A 21-year-old member asked:
how successful is physical therapy in the treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Cooke answered
Thoracic Surgery 22 years experience
First line therapy: Physical therapy is the first line of therapy for true thoracic outlet syndrome, and it is often very successful. If other conditions have been ruled out, such as carp al tunnel syndrome, and physical therapy has not effect, then a surgery such as first rib resection or resection of an extra cervical rib can be performed.
6270 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Richard Sanders answered
Vascular Surgery 67 years experience
50%: It depends on how long symptoms have been present. If less than a few months, the success rate is at least 50%. If symptoms have been present over 2 years, the success rate is less than 50%.
5424 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 29-year-old male asked about a 36-year-old female:
What forms of physical therapy or nonsurgical measures are most successful in treating thoracic outlet syndrome?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Matthew Kozminski answered
Neurology 16 years experience
First make sure: That you actually have thoracic outlet syndrome, first rib removals and scalenectomies can have some bad outcomes.
4331 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Blacksburg, VA
A 21-year-old male asked:
Do you need physical therapy after having a first rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome? My surgeon said I didn't but I'm not sure.
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctor answered
A US doctor answered Learn more
Time For A Bar-B-Que: Physical therapy serves a useful purpose if you are stiff or have pain with certain motions.You need a few days to start healing before you start it.So,when you see your doctor again for a follow-up visit,discuss this with him/her if you feel that your are not getting better.In most cases you bounce back pretty easily,especially at your age,so don't worry too much unless its already been 2-3 weeks
3688 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Blacksburg, VA
A 21-year-old male asked:
Do you always have to get physical therapy after a first rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome? My surgeon told me he didn't think I needed it
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Roman answered
Internal Medicine 26 years experience
It's : not mandatory. But it does help with the recovery process
3666 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Lois Freisleben-Cook commented
Pediatrics 41 years experience
After TOS, your muscular function is and has been quite impaired. A physical therapist will help you develop an exercise routine to rehabilitate the areas affected.
This will help you recover from the secondary dysfunction causing pain.
Oct 11, 2014
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Last updated Mar 1, 2016
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