Physical Therapy Management of Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Eileen Collins; Michael Orpin

doi:10.1016/j.thorsurg.2020.09.003

Physical Therapy Management of Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thorac Surg Clin. 2021 Feb;31(1):61-69. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2020.09.003.

Authors

Eileen Collins¹, Michael Orpin²

Affiliations

¹ Physical Therapy Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Electronic address: ecollins@mgh.harvard.edu.
² Physical Therapy Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

PMID: 33220772
DOI: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2020.09.003

Abstract

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome is a complex and challenging condition to manage. There is a lack of high-quality evidence to guide clinical decision making and therefore a need to individualize treatment. Examination includes identifying postural, anatomic, and biomechanical factors that contribute to compromise of the neurovascular structures. Patients can experience good outcomes with conservative management with pain science-informed physical therapy combined with biomechanical approaches addressing contributing impairments. Retraining movement patterns while maintaining patency allows for a greater tolerance to functional activities and can have a positive impact on quality of life. Close collaboration with the patient's care team is critical.

Keywords: Exercise; Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome; Physical therapy.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Physical Therapy Modalities*
Quality of Life
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome* / diagnosis
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome* / physiopathology
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome* / therapy