Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: My Struggle

[@Uprighthealth]

What's your experience with TOS been like? Drop me a comment!👇 💪 Check Out the Shoulder Fix TOS Edition: uprighthealth.com/tos

[@PhilHarmonic87]

Thanx for the interesting video! A question for the progamm: Is it made for different types of people like you mentioned in the Video (meaty, flexible and so on)? For example, different set of exercises for different people? My story: Broke my right collarbone at a soccer match (with 16 or 17). Didnt even got physical therapy afterwards. I was a guitar player at that time and put all my heart into this. Then suddenly, I couldnt play anymore, numbness, tingeling, loss of strength... Frustration. Doctors couldnt find anything. Said, it must be something psychological. Later, I went to a bigger city to study. Gave the whole doctor thing a new try. Tried a physical therapist, who treated musicians, the recommended a sports doctor. Also started training for strengtheing, but couldnt do every exercise, pain, tingeling, numbness, strength loss (especially overhead exercises). Many of sessions of physical therapy, that got me better (because my whole upper body was totall stiff at this time) but couldnt erase the problem. Then the sports doctor found out, that I have no pulse anymore, with hands overhead, so she send my to an angiologist (didnt even know til that time, that such a doctor exists). She had a guess, that it could be TOS, and she sends me to a hospital, where they did a angiosonography with contrast media. I saw it clearly on the screen, no blood flow anymore with arm over head. (It took 10 years to diagnose this). So they deceided to cut my left upper rib out (left side was more bad). Thats what have been done. Complications. Thy cut a vein, blodd loss, it had to be stitched. Was stiched too much, no blood could flow anymore so this spot had to be expanded and stabilized with a stent. The surgery somehow was a litlle success, according to TOS, my problems got better. I can live nearly without pain, If I dont use my hands / arms too much. But the problem is, I still cant do the things I love. Playing guitar. Going to the gym and do all exercises, getting muscular. According to Angiologist, my veins are free. Seems like I have only a neural TOS left... Oh, and because of surgery, they somehow damaged my nerve. I have a bad posture and I cant really try to fix it... Because when I stand upright, me left arm immediately begins to tingle and slowly getting numb (that wasnt the case before surgery). I dont now, if that is now something, that is permanently out of order, or if it could be treated too, with the right exercises. So the thing is, I'm kind living a meaningless life now, I am living, but I cant do the things I love anymore. I tried many differnet exercises and stretchings over time, also physical therapy, but nothing really helped long term. I think, a perfectly fitting exercise routine, (tailored for my problems) could do something good, but first someone had to find out, where all the problems ly in my case and how to adress them correctly... For me its aways like stepping on a mine field...

[@emilybh6255]

What was your diet like then? Protein causes pain. Perhaps you were consuming too much protein. Human mothers milk has less than 8% protein. If we were meant to consume more, it would have more. After all, newborns manage to triple in size consuming only mother's milk their first year of life. Also the longest lived people on earth who live up into their mid 100s also eat a VERY low protein diet, low fat and high raw fruit and raw veg and next to no animal products. *Healthy at 100* by John Robbins looks at those cultures. The Hunzas in Pakistan is one of the populations analyzed and they are expert mountain climbers. It is an easy experiment to do on oneself. Just for one week, give up meat dairy, eggs, nuts and seeds and replace them which as much raw fruit and raw vegetables as you want and see if you don't get rid of arthritic and other pain and stiffness. Then go back to high protein and notice the pain come rushing back.

[@vikasahlawat3901]

hey can you please provide it to me for free...as i am going through a tough phase in my life and preparing for a big exam...but i have no money and iam not getting any help from my aunt and uncle to get it treated.

[@davidhill2933]

TOS seems to go hand in hand with Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS)? My UCS started during lockdown in 2020. I was 63 and it was extremely painful. Spasms galore in my neck and shoulders. 3 years, 2 MRI scans and multiple x rays later, after so many consultations, I think I'm winning the battle. Prior to my condition which manifested overnight, I swam front crawl an hour a day for 16 years & paddle boarded 5 hours a day for 2 years. I thought I was really fit. I now realise its all about muscle imbalance. Your video is spot on. One size does not fit all. Finding out what gets you, the individual, the best results is key to recovery. I'm currently feeling improvement with TRX bands and an hour of breast stroke (no more front crawl) plus half an hour treading water to make my arms go back and forth. I've had a lot of crepitus in my neck and shoulders which I'm now reducing. Great video. Thanks. My

[@jacksonh4142]

I really like that you're talking about modifying the program based on your own needs. How does that work with video? Do you have different options to pick based on some sort of assessment you can do online? Is there any ability to get one-on-one training in addition?

[@bethharris2338]

How I wish you'd been about at the start of my aches at 17 ! Thankfully at 70 I found upright health last summer . I'm slowly improving my many areas of pain and can't thank you enough . A few days ago I slipped and ended up on the floor . I got up with no effort , could feel a few twinges over the next days but kept gently stretching and strengthening and am fine . My husband pointed out that I must be getting stronger to recover so quickly ! I feel I'm already getting fit enough to fall ! Your posts are so encouraging . Once again many thanks.

[@Uprighthealth]

Beth, that is an AMAZING story. "Fit enough to fall" may be a new goal I set for the Golden Oldies watching my channel. I've been thinking about how to prep seniors for falling and how to communicate about that. I think you just provided the exact answer I needed. Thanks for sharing your experience and for doing the hard work that made you FIT ENOUGH TO FALL. 💪🔥

[@1000Akshaykhan]

I ve two extra small ribs. Is there surgery needed?​@@Uprighthealth

[@giddyup4794]

I have been suffering from TOS on both arms since this April. Going to about 14 hospitals to find where the issues are and finally found one hospital has a TOS specific team which has most TOS surgery experience in the world. Since I am struggling with sleeping, I was told to have a surgery but not willing to. I was looking for something and someone to help me, then finally landed on this video. Glad to see you. From Japan.

[@studiophoenixmassaggi]

Try Rolfing if you have a practitioner nearby.

[@delanacabral9109]

I’m glad I found your video because I’ve been struggling with this same syndrome for a year now and have spent thousands of dollars on different methods of treatment. So far, I have had little improvement and it’s very depressing since I’m a person that loves to do physical exercises. Listening to your struggles to find a solution makes me feel less crazy as I search for every possible exercise that will make a difference. This is a complex problem with no quick fixes. Thank you for not sugar coating it.

[@englishincontext4025]

I'm a retired Alexander teacher. Alexander technique concerns the employment of the body (and its associated thought processes) and helps people re-learn how they perform their activities. As a cornerstone this process entails a re-education of the proprioceptive system and development of neural inhibition (an ability everyone has but often fail to develop). I've watched many hundreds of 'therapy' channels on YT and thousands of videos. In my educated opinion this video is head and shoulders (no pun intended) above all others. This guy is giving superb advice and you should listen to him. He has approached the problem empirically - just as Alexander did over 100 years ago. He draws conclusions, then tests them in experiments. He is also the only therapist who has ever talked about proprioception -which is key to health. He also doesn't generalise or try to create a single template for others to apply because he knows that the particular muscular tensions and distortions in posture of his clients are unique to them. Excellent advice.

[@sueprice4082]

Wow, my life story! At 71 years old I have had these symptoms for many years and it’s made knitting, wearing a bra , exercising very difficult. All the things !! Thank you, I will work with your recommendations and wish everyone with this problem relief - it’s no fun. Your insight is fantastic x

[@patricia753]

Oh Matt, Thank you!! I so appreciate your sharing, experience, intuition, and sound wisdom on this!! I continue to learn from you, and I also appreciate your recognition of the mysterious of so many of these ailments!

[@rosshstone]

I’m 25 years old. Been in severe pain, muscle stiffness and arms going numb for 4 years. Gotten several mris and have been fighting like hell to figure out what’s going on and how can I be active, sleep well, etc without pain and aggravating the symptoms. As a young guy, I was dismissed a lot but I kept pushing that something is not right. Finally been diagnosed with TOS (as well as bursitis and tendinitis on my right shoulder). Now I have to keep the fight going to figure out treatment that works. Hopefully on the right track.

[@Dan-kr6to]

I'm 26, stuff has been getting progressively worse for about 2 - 2 1/2 years now. Finally found "TOS", seems like some exercises for this help me. Hoping we can both fix it!

[@Energydrinc]

@@Dan-kr6to33 active lifter and skater and things have been getting kind of crappy for me after a minor lifting accident a year back. Looking for any tips.

[@Dan-kr6to]

@@Energydrinc Check out "TrainAndMassage". Very similar channel that focuses on releasing tight muscles, good companion for this one. I've been working on a) finding stretches my friends can do easily and I can't, and b) because only my right side hurts, finding asymmetry to try and identify the muscles that are messed up. My neck pain is gone and I'm regaining hand/shoulder flexibility, but it's very slow...

[@tara7206]

@@Dan-kr6to How are you doing now?

[@Dan-kr6to]

@@tara7206 I have some unresolved issues lingering but I'm doing a lot better. When I posted the comment I was getting crazy shooting nerve pain up my neck and down my arm into my hands which is completely gone. But I have tennis elbow and some neck impingement still. This channel and "TrainAndMassage" helped out a lot.

[@helenhealing]

Thank you! I’m up in the middle of the night looking for relief. This explains so much, why breathing is harder, why bicycling hurt, why some stretches and physical therapy worked temporarily. Yard work…heavy purse, weights, shoulder surgery, sleeping wrong, neck hunch. We are individuals !

[@emjones5958]

I absolutely love this video sir. I contracted COVID in June of this year and shortly thereafter, I started feeling the aches that you describe. Jogging only seemed to aggravate my shoulder even more. 15 weeks and several referrals to doctors and physios ensued...and always the same lines fed to me. Carpal tunnel. Cubital tunnel. You know the drill. It's only this week that I stumbled upon TOS as a possibility after some chance googling. I've been doing the stretches and searching lots of KZbin videos, but this is the first video that discussed the neurological variety: I pretty much have had identical symptoms for the last 10-15 weeks. This video has been an absolute blessing and has done more than all the 'specialist' appointments I've had in that time. Big, big thanks for the upload sir. The internet really is wonderful sometimes.

[@pdxoregon1]

Brilliant as usual. Not an easy message for those of us who want a simple solution. But rings very true for me.❤

[@ljoyp4635]

BRAVO!!!! It would be much better if those medical workers could have so wide range of seeing and thinking like you just demonstrated . That is real wisdom of treating not only TSC but all kinds of health problems. I had huge pleasure listening to your explanation and wise advices. My wishes of the very best for your future works. Victoria.

[@Lara3385]

The 12th doctor I went to knew what I was talking about and made me feel i wasn't going crazy. At that point I couldn't use my hand and arm at all and had 24/7 unbearable pain. I got surgery and removed the first rib completely. I felt amazing, no more pain. I would say I have 80 % functionality on my arm and hand but no pain for 8 years now.

[@tearsofjoyforallthispain]

Where did you have your surgery.

[@kmdn1]

What type of doctor was it that correctly identified the problem? A neurologist? neurosurgeon?

[@glee_again2594]

This was so clear and relatable and helpful as I am navigating NTOS. Thank you so much for sharing!! You’re making a difference!

[@PINKATS21]

THANK YOU. THIS INFORMATION IS SO USEFULL. I've been struggling with this since last November.

[@Reenmister]

This has been so helpful! I haven't been diagnosed with TOS, but I have 2 cervical ribs and your experience so accurately describes the pain I have experienced throughout my life. And how things got worse in my 20s with desk jobs. Doing things I loved like drawing and knitting also made things worse. Most doctors and people in my life didn't seem to believe me because I'm "so young". Even when I did physio, it didn't seem to help much. And I struggle to find practitioners where I live that have experience working with people who have TOS or cervical ribs. It can feel very hopeless at times, and I really don't know where to find the care I need

[@bishwaroopdeb]

Woow same

[@carolevans9290]

Sorry you have this experience..You are the first person I read that has cervical rib. I was told when I was 20..that I have 1 cervical rib.in my neck..when I was having numbness pain ..in my arms It became worse at 20 when a drunk driver hit back of my car when I was at a red light.I have gone 43 yrs .had 3 children..I do find that typing changing shower liner..ouch .I have strength with arms but not above my head .lower ok.Thank you for posting..I feel that I'm not alone on this ..

[@waynerlg]

Self diagnosis, everything seem to be pointing towards bulging cervical disc, but after hearing about thoracic outlet syndrome, I started to do some exercises and it has helped tremendously. I agree with you that you do need to modify to your own specific needs. I took some helpful KZbin video exercises and then modify them……. My most annoying problem is that my arms go painfully numb while I am sleeping. But now with these exercises, things are much better….. I am 66 years old, and have been suffering with this problem for about four years…… Thank you for your video

[@diptipatel2893]

I have this exact problem from last 2 years. I was told I am getting this issues because of my cervical radiculopathy.. but physical therapist told me this week that is TOS.. at night my arm gets really painful and numb… can you tell me what stretches or exercises helped you. Thank you

[@doubledutchclutch]

I really hope you write a book, or even a series of books one day. You have so much useful information to share and I think it would be valuable to have in printed form. I love the videos though. Thank you for everything that you do.

[@kentimig]

Excellent mind in this man. This is a great discussion of the right mindset to have as you explore anything going on with your body, that isn't pleasant or functioning correctly. The body is a complex machine. Listen to your body. Try to understand what it is doing when you experience symptoms. Keep an open mind. Experiment. Stretch. Strengthen weak muscles and stretch strong/tight muscles in your quest for balance. Balance is key to a body that functions well.

[@oliviawenke]

OMG! Struggled for years and this video is the most helpful so far! Thank u so much!!!

[@5265060]

Hey it’s me! I’m NTOS! Thanks man, this was eye opening as hell ❤

[@augustbramming4926]

I am a pianist and have been struggling for years with this. Got operated for carpal tunnel, didnt work. Went to different physios, orthopaedics, alternative healers, acupuncture, massage and have talked to several doctors who were of no help. Thankfully i have found an osteopath who seem to understand TOS. I will give the shoulder fix a try aswell. I am very grateful for this video and your program, i was feeling especially down today because of this. Thank you!:)

[@Uprighthealth]

Remember, YOU are in the steering wheel, and any full resolution/management of your body ultimately falls to YOU! Make sure any solutions you're presented are based on a perspective that honors that reality (and DOESN'T require you to keep going back for more and more sessions or pay for a magic fix that happens in a certain number of sessions/procedures).

[@jimbob4456]

Go to his website. $128 will get you the fix.

[@xpost92]

Dentists get it too. Forward head translation switches off lower thoracic/cervical postural extensors (they can atrophy or weaken significantly) scalenes take over the job along with splenius and possibly levator scap. Causes compression of brachial plexus. Not really a shoulder issue for many. Strengthen lower cervical thoracic postural extensors to take load off scalenes

[@chriswilliams5291]

Did you try the shoulder fix program? Did you find it helpful?

[@AlexProudfoot1]

Using the Alexander Technique - one of the principles is "stop doing the unhelpful thing (ie stiff, knarly stuff) and the right thing does itself." Yes, there is something of context - where we start from may require a different mechanical approach. Overall, for me, it is not just exercise alone; it is movement plus focus on lengthening and widening the torso - the mind direction is what supports increased flexibility. I love many of your mantras eg ATM, or strength at any length. So how about this? Strength at any length along with length at any length! Moving the body think forward and up with the head. Widen the back and front while breathing. Moving the hands/arms think to the fingertips and drop/widen the elbows. Moving the feet/legs think to toe tips and forward/away with the knees (perhaps just forward for those already outward knees)...

[@anonymous05932]

i wish that every physiotherapists and doctors who deal with tos would watch this. im a person who is super flexible with a slight back hunch but without mobility in the upper body.my physio therapist continuously made me do a back roll(?), which made my symptoms worse, and when i told him, he said that i must have different conditions because it would normally work on a tos patient. i decided to do my own research and came across your video i appreciate how you pointed out that there are different approaches for treating tos according to the different causes

[@thepuriproject7282]

Thanks. I have struggled for years and developed cubital tunnel syndrome in both arms, mid chest pain etc...all eminating from my neck and traps. Scapula retraction and traps stretches helped alot with the symptoms. The money on chiropractors, osteopaths, physios, injections etc...was all wasted

[@RAJEEVKUMAR-ue9ws]

Oh bro you did walk the chest pain increase

[@curtisw0234]

TOS was a journey for me, even after recovering there was some collateral damage. If your shoulder movement feels like it's been screwed up and causes back/shoulder pain at least for me strengthening the serratus anterior can help. the serratus punch can help but it wasn't enough for me, a serratus wall slide is better to train it in the correct motion. I found I could mimic the wall slide with crossbody uppercut(using only the serratus anterior) with weights in my hand to be easier to isolate the serratus.

[@joyona7430]

Thank you : )! I needed to hear this. The way you approach your practice is totally brilliant!!!

[@Uprighthealth]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SuperVince105]

Dude you’re the best 🔥🔥 Been dealing with these issues for 2 years and no one knows what I’m talking about lol. I appreciate you helping out people with these complications due to thoracic outlet compression because even doctors can’t give you the answers you need sometimes

[@Lauraerwin]

Stretching and trigger point massage definitely helped manage my TOS pain for a couple years but it never solved the issue and using a therapist to manage the pain was adding up. However, my pain was fixed by learning to sleep in a different position. One day I spent a couple hours googling for TOS exercises and watched a video of a therapist that said a lot of his clients were side sleepers that slept with their hand in a fist, wrist bent and tucked under the chin. That was one of my favorite positions. I wondered what would happen if I simply changed that. It took about 2 weeks to unlearn that sleep position. My TOS pain went from a daily issue to a pain that I get only maybe once or twice a year if ever. Whenever I start to feel the slightest hint of pins and needs in my arm, I make sure to recommit to staying off the shoulder while in bed, maybe throw in some nerve glide stretches or not and like magic the pain goes away.

[@koq747]

what's the position you learned to sleep in?

[@Demigod2NE3]

What sleeping position do you do to prevent this??

[@lewisgallagher5874]

What position do you sleep in do you mind me asking, would appreciate some help

[@Sunnydreamer1470]

Sleep on your back with pillows under your shoulders to prop them up . Pillow under the knees too takes pressure off upper body . Tilt your head slightly to the opposite side that hurts . I even rotate ice packs in the night is causing a migraine and sweating. I actually list my sight in the eye because of I would guess a blood clot because the blood doesn’t flow.

[@Sunnydreamer1470]

Lost

[@brianthompson5221]

Battling TOS 40 years. Wind & Paddle surfer + hand tools + golf + bicycle. Have exactly what you describe with hands going numb on bicycle, and then after 5 or 6 hours of sleep. I also rotate my therapies and stretches, as what worked 20 years ago isn't what is working this year. Very salient practical thoughts thank you. Surgery should be a last resort. My issues crop up when I've been lazy and forgot to do the exercises before going to bed. Anecdotal story on stretching: My TOS was gone during the ten years I was in dance class and martial arts.

[@Energydrinc]

I’d like to hear more from you!

[@j.gan.2801]

Hello Matt, this is really helpful and you describe quite well. I have TOS from a car accident a long time ago, was free from symptoms until a shoulder injury on the racquetball court. I lost a job due to having TOS and not knowing it when I tried to go back into office work and my neck and shoulders were completely locked up by the end of the day and the workplace could not offer any ergonomic solutions. I went through PT for years until getting the diagnosis from a new PT guy this year. I can still play sports like racquetball and wallyball but the after effects of playing sports can be challenging. Thanks for this video would love to compare notes with you sometime. {And I had the same problem with cycling on my bike - but I found one easy fix that helps a little, I installed a stem piece handlebar riser. I need to start swimming at my gym pool to see if that helps the TOS because the symptoms really suck in cold weather for me}

[@karinasartoni2590]

Hello! Thank you for this video! I recently found the term thoracic outlet syndrome in my kinesiology course, and it completely made sense of the symptoms I've been feeling the past 2 years, an orthopedist tested me, and I was positive, but he didn't know what to do with me since I have other pain syndromes throughout my body. Listening to your experience and your symptoms is so reliving! I have at least 2 years feeling symptoms in my right arm, and it has been frustrating just not able to be free of these sensations, like wanting to rip out my arm! Thank you!

[@vasubhama7927]

No pain in upper back or neck?

[@georginamcewan8846]

I've just found recently you can have both neurogenic and venous TOS. The doctor said if the bundle is being compressed it's possible that they can all squash each other. So you can have symptoms of both.

[@snoofsnoof]

@georginamcewan8846, did the doctor presented you any solution? Like botulinum toxin injection in the scalenes or surgery?

[@georginamcewan8846]

@@snoofsnoof my doctor was happy with the physical treatment I was getting. I saw an osteopath every week for a while who helped. I changed my desk setup so I wasn't hunched over so much. Also tried to stop looking at my phone so much so I wasn't hunched over then either. Exercising the shoulder muscles at the back and stretching the muscles at the front helps to relieve the pressure causing the compression. Stress can also be a major factor in hypertrophic scalenes as well. But the doctor did say if it got bad again, he would try injecting botox into my scalenes yes. He certainly didn't recommend surgery at this stage as it does come with its own risks.

[@Ana-hs2yu]

I wanna say that I have been struggling with severe pain that started in my shoulder area and progressed to pain down my whole arm and fingers numbness and, ultimately, a lot of neck pain and even pain in my jaw. I have been doing all sort of exams and no one has been able to help me or give me a diagnosis for what I have. I think I might have TOS and it gets worst with sitting in front of the computer. I'm have been doing office job for 4 years now and I start to think my job is killing me. The pain can be unbearable to the point where it even hurts to breath in. Doctors have told me to stop exercising. I want to thank you for your video and I'm getting back to the gym next week and trying some exercises from your program. I'm desperate at this point 😢

[@pugglepooch]

Omg this is exactly what has happened to me!! I've had 30 years of TOS. I tool a year out of music college as a violinist and had no treatment. I still to this day have severe pain and can't use my hands or arms.

[@kimgo4518]

You do not mention the neck and shoulders. Is that not where a lot if TOS sufferers experience their pain?

[@ok_listen]

Pretty much

[@heatherspencer3676]

Excellent video, thank you for explaining everything so well and detailed!

[@Cody27]

Highly recommend MSK Neurology on this topic if you havent heard of him!

[@Uprighthealth]

He's worth checking out. Clearly he's very thoughtful on the topic. My only caveat is that he seems to be a strong proponent of a "shrugging fixes all," and I would again caution that individual contexts and backgrounds make a big difference in what actually works. I don't want to mischaracterize him or his overall work and attempts to help others - just want to encourage everyone to remember that nobody has ALL the answers to every permutation. That's why ultimately the responsibility for solving your problems lands squarely in your hands.

[@lw7654]

@@Uprighthealth I agree with you Matt on MSK. He also believes just sitting up tall and staying in that posture is the key. I’ve tried that to no end. If your not strong enough to hold that position, then it doesn’t work and the key is to strengthen. He’s got alot of great info, however, it’s either his way or nothing.

[@koq747]

@@Uprighthealth Can you give a few examples of where he believes that? Genuinely curious, not trying to harp

[@zakiamostafajebin]

@@lw7654 hey man Saw your comment under another video as well. The dude there was suggesting good traps and all. Were you able to fix your problem?

[@ObiMomKenobi13]

B12 can help. Sublingual tabs. I wonder if that was why it improved for a while. Still have to do the work though.

[@lellytalks4296]

I feel like I've been a victim of identity fraud and you've reached into my brain and pulled my story out!🤯 I had TOS, elbow trap and carpal tunnel - triple crush. I ended up having surgery (not a quick fix and you have to go into it knowing there will be other consequences but it's a risk balance). It turns out I had a lot of random growth inside the area and that overgrowth was trapping the nerves in the same way the extra rib does. This kind of showed up on ultrasounds where just mildly raising my arm above my head turned the blood flow off and my hand black. No amount of exercises would have helped. Which was a comfort of sorts. However, I have since been diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos syndrome which explains a lot of issues I've had over the years. For this, all the exercises you have mentioned and your strengthening and stability exercises (side leg raises etc) have been utterly invaluable. Your videos along with PRP into my SI joints (to strengthen the ligaments) have literally saved my life. There's no way to say it that doesn't sound overly dramatic. You've allowed me to live again, Matt. And, for that, I'll always be grateful 🤍

[@beatz3279]

How are you now after the surgery as seems i also have to go down this path. No amount of PT for this helps infact its made me worse . To point irs causing i think permanent damage due to chest and uppwr back pain is constant but now nerve sharp shooting pressure pain 24/7. Hopefully surgery helped you and then the exercises were able to be done and helped once they removed all the extra growth. I assume mine is a crap load of scar tissue but i also have 2 fused ribs . Would explain why no posture correction has worked as need surgery to release it so then i can infact work on posture and strengthening 😊

[@Whistlewalk]

Brilliant! Thank you. I'm sure that I got my TOS doing some intense pre-Christmas seater knitting for my family. Who knew! What you said makes sense to me. Knitting means curling forward and tensing the hands and forearms - that didn't used to bother me but age you know - so I will be working on regaining my upper arm strenght (that's overdue) and stretching out the thoracic muscles that hurt when I stretch them. Again, thank you.

[@cosmincalugarescu1459]

True. I didn't knew I had it until a few years ago when I suffered an accident by hanging on my right arm and tearing some muscles in my already fixed dislocated shoulder 27 years ago wich gave me winghing shoulder. Resting the muscles didn't work but I noticed after a few months that whatever I would do the pain will not go away and also other muscles started to compesate and develop pain due to unusual constriction, like the traps, lower and upper back, triceps and forearm. I started massaging them, releasing fascia and radial nerve flossing and after two more months I've felt like a pop in my back and in my arm pit that being the teres minor released. At that point I was still struggling with shoulder external rotation but all the pain started to fade. I am still working on my shoulders although I have improved their movement thus the straight back. Bracing core also helped me. I cannot believe that with all that pain I was still going to gim and workout on my shoulders, actually the the traps but I didn't knew back then. I think I would've died with TOS if I didn't had that accident.

[@hollymclemore1212]

I was diagnosed w/TOS several years ago. Dr at the time suggested I have my first rib removed. I declined. Because I’ve left it untreated for so long I’m Now Finding it’s increasingly difficult to relieve the intense numbness and pain in my hands, palms & arms. Effects my sleep waking me 4-5 times a night because the numbness is so intense and my daily life. It’s hard to use your hands when they are so numb and hurt so bad from the numbness. It’s my entire hand on both sides, my palms. When I first wake up it’s REAL bad, I used to be able to move around & the symptoms would subside some. Now I just can’t get it to subside no matter what I do. I can’t use my hands normally after waking up and for a large part of the morning. Have to stop whatever I’m doing because I’m unable to hold, grab to do much due to the pain & numbness

[@erikahasselbrook3231]

Inversion table helps me out a lot.

[@Gropmag215]

Thanks for sharing. I wonder if this is what I have. My fingers get cold on my right hand. I know something is up with my shoulder, it clicks a lot (no pain), but maybe it's a combination of that and my lats. As soon as I wake up in the morning and start moving around, the fingers immediately get cold. It can stay like that all day, so it's very frustrating. When I'm at the gym, depending on what I'm doing I can get them to be warm again. Today, I did a lot of single lat pulldowns, and it's been warmer most of the day. It's so hard for me to pinpoint what is causing the coldness. Not sure if it's the collarbone, shoulder, lats, ribs, or all of the above. But, finding info on thoracic outlet syndrome might be the key. I know when I sit at my desk and start typing, it creeps up on me fast and the fingers get cold. Not sure if anyone else has something similar as this or not.

[@lorrieholsten2521]

I was diagnosed last Friday with TOS. I was also diagnosed with extreme anemia. So I'm taking iron supplements and a 1 a day vitamin. They also want me to go to physical therapy. I injured both my scapula and at work I'm making the same movements. I was nit told what type I have so hopefully I'll learn that soon. I have been researching a lot. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@johnatyoutube]

This totally makes sense. Is there an approach to working through the constellation of movements and exercises to determine what's optimal for a particular person. My spouse appears to have this and I'd like to help. He's very tall 6'6" with very long bones but he's not overly skinny. But he also doesn't weight train. He spends a lot of time driving a car for work. He gets nerve pain in one arm and has some shoulder pain on that side. It's obviously all connected. I'll suggest initially that he try the opposite approach that you suggested. Thanks so much Matt!

[@sheilaternovacz3958]

For me, mine came about when I got sick from toxic mold. I think from hunching over at my computer because of exhaustion from the mold. I cannot wear anything but a vneck top. Cannot wear a necklace, or a seatbelt. I’m watching you in this video and wondering how you can wear a crew neck shirt. Like you said, we’re all different. I also can no longer sleep on my side because it will cause pain. , so have to sleep on my back, which hurts my back. My arms hurt, and I lose my pulse when I raise them. PT did not help. Thank you for your informative video!

[@beatz3279]

After years of Autonmic Dysfunction and POTS issues and now finding i have a fusion in 1st and 2nd rib which has caused from a desk job TOT to worsen which in turn seems to be having issues with compression around nerves, venous areas causing severe drops in BP, issues breathing, cant raise right arm etc.

[@joseramondiazarceo4063]

Amazing, really good explanation!

[@bexrex97]

This may be a life saver for me 😭💜

[@Synchrimedia]

that makes a lot of common sense, working on the opposite of what is causing your issues. although i needed it anyway, my cervical spine fusion of 3 vertebrae did not relieve my ulnar numbness and thumb weakness and I have still noticed pain in my rhomboid area. pretty sure it's TOS from your description. mine is definitely related to forward head syndrome. I need to get my posture corrected. thanks for the informative video.

[@kishfoo]

I got mine from doing too many high kicks on the left side when my core and leg muscles were too weak. This went on and off for a year, and it started to affect my elbows and forearms to where I could no longer do pull-ups or paddleboard without pain afterward. The fingers on my left arm also developed a twitch. I powered through it for another 2 years, bodybuilding and stretching through the pain in my neck and shoulder, but nothing seemed to work. I also take B1 supplements for my nerves, but it would always come back after heavy lifting or bag kicking. Last week I watched a YT video by Jessica Dudas, and I was like, yeah, yeah, I already do all that until she did one exercise that piqued my attention. It was simple but it was one thing that was not present in any of my regiments. That was using a hard foam roller against my scapulae and upper spine while lying down and doing overhead stretches. My impingement went away instantly, and I'm on my way to recovery.

[@cubegoose-x5p]

Have you ever seen MSK neurology's approach to TOS? He thinks that the rounded shoulders and depressed scapula cause compression that causes TOS. He also thinks that atrophied neck muscles from poor posture can contribute. I tend to have really bad mid back pain when trying to maintain good posture, and wonder how I can fix that.

[@JayJankulovski]

I was diagnosed with TOS recently. I broke my collar bone three years ago and did not get surgery initially. Things were fine for 2-3 years until I started to gain some size in the gym. At some point, not straight away. I started getting a swollen right arm which is same side as collar bone break. So I instantly tied the symptoms to the collar bone being the cause. I went to several doctors and eventually a vascular specialist said I have TOS due to the collar bone compressing the veins/arteries. They are hesitant to do surgery on the collar bone as they think it might not help (my right collar bone is 2cm shorter then my left collar bone due to the break and letting heal naturally) Having to wait a couple more months to find out officially what’s going to happen but in the mean time I am trying to find things to do to help reduce it so I can get back to my normal work which is - gym/parkour/dirt bikes etc. thanks a lot man your video is helping me a lot already.

[@brucewayne99999]

Hey so what ended up happening with your collarbone

[@JayJankulovski]

@@brucewayne99999 I got the surgery around 12 weeks (collar bone surgery) ago and currently in the recovery phase. I have uploaded a vlog on my KZbin about the surgery and everything in detail :)

[@brucewayne99999]

@@JayJankulovskioh cool. ill check it out. hope things turned out well for you. peace

[@fhaquuu]

Thanks for sharing your insight. I was told I have this TOS today by a PT. I had symptoms for a month starting from upper body weight training. I’m going to try cupping to release the tension and work on posture as well as stretching.

[@lymphomaniac]

for 20 years my doctor told me i had AS (ankylosing spondilitis) but somehow my x rays always show otherwise. recently i stumbled upon TOS and this video. I absolutely believe i have TOS

[@somebodysomewhere2114]

Hey buddy, I was misdiagnosed with AS too in 2014! I had negative HLAB27 and clean rheum workup, they told me "it's AS anyway." It turned out to be a nastyyyy case of thoracic outlet syndrome and a spondylolisthesis at the L6S1. Got better with physical therapy around 2016 for both after official diagnoses. Although I still struggle with TOS flareups and dealing with a particularly nasty TOS flareup rn. How are you now?

[@katepavelle9465]

Awesome, thank you! I flund what irritates, and a stretch in the opposite direction feels really good! That, plus massaging my tight and cramping bicep, jusy might take care of it (my symptoms started when I had to use crutches and a walker after an ankle joint replacement. I thonk I worked my left a lot more than my right, since I needed my dominant right hand to do things.) now that I can walk again, I can fine tune the rest of me 🥰

[@MrImasta]

Awesome vids,im asking if rounded shoulders,winging can be fixed to straight pose after age 40?thnx💪

[@lorrieholsten2521]

I was going to the ER thinking stroke or heart attack tingling and numbness in my face arms hands. And pain. I felt like nobody was listening to me. One of the doctors told me to relax and give him full trust.he popped my shoulders and put the top ribs on both sides back into place. Thar helped for a week or so. This last visit there was bloodworj and scans. The scan showed a deformity in my spine. So they referred me to another doctor sge said Tos

[@diamondlenasan]

i had tingling and annoying feeling of wanting to stretch my arm out. Came on suddenly in my non dominant arm. Fortunately no pain but it was very annoying. Two years of this and then someone. mentioned thoracic nerve impingement. Hmm. I was beginning to notice some loss of range of motion in my fingers and still the annoying "tingle". First went to a good PT only once - he told me to not cram myself on the side -either one - sleep flat. Ok that did help a bit. Next got really lucky and a local chiropractor also did nerve flossing (heard about this from a violinist. musicians who i understand suffer from this a lot) that helped a good bit and he also showed me what to do on my own. so it went on for a couple of years. then one day i am fencing,as in the sport (i was 62 at the time and am a woman) and he is about 40 years younger so the avril. was fast. as i run backwards i sort of got stuck on the floor and i knew i was going down and did. straight down on right seat bone. boy that hurt. and it hurt for two weeks. however the next day used the mouse at work for about 2 hours and---no tingle. since that fall the odd sensations quickly receded and nearly 2 years later i would say i am 99% good. odd fix. and if i feel it want to raise its ugly head i now know how to stop it in its tracks. pay attention to my posture yes. sit up in the car yes. stretch out that thoracic area yes. still lifting free weights including 95 lb squats w bar. i can't imagine this annoying feeling like some experience with pain and chronic problems. the intermittent ones were terrible enough. thanks did your good commentary

[@steveoverstreet5635]

I really appreciated this video. Thanks so much!

[@Uprighthealth]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pulsedagod3986]

Thank you for this video. Got diagnosed with nTOS a month ago after 3 months of pain and numbness in my left arm. Similar to you, it came on after a shoulder strain while doing muscle ups. My TOS is due to nerve impingement at the scalenes. Thank you for this video. I’m current experiencing a flare up after a month of virtually pain free living (following physio/rehab), and this video helped me feel more hopeful. What did you do when you experienced flare ups of your TOS? Would you still continue with strength training, or hold off for a few days?

[@tara7206]

How are you doing now?

[@babadook22]

does anyone else have tos that causes more back pain than arm pain. i get numbness in my shoulder blade and radiating pain in my back. i have pain in my shoulders and pain that radiates down to me triceps. and my wrists seem much more suceptiable to irritation.

[@vasubhama7927]

@@babadook22 have you been diagnosed with tos? I am getting severe upper back pain from last 2 years and a little numbness in hands past 6 months

[@babadook22]

@@vasubhama7927 me too. Botox in my scalenes helped tremendously. I will be pursuing a scalenectomy.

[@Naturally_Bethany]

Extremely helpful!

[@kashmeersavanidivinehighpriest]

I just got diagnosed with TOS by physiotherapist last week been having paim in arms fingers wrists over 4 months since doing barbel weight shoulders workout in gym overdid it at gym now been in chronic pains for first time in my life , was advise to rest no gym resign i miss working out . This is so complicated to find the cure for tos😢

[@bittergosling6113]

Hi, I developed my TOS doing overhead shoulder press with free weights. 1.5 years in and still struggling. I will never do overhead press again, but I do scapular retraction, work with bands, some light weights for back exercises. For me, working the low traps, rhomboids, rear delts and daily stretching on a foam roller have helped a lot. Not sure if yours developed doing overhead shoulder workout, but avoid that especially if you have forward head posture. Good luck:)

[@beznerwow1948]

Hi @Uprighthealth, Can your TOS program help me If I was diagnosed with arterial TOS but I do not have any clots or blockage in my blood vessels?

[@o2centre697]

LA resident here! Would love the name of the masseuse you had good luck with!

[@scotts2783]

My subclavian vein had a blood clot, now the vein won’t work anymore so on blood thinners now for life don’t think I can do much else

[@2010joshbowman]

Has TOS ever affected your ability to wear a watch? I noticed you have one on and was curious if it's ever caused you not to be able to wear one.

[@THEBIGLIE20]

Dude if you have any condition that prevents you from putting a watch on then you should schedule amputation

[@red.fan.liverpool]

What do you think for correct first rib with osteopathic technique? I got my TOS for improper breathing.

[@HelloB-h2q]

Can you also indicate if you have myopia or bad eyesight and jawpain?

[@T3hAlex]

The thing that seems to aggravate my symptoms the most is writing and using a socket wrench. I'm having a hard time coming up with the opposite of those movements. Any ideas?

[@anson.meadows]

Why might *NIACIN* be a benefit, in your opinion?

[@aliciagonzales8195]

Low Barometric pressure makes life amusing God Bless true strength

[@LauraMaxwell-h5e]

I bought your TOS program after a shoulder surgery because my TOS continued even after a labral repair and tenodesis last year. So I bought your TOS program , and I started doing the first basic exercises regularly, .... but now all the sudden I have had a major flare, and I mean major and it will not die down. I can hardly use my arm to eat, type, or do anything at all. Please help!

[@cissem4025]

idk if i have this but i slept wrong 2 weeks ago woke up with numb arm, went away after a shake but now my shoudler hurts and i feel tingly feeling in my hands. shoulder pinch and tos are the most commons symptoms when i look online

[@hayleyhessen6642]

Thank you so much!

[@kristinas5714]

How does someone know if their TOS is neurogenic vs vascular? If an EMG test comes back negative does that mean its not neurogenic?

[@pugglepooch]

How do I contact you directly regarding physiotherapy? I live overseas but wondered if you offer physio for TOS via zoom or something? Thanks

[@CheriBomzArt]

Interesting topic. Sorry u have that condition. Thank u for info. May help me.

[@rambukah76]

Thank you. ❤

[@crystalbaskin1359]

How did you even get a TOS diagnosis? Seems like none of the doctors I have seen know anything other than carpal tunnel and cupital tunnel- had surgery for both. No help. I’m desperate for a diagnosis and actual help. These exercises will help - has to be better than the constant pain

[@gionagrace6279]

See a vascular doctor

[@sophiearmstrong6013]

It took me seeing several doctors, but finally got diagnosed by a neurologist.

[@Stoffendous]

If your scalenes are atrophied then what? If I sneeze hard mine go into lockdownmode.

[@AceMBP]

Those posture corrector type braces for passively pulling the shoulders back work well.

[@fear1788]

I have TOS on my right hand since 4 years, Now l feel weakness on my right leg. Is it because of Right hand TOS. PLEASE IF YOU ANSWER MY QUESTION. THANKS

[@412JFury]

I can't afford the program at the moment cuz of my RSI disability I can barely use my hands at all. But it would be great to somehow find exercises you use? Maybe it could save my life 🙏🏽 I have really good posture though, not that that means anything.

[@lw7654]

I have the same symptoms as you except my shoulder is also an issue

[@scrappygaming5751]

Does anyone have Sternum pain on the top of their bone with their TOS symptoms? I have TOS and have this tugging sensation on the top of the bone/skin of the sternum.

[@floof5231]

Yes, just where the sternum meets clavicle/2.-3. rib. I also have heat and swelling, wondering about tietze syndrome. Have you looked into costochondritis?

[@fab4421]

i easily got tired because of this, even if i don't do anything

[@armwrestlinglover37]

My right arm is loose paining every time my left is strong

[@erfan597]

So helpful

[@michaelakovarikova8672]

I have totally same experience

[@TalaPedro]

Maybe I should try b vitamins my family has a history of not being able to process b12 as we should.... I really don't want the surgery

[@mlane905]

This was great...as always! Could you please do a video on hamstring tendinitis/tendinosis?🙏

[@nadiaguerrachapa]

Is this program pregnancy safe??

[@pinkpalmsmusic]

niacin is vitamin B3

[@KimSyracuse-tc9tb]

What is that

[@TheBuddaBrot]

Theres only 2 words you need to fix this for ANYONE. Good Posture. Exactly this will have a wide array of different exercises for everybody unless their physical past is the same.

[@ytrew9717]

there is a huge flaw in your argumentation: all the symptoms you describe are known to be caused by a lack of strenght of scalene(s) (middle and/or anterior) but you ignore how to strengthen them (no chin tuck isn't use for this, exercices start by lying on side, cf kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4e9c4OAaJ6tjLs )