How to Treat Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

**This video is for teaching purposes only. Please consult a doctor for proper diagnosis. Massage therapist, stay within your scope of practice.
This video is intended to give you a better understanding of the brachial plexus and how any nerve can be entrapped by the musculature. I show some drawn anatomy to help you understand how the muscles relate with the nerves. I show some massage techniques that have helped me treat clients with thoracic outlet syndrome. Please remember that we do not diagnose. We use these tools in conjunction with a physical therapist or a doctors diagnosis. To address Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) through massage, utilizing the side-lying position can be beneficial. TOS involves compression of nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling in the neck, shoulder, and arm. Nerves affected include the brachial plexus, comprised of nerves from the cervical spine, as well as the subclavian artery and vein. When using the side-lying position, focus on the affected side and employ techniques such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy to alleviate muscle tension around the thoracic outlet. Gentle stretching can aid in improving mobility and reducing compression. Causes of TOS vary and may include poor posture, muscle imbalances, trauma, or anatomical anomalies. Regular massage sessions targeting the affected areas can contribute to managing symptoms and promoting overall relief.
►LINKS:
► Neck Triangles:
• Neck Triangles: Anteri...
►Wright’s Test:
• Wright's Test | Thorac...
►Adson Test:
• Adson Test | Thoracic ...
►Roos Test:
• Roos Test | Thoracic O...
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#thoracicoutletsyndrome #brachialplexus #massage #massagetherapy

[@margaritatsvetkova1238]

Like always you did a great job, Maria! I love the way you explain all important things we need to remember, the active techniques, different angle you work…You are amazing! Thank you 🙏

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

I am so glad that you liked this video and are learning new techniques! 🤗

[@beatrizjarquinm]

Feliz año María!!! Es un placer ver tus vídeos y la forma en como explicas con detalle cada movimiento, mil gracias por compartir tu tiempo con nosotros, un abrazo muy grande desde Spain.

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Beatriz muchas gracias a ti también por tus palabras de aliento y tú apoyo! Bienvenida desde España 🇪🇸

[@rover5788]

Well explained! Thank you Maria! ❤

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

You are so welcome! Glad to read your message

[@koayechanthu8960]

Hello thank you very much for posting this video as for me a blind massage therapist almost all of your videos are very useful for me although I cannot see all of your techniques because of my vision problem, I have got much knowledge by listening your explanation

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

You are amazing!!! I’m so grateful for your comment. I’m sure you’re a great therapist because you have a heighten awareness & your other senses are more developed & sensitive. I would love to receive a massage from you! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and I’m very happy the video helped you.

[@koayechanthu8960]

As for a visually-impaired massage therapist from a developing country, learning resources are very difficult to get. So sharing your knowledge and experiences are very precious for a needy learner, I am a blind massage therapist from Myanmar also known as Burma. Great respect to you.

[@loboclear397]

Thanks so Much! Lo hacea de corazon explicando estas grandes tecnicas. Una noble profesion .

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Muchas gracias por tú retroalimentación y por tú apoyo 🤗

[@doreenpollock8496]

You are so sweet. Thank you for all you do.

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

You are so welcome 🤗

[@andreamontoya3974]

Excellent demo!

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

I appreciate the feedback

[@barbel6166]

Hello Maria... I learn by EVERY Video... Thanks for your works.... Greating from Germany 💚👋👋

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Bärbel! You are so kind 🙏. I’m grateful for your support & feedback! I do remember your comments from other videos. Thank you ❤️

[@barbel6166]

@@MassageTherapeutics915 durch ASMR habe ich Sie gefunden, und habe Freundinnen als Physiotherapeuten. Deshalb kenne ich mich etwas aus, und durch eigene Probleme... Obwohl ich diesen Beruf nicht mache finde ich Ihre Erklärungen auch für den Laien so toll...... Freue mich auf jedes Video, es bereichert. Auch wenn ich nicht gut Englisch kann Liebe Grüße Bärbel

[@nlartsdesign]

Saludos desde Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 me fascinan tus videos. Siempre que mi madre me pide un masaje, entro a tu canal y busco deacuerdo a su necesidad, un video explicativo para intentar a la medida que me es posible copiar un poco tus movimientos. Para alguien como yo que no sabe nada de masaje, son tremendos pues explicas cada cosa a nivel de área, de conectores y cómo esa área irradia a otras. Me encanta que las áreas estén dibujadas encima de la piel para mejor visibilidad de tendones y su ruta por el cuerpo. Ojalá hubiera visto tus videos para mis clases de dibujo de anatomía. Talvez no me hubiera sentido tan perdida jaja. A veces no es aprender a observar sino que se empieza siempre imitando a los grandes y tu eres GRANDE. Gracias, gracias, gracias por tu excelente y árdua labor. Ojalá todos tuviéramos acceso a profesionales como tú.

[@Emre-db6lw]

I'm following you carefully, your techniques are excellent

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

I really appreciate you! Glad you are benefiting from this video

[@AngelikaFiedorowicz]

Brilliant video!

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Your feedback & support is very much appreciated ❤️🙏🤗

[@m.theresiaberger9090]

Thank you very much!❤

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

You're welcome 😊

[@douglaschandler199]

Fantastic top notch video. Thank you.

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

I appreciate the feedback & support! 🤗

[@karamjitsingh4754]

You such as inner engineering master. God bless you

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Thank you very much!!! 🙏❤️🤗

[@brasshound4442]

I have this and it created a deep vein thrombosis in my auxiliary/brachial artery from my shoulder down to my elbow and compressed brachial plexus. Make sure you don't have clot symptoms as you definitely don't want to massage that.

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Oh no that’s horrible!!! Yes it’s very important to know the signs & symptoms before you give anyone a massage! Hope you’re ok now!

[@Angela.Porcelli]

Oh my I really needed this !!! Thank you for sharing this !! The imagery was very helpful ! I’m having the most difficult time right now finding someone who can treat my nTOS , cubital tunnel and pec minor syndrome .

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

I hope you find someone soon. You can look for a neuromuscular or medical massage therapist. Or a PT.

[@Angela.Porcelli]

@@MassageTherapeutics915 thank you so much ! I hope so too ! I am definitely going to look up what you just suggested I had no idea ! I am in the Chicagoland area ! I have a surgeon that wants to do surgery and I’m trying to do everything in my power to not have that done . So, any information and suggestions would be greatly appreciated !! 🙏🏼

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

@@Angela.Porcelli best of wishes for you! 🙏

[@rexsu6523]

You are the online tutor on my study way to become an RMT.

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Congratulations!!! You’re going to be a great student! Please check out my A&P reviews and kinesiology videos!

[@amelialucas2905]

Awesome video, Maria, Thank you! 😊 Hey, do you happen to have a video on knots and how to release them?

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

I have a few videos On Neuromuscular techniques which is all about trigger points. Check the neuromuscular playlist

[@german4119]

Watching here from the Philippines your videos are really informative, and it gives a lot of idea how to use some hand techniques to relieve specific muscular tension

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Glad you like them! I appreciate the follow from the Philippines 🇵🇭.

[@arldeelix9556]

very helpful video, thank you! ❤ I’m not a massage therapist but i have learned so much from you and alleviated much pain for my loved one! Is there something one can do to save their hands/joints? and is there such a thing as an eye massage? many thanks again😊

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

I have not heard of eye massage since it is a delicate area. You can go around the eye on the exterior a no d do figure 8. I have a video on face massage. For your hands you can soak them in Epsom salt if they hurt. Stretching exercises help too

[@sibaneter]

Thank you so much as always. Your videos are so helpfull!! By the way, with some clients (the first time they come) I have a hard time because they don't relax and it's very difficult to work. Most of the time are the arms. They want to still have the control. Do you have any video about how to help relax your client or any tip?

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

This is such a great question! Most people are so wound up that it is difficult for them to relax completely. I have my room set up with soft music & dim lighting. I don’t talk unless the client wants to talk however I do encourage them just to experience the massage without talking. If this is their first massage with me sometimes it is difficult for them to let go completely. I remind them to relax & let go often so after a few times they do relax. I also do more soothing strokes like effleurage & nerve ending strokes to get the nervous system to relax. I hope this helps you. Do you have regular clients that return to you often or do you work at a place where your clients are always new?

[@sibaneter]

@@MassageTherapeutics915 Thank you for your fast answer. It helps me, I'll try to make more shoothing strokes if they're tense. And yes, I don't talk unless they start the conversations. I only ask them at the begining if there's something I need to know or be aware. I work in a place where I have new and also regular clients. I started with massage about 2 years ago and I'm still in my first workplace. It's an aesthethic center too so most of my client are more for relaxing. In this time some client started to come more regularly and are interesting to recieve a therapeutic massage because most of them have muscular problems and pain. I'm more interested in the therapeutic side so I'm always learning to improve and make my clients have a good experience. Your channel is an incredible place to learn. (I hope my english is good enough because it's not my first language)

[@spinthepickle1244]

@@sibaneter I like to use techniques that allow the client to be active when they can't relax. They get to have control, they have to focus on their body while they perform the movements (move arm while I pin fascia or muscle) or breathing (like somatic decompression), and after that I find most are better at letting go. It can build a feeling of partnership and trust. Or I will talk and explain what I'm doing and why and ask questions about how it feels and how it changes throughout the session. That keeps conversation relevant to the work, make some jokes to take the pressure off, and it can help with body awareness in the client so that's a win.

[@Hipoporita]

You are such a wonderful teacher and great artist!! (muscle drawing) I'm glad I found your channel🤩 And I love your shoes, too! They look comfy. What brand are they??

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment!!! My shoes are Sketchers. They are very comfortable! I use them when I teach & can stand for hours without them hurting or getting sweaty lol. I can wear them with or without socks depending on the temperature. 🤗

[@Hipoporita]

@@MassageTherapeutics915 Wow, Sketchers!! I'll look for the pair right away! That's awesome you can wear with or without socks. Thank you so much for sharing🥰

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

@@Hipoporita my pleasure

[@mobilenew2416]

Hi hope all is well. I like your video very much. It is very useful for all of us. You must make video every day.

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

I will try my best. It is very difficult to do a video everyday! We are a team of 4 people! The model, the artist, the videographer and myself! It is a collaboration that sometimes we don’t have time to get together but thank you 🙏

[@xylemphlem5683]

Don't tell her what she needs to do. Be grateful for what she has done Thank you for you work. Go at your own comfortable pace

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

@@xylemphlem5683 I appreciate that you do understand!!!! ❤️

[@susanhansen9552]

Thank you, Maria, for your wonderful videos❤.

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

@@susanhansen9552 thank you Susan! 🤗

[@meybelreyesguilarte6805]

Thanks!!!!

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

You bet! I appreciate the comment

[@nickybains]

thank u so much

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

You are most welcome

[@rosilenedasilvasilva5665]

Excelente👏👏👏👏

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Muchas gracias por tú retroalimentación y apoyo 🤗❤️

[@smoothbeak]

I think this is what I have! Thanks for helping me diagnose haha

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Happy to help! Have someone help you with administering the tests and start getting some treatment. You can also work on yourself!

[@smoothbeak]

@@MassageTherapeutics915 I do attempt to work at it myself :D

[@smoothbeak]

Although I think that I also keep adopting the posture that causes the issue in the first place haha. I'll try to describe it, see if it makes sense, perhaps you've come across this before: Basically I lay on my left side with my head resting in my left hand. I do that because I don't like sitting down for too long when I am using my laptop which I use a lot haha. Is this a common cause or am I just really horrible with this bad habit?

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

@@smoothbeak that does sound like it’s the bad posture! Please do something to correct this because it can get worse. I’m so glad you figured it out! That 1/2 the battle

[@heatherb1502]

I love your videos they are always so educational. You do a great job explaining. I have been a therapist for 17 years and have a client that has a little tingling in his face. He does not have it all the time. He is under a Dr's care and has impingement in his neck. What would you do for this client.

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Thank you so much for your feedback and congratulations for being a therapist for 17years!!! Yes the tingling on the face could be from the facial or trigeminal nerve. Working the cervical muscles and facial muscles would help. We need more info from the doctor to exactly what’s going on & proceed with a treatment plan.

[@heatherb1502]

@@MassageTherapeutics915 thank you 😊

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

@@heatherb1502 🙏❤️

[@oliverrojas3185]

Thanks

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Welcome

[@nahidberk9238]

I am in denver colorado can you recommend physical treatment like you.please let me know you are great

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

You need to look for a neuromuscular or medical massage therapist. Unfortunately I don’t know anyone there. Have had physical therapy?

[@hologramsolid4788]

Do you have an recommendations for therapist in Houston, Tx? Theres so many.

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

I would search for a neuromuscular or medical massage therapist. Then call the ones that say they are & interview them on the phone. Find out where they got their training & if they do the specific work. I don’t know anyone in Houston I’m sorry.

[@Winforall]

Xo Love This 100+

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Thanks 🤗

[@katiekrishanthan3897]

Thank you for your video. Looks very helpful. Do we do this massage on the side we have cervical rib only or both sides of the shoulder/neck? Please let me know, by doing this, is there a chance to avoid surgery?

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

I’m sorry I’m not understanding your question. The massage should not be painful. I don’t know any medical history of you so I cannot know what is wrong. You can look for a neuromuscular or medical massage therapist in your area.

[@katiekrishanthan3897]

When we have cervical rib only on one side which can lead to thoracic syndrome on one side. So that’s why I wanted to know do we only do this massage in the side it’s affected or both sides. Thank you, appreciate your quick reply.

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

@@katiekrishanthan3897 it is important to work both sides but mainly on the bad side. We have the same ribs on both sides. So that’s the part of the question I don’t understand

[@katiekrishanthan3897]

Thank you!

[@doloresvangaal2248]

Hello Maria, I have a question not related to this video. I just saw a 2 year old video from Massage Sloth's channel about self-doubt, anxiety and fear of failure and how to cope with that. I could relate to it and I was surprised that more experienced massage therapists than myself still could have self-doubt. From my own experience, I've learned that this fear is detrimental for the quality of the massage. Did you already do a video about it, or do you plan to create a video like this? I think a lot of people would find it helpful to hear your views on it. ❤

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Hello Dolores. I haven’t seen that video by massage sloth but I’ll go check it out. I have a video kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHyadIqpZrqggbM it is called massage talk with María Natera: 7 ways to come back from burn out”. Not sure if it’s similar to his video but you can check it out. I think it’s very normal for all of us to have self doubt & as we continue in our careers we need to make adjustments. Sometimes this is not easy.

[@doloresvangaal2248]

@@MassageTherapeutics915 Okay I'll check it out. This video above was also very helpful b.t.w.b

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

@@doloresvangaal2248 thanks 😊

[@doreenpollock8496]

Can you also show us some Thai massage moves. Thank you

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

I don’t know Thai massage. 😥

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

I don’t know Tai massage. I’m sorry.

[@jeanninekorneck770]

Oh,ich hät gern bei Ihr eine Behandlung ❤.

[@rttesema]

Hello Maria I have tight Tap or shoulder winging .. every part of my body have tidinitous since I have been lifting weight wrong ways so if you have any location or branch j would like to come visit please

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

I’m sorry to hear you have a winging scapula. You need to find a neuromuscular or medical massage therapist in your area that can work the Subscapularis muscle. And all the synergy muscles. I’m in Texas where are you?

[@s.tagjsudgdhhhdhdhh3678]

أين موقعك ،، هل استطيع ان أحصل على العلاج معك؟؟ لقد أتعبني Treatment of thoracic انا طريحة الفراش

[@kristinas5714]

Where else would come one feel pain with this condition other then the areas you markers? Would they feel it down the back of their arm and behind the shoulder blade?

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

It’s difficult to know without a medical history however the cervical plexus does feed into the arm. Sounds like you need a diagnosis from a dr.

[@ellenholiday737]

❤❤❤

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

🤗❤️

[@martinarenzi4744]

❤

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

🤗❤️

[@mariaguillen]

What state is your clinic?

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Texas

[@sha-aronadventures5937]

What does a trigger point feel like?

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Like a knuckle. A little bit harder tissue. More dense than the regular muscle tissue. It just takes practice to develop the sensitivity to notice the different muscle fibers & tightness. 🤗

[@kristinas5714]

Where are you located? How to find a qualified massage therapist for TOS?

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

Research for a neuromuscular or medical massage therapist. Unfortunately I’m not taking any new clients.

[@RobertJohnson-hp4gz]

I had no idea message was this intricate. So stressful.

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

This modality of massage is Very detailed! You need to be trained in either neuromuscular or medical massage. It’s not stressful if you like this type of work!

[@Burnuby]

Can this also make upper back feel cold between shoulders?

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

That sounds more like the rhomboids! It is the dorsal scapular nerve that goes through there. I hope this info helps 🤗

[@Burnuby]

@@MassageTherapeutics915 thanks for the reply. Would on and off again cold ess be a symptom with out really having pain. I noticed it happening ten days or so ago. And then my wife rememberd I had falling on an Icy road the day before I noticed it. When I fell I did catch my self with my arm that around the scapula/rhomboid is. I hope that makes sense.

[@Burnuby]

And thanks again for taking the time

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

@@Burnuby my pleasure

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

@@Burnuby it sounds like the muscles around the scapula are ischemic which can make feel muscles feel cold. The muscles got tight & could be causing limited blood flow. I would do some friction & create some heat to the muscles. Even applying moist heat would help. Hope this helps

[@nounnou99]

💋💋💋❤

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

🤗🤗

[@familyiseverything1617]

I just found out after all these years I have this

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

I’m sorry you have this! I know it’s painful. However now that you know you can get some work done & fix it! ❤️🤗🙏

[@familyiseverything1617]

@@MassageTherapeutics915 thank you, yes it's very very painful, really where can I get this done?!!

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

@@familyiseverything1617 look for either a medical or neuromuscular massage therapist

[@familyiseverything1617]

@@MassageTherapeutics915 thank you very much 😊☺️

[@MassageTherapeutics915]

@@familyiseverything1617 you’re welcome. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about their training. Best of wishes for you

[@vijaypawara2967]

Please Hindi language