title: Conservative management of thoracic outlet syndrome.
abstract: Conservative management of thoracic outlet syndrome requires accurate evaluation of the peripheral nervous system, posture, and the cervico-scapular muscles. Patients should be instructed in postural correction in sitting, standing and sleeping, stretching exercises (ie, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, suboccipitals, scalenes, sternocleidomastoid and pectoral muscles), and strengthening exercises of the lower scapular stabilizers beginning in gravity-assisted positions to regain normal movement patterns in the cervico-scapular region. Patient education, compliance to an exercise program, and behavioral modification at home and work are critical to successful conservative management.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Novak
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011187:Posture; D013901:Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*