The thoracic outlet syndrome: a protocol of treatment *.
A protocol of treatment for the physical therapy management of the thoracic outlet syndrome has been established at Amsterdam Memorial Hospital, Amsterdam, New York. Certain orthopaedic manual therapy procedures are utilized to increase the mobility of specific areas of the patient's shoulder girdle, upper thorax, and if indicated, the cervical and upper thoracic spine. Previous training in orthopedic manual therapy is a prerequisite to employing this approach to the treatment of the thoracic outlet syndrome. A total of eight anatomical structures are involved. This particular regime of manual therapy plus postural improvement, corrective exercises, improved body mechanics, and other procedures relating to the patient's activities of daily living have proven to be an effective method to relieve the signs and symptoms produced by this musculoskeletal entity. Paraesthesiae and numbness were the predominant symptoms of the patients that underwent treatment. The patients ranged in age from 2 7-60 years. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1979;1(2):89-99.
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