Has anyone heard of thoracic outlet syndrome? My friend has it and has been to several doctors/specialists/physical therapists. She is in chronic pain. Any help would be appreciated.
Well, I had never heard of it, so went to Wikipedia and it mentioned several non-invasive ways to ease the pain. I would
elect chiropractic care.
I am quite familiar with TOS, actually. As a licensed Massage Therapist, I focus on rehabilitation massage and work with a number of clients who have nerve impingements. TOS is caused by an impingement of the nerve plexus in the neck-to-shoulder region. This can occur from either muscular/soft tissue issues, or from an "extra rib" that actually sits above our clavicle/collar bone. If it's caused by an extra rib, there isn't much to do except opt for the possibility of surgery, I believe. However, if the pain isn't consistent, sometimes the rib is pressing down , due to muscular tension, adhesions, etc..., so this would be a situation where soft tissue work won't resolve the problem, but could help with pain management. If the impingement is caused from a muscle or soft tissue matter, then a orthopedic massage therapist is really your best bet. They have extensive training in manipulation of the soft tissues and are the experts in that field, more so then a chiropractor or physical therapist., I actually know of both chiropractors and physical therapists who are also LMT's if that would be more reassuring.
Your friend should be able to find out if she has an extra rib (an orthopedic massage therapist can also administer a number of physical tests to determine this if not able to through palpating the area) and better devise a wellness plan from there.
If I can help in any way, please feel free to contact me.
A great referral network for finding a LMT who has additional orthepedic certification training can be found on the AMTA website (American Massage Therapy Association). (FYI - One of the best around - that I know of - is in Plainville and has been president of the AMTA CT chapter).
Hope this can help.
Chronic Pain is a terrible sad thing that consumes the restricted individual. It's nice that your friend has a support system and a caring friend looking out for her.
hi sara...
what a nice friend you are!!
thats all i have to say...i don't know a thing about her problem, but, these wonderful ladies are just that...
wonderful!!
and, i am sure you will get some great advice!!
thank goodness for Michelle down there!!
we women are wonderful, especially when we ALL put our heads together and work together instead of ripping eachother apart with competition!! right?
women NEED eachother!!
Good luck for your friend...she IS in good hands though!!
*hugs*J.
Go to medline plus website and do a search. They'll give information on diagnosis & treatments
there is a terrific surgeon at MAss General who deals with TOS. Dr. Dean Donahue. If surgery is something for her to explore.
