits.
Physical therapy for thoracic outlet syndrome is one of the best ways to treat the condition without surgery. A physical therapist helps you feel better by teaching you how to move in ways that reduce pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in your neck and shoulder.
The first goal of therapy is to reduce pain and numbness. Your therapist may begin with gentle stretches and hands-on care to relax tight muscles in your neck, chest, and upper back. These muscles can press on the nerves if they are too tight. Loosening them helps relieve pressure.
Next, your therapist will help you work on posture. Poor posture is a major cause of TOS. You’ll learn how to sit, stand, and move in ways that keep your shoulders back and your neck in a healthy position. This helps open up space in the thoracic outlet so your nerves and blood vessels are not pinched.
As you improve, your therapy will include strengthening exercises. These exercises focus on your shoulder blades, chest, and upper back. Strong muscles help support your body and keep it in the right position all day.
Therapy may also include nerve gliding exercises, which are special moves to help your nerves slide more easily through the tight spaces in your body. These exercises are gentle and help reduce numbness and tingling.
If you live in Salem, Oregon, you can get local care that understands your needs. For example, Dr. Raj at HWY Physical Therapy at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE, offers care for TOS. You can call 971-202-1979 to ask about appointments.
Your first visit for physical therapy for thoracic outlet syndrome will start with a careful check of how your body moves and feels. This is called an evaluation. It helps the physical therapist understand what is causing your pain and how to help you get better.
The therapist will ask you questions about your pain—where it is, when it started, and what makes it better or worse. They may also ask about your job, daily habits, and past injuries. This gives them a full picture of what might be causing the pressure in your thoracic outlet.
Next, the therapist will gently check how your neck, shoulder, and arm move. They may look for signs like tight muscles, weak areas, poor posture, or nerve sensitivity. You may be asked to turn your head, lift your arm, or squeeze their hand to test your strength and range of motion.
Sometimes, the therapist will do a few special tests to see if nerves or blood vessels are being squeezed. These tests are safe and help confirm if TOS is the problem.
After the evaluation, the therapist will talk with you about what they found. Then, they will create a custom treatment plan just for you. This plan will include stretches, strength exercises, and tips to help you feel better at home and at work.
If you're in Salem, Oregon, it’s easy to find local care. Dr. Raj at HWY Physical Therapy is one option for expert help nearby.
Manual therapy is a hands-on treatment used during physical therapy for thoracic outlet syndrome. It helps relax tight muscles, improve blood flow, and free up nerves that may be pinched in the neck or shoulder.
One common method is soft tissue massage. The physical therapist gently presses on the muscles around your neck, chest, and shoulders. These areas often get tight and press on nerves. Massage helps loosen them and reduce pain and stiffness.
Another technique is trigger point release. Sometimes, small knots in the muscle cause sharp pain or tingling. The therapist will find these tender spots and gently press on them to help the muscle relax. This can bring relief and improve how your shoulder moves.
Joint mobilization may also be used. This means the therapist gently moves the joints in your neck, upper back, and ribs. When these joints move better, the space in your thoracic outlet can open up. That helps reduce pressure on the nerves and blood vessels.
Some therapists also use nerve gliding techniques. These are light, repeated movements that help nerves slide more easily through the body. This can reduce numbness or tingling in the arm and hand.
These hands-on treatments are safe and work best when combined with stretches, exercises, and posture work. Manual therapy is a key part of helping your body heal naturally.
Doing the right exercises is a big part of healing from thoracic outlet syndrome. These movements help open up space for your nerves and blood vessels, reduce pain, and improve posture. A physical therapist will show you how to do them safely at home.
One helpful stretch is for the pec minor muscle in your chest. This muscle can pull your shoulder forward and press on the nerves. A simple doorway stretch helps open the chest. You stand in a doorway, place your hands on the sides, and gently lean forward. This helps your shoulders move back and gives your nerves more room.
Another important area is the scalene muscles in your neck. These can get tight and squeeze the nerves. A slow side neck stretch—tilting your head to one side while sitting up straight—can help loosen these muscles.
Strengthening exercises are just as important. You’ll learn to strengthen the shoulder blade muscles. These muscles help keep your shoulders in the right place. One good move is the shoulder blade squeeze—pulling your shoulder blades together and holding for a few seconds.
Therapists may also teach nerve gliding exercises. These are gentle arm and neck movements that help your nerves slide more smoothly. This can reduce numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms and fingers.
Doing these exercises every day helps improve blood flow, loosen tight areas, and keep pressure off the nerves. With practice, your body learns to move the right way again.
Physical therapy for thoracic outlet syndrome is most effective when these exercises are done regularly and carefully. They are simple but powerful tools for healing.
Making a few simple changes at home and work can help your body heal faster from thoracic outlet syndrome. These lifestyle tips support your progress in physical therapy and help prevent the pain from coming back.
First, pay attention to your posture. Try to sit and stand with your shoulders relaxed and your head level. Avoid slouching or leaning forward, especially if you sit at a desk. If you work at a computer, raise your screen so it’s at eye level, and keep your arms close to your sides.
Next, think about your sleeping position. Avoid sleeping with your arms above your head or on your painful side. Try sleeping on your back with a small pillow under your arm to support your shoulder.
Also, limit repetitive arm movements. If your job or daily tasks require lifting or reaching, take breaks and stretch your shoulders and neck. Don’t carry heavy bags on one shoulder—that can make the pain worse.
These small changes can make a big difference. They reduce the pressure on your nerves and muscles, which helps your body recover. When you combine good habits with your therapy plan, you give yourself the best chance to feel better faster.
If you have neck pain, shoulder tightness, numbness in your fingers, or a tingling feeling in your arm, it could be thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). These signs mean that something might be pressing on the nerves or blood vessels in your upper body. When these symptoms last for more than a few days or keep coming back, it's time to get help.
Physical therapy for thoracic outlet syndrome is a safe and natural way to treat these problems. A physical therapist will help you move better, stretch tight muscles, and fix posture problems that may be causing the pressure. You don’t have to wait until the pain is very bad. The sooner you begin therapy, the faster your body can heal.
Living in Salem, Oregon makes it easy to find local care. Seeing a therapist nearby means less travel, more comfort, and help that fits your life. For example, Dr. Raj at HWY Physical Therapy at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE, offers care for shoulder and nerve pain. You can call 971-202-1979 to ask questions or schedule a visit.
Don’t wait until your hand feels weak or your arm goes numb often. Getting early help from a trained therapist can stop the problem from getting worse. With the right support, you can get back to doing the things you enjoy—without pain or worry.
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) can feel like other shoulder or arm problems, but it has key differences. Knowing how it's different helps you get the right care and avoid confusion.
TOS often causes numbness, tingling, or a heavy feeling in the arm, especially when you lift your arms or carry things. The pain might start in the neck or shoulder and travel down the arm. You may also feel weak when gripping objects.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, on the other hand, usually causes numbness or tingling only in the hand and fingers, not the shoulder or neck. It happens when a nerve is pinched in the wrist, not in the chest or neck area like with TOS.
Another condition is a pinched nerve in the neck (cervical radiculopathy). This can also cause pain, numbness, or weakness, but the pain often travels in a straight line from the neck down the arm. TOS pain is more tied to posture or arm position.
Each condition needs a different kind of care. That’s why it’s important to have a full check-up and the right tests before starting treatment.
Physical therapy for thoracic outlet syndrome works best when the diagnosis is clear. A trained therapist can help you understand what’s going on and guide you on the path to relief.
1. Can physical therapy fix thoracic outlet syndrome?
Yes. Many people feel much better with physical therapy for thoracic outlet syndrome. Therapy helps reduce pressure on the nerves and blood vessels, improves posture, and builds strength to stop the pain from coming back.
2. How long does it take to feel better?
Some people feel better in just a few weeks. For others, it may take a couple of months. It depends on how long you’ve had symptoms and how often you do your therapy exercises. Being patient and consistent is key.
3. Will I need surgery?
Most people do not need surgery. Physical therapy works well for many cases of TOS, especially if started early. Surgery is only needed when therapy and other treatments do not help after a long time.
4. Is it safe to exercise with TOS?
Yes, but only if you follow the plan made by your therapist. The right exercises can help you feel better. You should avoid heavy lifting or actions that make the pain worse unless your therapist says it’s okay.
5. Can older adults benefit from therapy?
Absolutely. People of all ages can improve with therapy. In Salem, Oregon, many older adults have had success with gentle exercises and posture help.
Thoracic outlet syndrome can make everyday life painful and hard, but you don’t have to live with it. With the right help, you can feel better, move easier, and get back to doing what you enjoy. Physical therapy for thoracic outlet syndrome is a safe and effective way to relieve pain, improve posture, and protect your nerves.
The sooner you start, the better the results. Simple changes and guided exercises can make a big difference. With local care in Salem, Oregon, healing is close to home.
If you’re dealing with pain, tingling, or weakness from thoracic outlet syndrome, it’s time to take the first step toward relief. Contact HWY Physical Therapy at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301 and speak with Dr. Raj, who specializes in nerve and shoulder care.
Call 971-202-1979 today to ask questions or book your therapy session. Help is just around the corner.