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THORACIC PAIN and THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME (TOS)
Pain felt in the middle spine, rib or chest area associated with the spine or ribs (NOT including chest pain associated with the heart which is a medical emergency).
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: compression of the nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet between the neck and the arm. TOS may be caused by posture, trauma, or muscle tightness.
Conservative Physical Therapy Management of thoracic pain may include:
- Modalities: such as heat and ice
- Manual Therapy: “hands on” treatment to improve pain and restore function and movement.
- Mobilization and Manipulation: movement of a joint to improve pain and restore functional movement.
- Therapeutic Exercise: specific exercise to improve pain and restore functional movement.
- Functional Movement Training: exercises to improve posture and movement.
- Biofeedback: a way of using a computer or other device to “see” and improve body functions such as muscle activity or indicators of stress.
- Electrical Stimulation or TENS: used to help improve pain, inflammation, muscle spasm, muscle function, and circulation.
Physical Therapists are specialists in restoring movement and function related to muscle, bone, or joint dysfunction. They often work to improve pain and disability. To learn more about PT or find one in your area, check out a consumer oriented site on PT here or the main site of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) here.
*Links are given to provide a general overview of a topic and not intended to suggest complete or authoritative information on a particular subject. The information provided is always subject to change.*