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Magazine |
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| Thoracic
Outlet Syndrome Description, Assessment and Techniques to Bring Relief by Whitney Lowe  Whitney
Lowe addresses the physical effects, contributing factors, assessment
procedures and massage techniques for this nerve-compression problem.
Lowe differentiates between two primary categories of thoracic outlet
syndrome. The first category, Lowe writes, is a "true neurological
thoracic outlet syndrome" resulting from a "relatively rare"
physical anomaly, called a cervical rib. The second category Lowe
describes as a "non-specific thoracic outlet syndrome" involving
the "compression of the brachial plexus and vascular structures
in three different areas." Sensations of pins-and-needles, coldness
and muscular atrophy, occurring in the upper limbs, are only some
of the physical effects that may indicate a thoracic outlet syndrome,
asserts Lowe. He states that although thoracic outlet syndrome is
often mistaken for carpal tunnel syndrome, the former affects the
ulnar nerve while the latter affects the median nerve. A medical diagnosis
should be obtained before the client receives massage, advises Lowe.
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