Struggling with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome? Find Lasting Pain Relief & Improved Mobility
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a painful nerve and vascular compression disorder that affects the neck, shoulder, and arm. It can cause numbness, tingling, weakness, and poor circulation in the upper extremities, making everyday movements uncomfortable and even debilitating.
At Elite Recovery Sports Therapy, we specialize in neuromuscular therapy (NMT), myofascial release, and fascial stretch therapy (FST) to restore mobility, improve circulation, and relieve pain caused by TOS..
What Is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)?
TOS occurs when nerves and blood vessels traveling through the thoracic outlet (the space between the collarbone and first rib) become compressed. This compression can restrict nerve signals and blood flow, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand.
Types of TOS:
✔️ Neurogenic TOS (Nerve Compression – Most Common) – Pressure on the brachial plexus (nerve bundle in the neck and shoulder) causes tingling, weakness, and numbness.
✔️ Vascular TOS (Blood Vessel Compression) – The subclavian artery or vein is compressed, reducing blood flow and causing coldness, swelling, or discoloration in the arm.
✔️ Nonspecific TOS (Functional TOS) – Chronic muscle tension and postural imbalances mimic symptoms of TOS but without nerve or blood vessel entrapment.
Common Causes & Risk Factors of TOS
🔥 Poor Posture & Rounded Shoulders: Sitting for long hours with forward-head posture and rounded shoulders compresses the thoracic outlet.
🔥 Repetitive Overhead Movements: Activities like swimming, baseball, weightlifting, and rock climbing strain the scalene and pectoralis minor muscles, compressing nerves.
🔥 Muscle Imbalances & Tight Fascia: Tight chest muscles and weak upper back muscles increase pressure on nerves and blood vessels.
🔥 Trauma or Injury: Whiplash, falls, fractures, and repetitive strain injuries can lead to chronic TOS symptoms.
🔥 Hormonal & Structural Factors: Pregnancy, menopause, and anatomical variations (extra ribs or tight ligaments) can increase compression risk.
Key Muscles & Trigger Points Involved in TOS
Dr. Janet Travell’s trigger point research highlights specific muscles responsible for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome symptoms:
🔹 Scalene Muscles (Primary Cause of TOS)
Pain Referral: Neck, shoulder, and down the arm
Common Issues: Forward-head posture, tightness compressing brachial plexus nerves
🔹 Pectoralis Minor
Pain Referral: Front shoulder, chest, and down the arm
Common Issues: Rounded shoulders causing blood vessel and nerve compression
🔹 Subclavius
Pain Referral: Collarbone, front shoulder, and upper arm
Common Issues: Compression of subclavian artery, leading to circulation issues
🔹 Trapezius & Levator Scapulae
Pain Referral: Neck, shoulder, and scapula
Common Issues: Stress-related tension worsening nerve compression
🔹 Latissimus Dorsi
Pain Referral: Shoulder, mid-back, and down the arm
Common Issues: Poor posture pulling the shoulder girdle into dysfunction
🔹 Serratus Anterior & Rhomboids
Pain Referral: Scapular area, between the shoulder blades
Common Issues: Weakness leads to poor scapular positioning and nerve impingement
🔹 Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)
Pain Referral: Head, neck, and behind the ear
Common Issues: Can mimic nerve entrapment symptoms in TOS
Fascial Restrictions & Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
(Tom Myers – Anatomy Trains)
According to Tom Myers’ Myofascial Lines, fascial tension plays a major role in TOS symptoms:
🔹 Superficial Front Line (SFL): Tight pectoralis muscles and sternum fascia increase nerve compression risk.
🔹 Deep Front Line (DFL): Restrictions in subclavius, scalene, and cervical fascia worsen neck and shoulder tightness.
🔹 Arm Lines: Imbalances between chest and back fascial tension cause limited shoulder mobility and TOS symptoms.
At Elite Recovery Sports Therapy, we use Myofascial Release and FST (Fascial Stretch Therapy) to restore fascial balance and relieve compression in the thoracic outlet.
Myoskeletal Issues in TOS (Erik Dalton – Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques)
✔️ Forward Head Posture & Cervical Dysfunction: A tight cervical spine and weak upper back muscles increase compression risk.
✔️ Scapular Instability: Weak serratus anterior and rhomboids prevent proper shoulder movement, worsening nerve irritation.
✔️ Muscle Overcompensation: Overactive trapezius and pectoralis muscles create chronic tension in the thoracic outlet.
Using Myoskeletal Therapy, we restore proper alignment, relieve muscular tension, and improve joint mobility.
Self Release Resources Videos
Stages & Timeline for TOS Recovery
TOS recovery varies depending on severity, treatment consistency, and posture correction.
🔥 Stage 1 – Inflammation & Acute Pain (0-3 Months)
Sharp pain, tingling, and weakness in the arm
Circulation problems (cold hands, swelling)
How Bodywork Helps:
✔️ Reduces nerve compression with neuromuscular therapy
✔️ Improves circulation with lymphatic drainage therapy
🔥 Stage 2 – Chronic TOS Symptoms (3-6 Months)
Intermittent numbness and shoulder tightness
Increased stiffness and loss of range of motion
How Bodywork Helps:
✔️ Breaks down fascial restrictions with Myofascial Release
✔️ Restores joint mobility using Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST)
🔥 Stage 3 – Mobility Recovery & Long-Term Prevention (6+ Months)
Pain and numbness decrease
Strength and flexibility improve
How Bodywork Helps:
✔️ Strengthens postural muscles to prevent future compression
✔️ Improves movement patterns for long-term relief
How Soft Tissue Therapy Relieves Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
At Elite Recovery Sports Therapy, we take a comprehensive approach to treating TOS using specialized techniques:
💆 Neuromuscular Trigger Point Therapy – Releases tight, overactive muscles that compress nerves and blood vessels.
🧘 Myofascial Release – Relieves fascial restrictions, improving flexibility and reducing nerve irritation.
💨 Lymphatic Drainage Therapy – Reduces inflammation and swelling for faster recovery.
🦵 Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) – Enhances range of motion, improving shoulder function and reducing compression.
Book Your Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Pain Relief Session Today
Don’t let TOS limit your daily activities or athletic performance. Our expert soft tissue therapy at Elite Recovery Sports Therapy in San Juan Capistrano & Lake Elsinore offers targeted relief, improved mobility, and lasting results.
📅 Appointments fill fast—secure yours today!
📍 Locations: San Juan Capistrano & Lake Elsinore, CA
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FAQs: Your Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Questions Answered
❓What does a TOS session look like ?
❓ Can soft tissue therapy really help with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)?Yes! TOS is often caused by tight muscles and fascial restrictions in the neck, shoulders, and chest that compress nerves and blood vessels. Our treatments release muscular tension, improve circulation, and restore mobility, addressing the root cause of TOS for lasting relief.
How many sessions do I need for results?Some clients feel relief after one session, but consistent treatments (at least 3–6 sessions) provide the best long-term results by correcting muscle imbalances, improving posture, and reducing compression in the thoracic outlet.
❓ Is this different from chiropractic care?Yes! Chiropractic care focuses on bone alignment, while soft tissue therapy works directly with muscles, fascia, and nerves to relieve tension, restore proper movement, and prevent nerve compression. Both approaches can complement each other for optimal results.
❓ Can poor posture contribute to TOS?Absolutely! Forward-head posture and rounded shoulders put excess pressure on the scalene, pectoralis minor, and subclavius muscles, leading to nerve and blood vessel compression. Soft tissue therapy helps correct postural imbalances and restore proper alignment.
❓ Is soft tissue therapy safe if I have chronic TOS?Yes, soft tissue therapy is a gentle and effective approach for chronic TOS sufferers, helping to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and restore normal movement patterns.
📅 Book your Thoracic Outlet Syndrome therapy session at Elite Recovery Sports Therapy in Lake Elsinore or San Juan Capistrano today!👉 Schedule Now
Trusted Professional Referral: Dr. Tyler, Chiropractor
At Elite Recovery Sports Therapy, I refer clients with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) to Dr. Tyler, Chiropractor, because of his expertise in spinal alignment, nerve compression relief, and postural correction. His gentle, targeted chiropractic adjustments help restore mobility, reduce nerve irritation, and enhance overall treatment outcomes when combined with soft tissue therapy, myofascial release, and fascial stretch therapy (FST). If you're struggling with TOS symptoms like numbness, tingling, or restricted shoulder mobility, Dr. Tyler provides safe and effective chiropractic care to complement your recovery journey.
📍 Book an appointment with Dr. R. Tyler Johnson at Peak Recovery Chiropractic: Schedule Here
Tiffany Sandoval
Hi I'm Tiffany Sandoval, Elite Pain Relief & Mobility Expert with over 13 years. I specialize in soft tissue therapy for professional and youth athletes, post-surgery recovery (shoulder, hip, and knee), and mobility restoration, using neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, and FST to optimize performance, accelerate healing, and prevent injuries. Let's work together to unlock your body's potential, regain mobility, and pave the way for a pain-free, active lifestyle. Connect with her here or on LinkedIn.
Why Choose Elite Recovery Sports Therapy?
Over 13 years of experience in neuromuscular therapy
Convenient locations in Lake Elsinore and San Juan Capistrano
Personalized care to help you achieve pain-free living
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