Conditions we treat
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Treatment in Surrey, BC
Tingling fingers, a heavy or aching arm, symptoms that flare with overhead work or a backpack — the problem is often between the neck and the shoulder.
What it feels like
- Tingling, numbness or aching down the arm into the hand, often the ring and little fingers
- A heavy, tired or weak-feeling arm with overhead work, driving or carrying bags
- Neck, collarbone or upper-chest discomfort, sometimes with a cooler or puffier hand
Why it happens
The thoracic outlet is the narrow passage between the base of the neck, the first rib and the collarbone where the nerves and blood vessels to the arm squeeze through. Tight scalene and pec minor muscles, rounded-shoulder posture, repetitive overhead work, whiplash, a heavy chest or breast tissue, or simply anatomy can narrow that space. Because the symptoms mimic carpal tunnel, a pinched nerve in the neck or a shoulder problem, it is often missed for months.
How we can help
Assessment works out whether your symptoms come from the thoracic outlet, the neck, the shoulder or the wrist — or more than one — using a careful history and specific provocation tests. Treatment typically combines hands-on release of the muscles crowding the outlet, mobility work for the neck, upper back and first rib, breathing and posture retraining so you stop recreating the compression, and nerve-gliding exercises. Massage therapy and physiotherapy work well together for this condition. Sudden colour change, severe swelling or a cold arm needs urgent medical review rather than a clinic appointment.
Related reading: Pinched nerve
Common questions
How is this different from carpal tunnel?
Carpal tunnel affects the thumb side of the hand and is worst at night; thoracic outlet symptoms more often involve the little-finger side, the whole arm feeling heavy, and provocation by overhead or carrying postures. The assessment is designed to tell them apart — and some people have both.
Will I need surgery?
The great majority of neurogenic thoracic outlet cases improve with conservative care. Surgery is reserved for a small group with vascular compression or symptoms that don't respond, and your physiotherapist will tell you if your presentation suggests you need a medical referral.