1. NTOS symptoms and mobility: A case study on neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome involving massage therapy
- Author
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Robin S. Streit
- Subjects
Adult ,Complementary and Manual Therapy ,Thoracic outlet ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Visual analogue scale ,Pain ,Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation ,Hypesthesia ,Physical medicine and rehabilitation ,Humans ,Medicine ,Brachial Plexus ,Paresthesia ,Mobility Limitation ,Whiplash Injuries ,Massage ,Muscle Weakness ,Muscle fatigue ,business.industry ,Rehabilitation ,Muscle weakness ,Myofascial release ,Thoracic Outlet Syndrome ,Complementary and alternative medicine ,Physical therapy ,Female ,medicine.symptom ,business ,Range of motion ,Brachial plexus - Abstract
Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) is a neuromuscular condition affecting brachial plexus functionality. NTOS is characterized by paresthesia, pain, muscle fatigue, and restricted mobility in the upper extremity. This study quantified massage therapy's possible contribution to treatment of NTOS. A 24-year-old female with NTOS received eight treatments over 35 days. Treatment included myofascial release, trigger point therapy, cross fiber friction, muscle stripping, and gentle passive stretching. Abduction and lateral rotation at the glenohumeral (GH joint) assessments measured range of motion (ROM). A resisted muscle test evaluated upper extremity strength. The client rated symptoms daily via a visual analog scale (VAS). Findings showed improvement in ROM at the GH joint. VAS ratings revealed a reduction in muscle weakness, pain, numbness, and 'paresthesia'. Results suggest massage may be useful as part of a broad approach to managing NTOS symptoms and improving mobility.
- Published
- 2014
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