The Inflammation–Splinting Loop in Chronic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Chronic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is often discussed as a structural or anatomical problem, yet many individuals continue to struggle even when imaging appears mild or inconclusive. In my clinical experience, one of the most overlooked contributors is a self-perpetuating physiological pattern I describe as the inflammation reflex […]
Why the Right Diagnosis Often Appears Only When Insurance Is Removed In my clinical experience, one of the most revealing moments in healthcare happens when insurance is taken out of the equation. I often tell patients that if they truly want an accurate diagnosis, they should walk into a doctor’s office and say, “I have […]
How Modern Gadget Use Is Accelerating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome In my clinical experience spanning more than four decades, one pattern has become impossible to ignore: modern gadget use is dramatically accelerating upper extremity inflammation, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and even severe compartment syndrome of the forearm. When the average American spends approximately eleven and a half […]
Why the Roos Test Does Not Tell You Where Thoracic Outlet Compression Comes From Raise your arms overhead and repeatedly open and close your hands. This maneuver, known as the Roos Test, is one of the most widely used screening tools for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. If your hands become weak, heavy, numb, or tingly, the […]
Why Short Treatment Sessions Rarely Resolve Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Many individuals with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome spend years moving from one practitioner to another, trying every available therapy and wondering why nothing produces lasting change. In my clinical experience, the problem is rarely a lack of effort or commitment. The missing link is understanding how much […]
Why Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Is Often Recommended Too Quickly Patients often ask why surgeons recommend first rib resection and scalenectomy so early in the course of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. In theory, surgery is intended to create space in a narrowed thoracic outlet. In practice, the reasons surgery is offered are far more varied—and not […]
Why a Swollen Hand Is Often the First Sign of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome One of the earliest symptoms patients report with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is the sensation of a swollen hand, particularly first thing in the morning. Many individuals describe waking up with tight rings, puffy fingers, or a feeling that the hand is full […]
Why Inflammation Mapping Reveals the True Severity of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Most patients with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome spend months or even years moving from one provider to the next. They undergo brief examinations, partial testing, and receive vague explanations that never fully account for their symptoms. Many are told their findings are mild or inconclusive, […]
Why Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Requires Far More Treatment Than Most People Realize In my clinical experience, one of the most misunderstood aspects of managing Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is the sheer volume of treatment required to meaningfully reduce inflammation. Many individuals receive 20- or 30-minute sessions focused on a few muscles and are later told that […]
Why Most Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Treatments Fail to Stop Compression In my clinical experience, one of the most misunderstood aspects of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is why so many individuals fail to improve despite trying nearly every available treatment. When patients search the medical literature, they often discover that more than a dozen treatment options are […]
