Why I Decided to Wait Before Having Thoracic Outlet Surgery
For a long time, I was desperate for answers. I went from appointment to appointment, test to test, hoping someone would finally explain what was happening to my body. But every specialist kept repeating the same line: “Your next step is surgery.”
I was exhausted. I was scared. And honestly, I felt cornered.
I started to believe Thoracic Outlet Surgery was the only path left.
But something in me kept saying, “Slow down. Don’t rush.”
That small pause changed everything.
What I Didn’t Know About Surgery
When I finally learned what the surgeons planned to remove — muscles and part of my rib — I assumed that would solve the problem. But I didn’t realize how many structures around the collarbone can still squeeze the nerves and vessels.
Tight muscles in that area can create sensations that feel like chest pain, chest pain and arm pain, or chest pain and neck pain. So it’s easy to think surgery will fix everything. But removing a rib doesn’t magically release the deeper layers that cause thoracic pain.
Then I discovered a hard truth: even after First Rib Resection, many people continue dealing with Thoracic Outlet Surgery Complications, lingering thoracic muscle pain, or new problems caused by post-surgical scar tissue.
Some people even develop chronic pain after thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, or symptoms like numbness and tingling after rib resection surgery.
I also saw stories of patients dealing with things like chest pain around collar bone, chest pain under the collarbone, post-surgery swelling above clavicle, or residual subclavian vein obstruction. And many struggled with long Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Recovery Time and long-term rehab.
It became clear that surgery wasn’t a guaranteed path to relief.
Finding a Different Approach
Everything shifted when I discovered Dr. James Stoxen. For the first time, someone explained the patterns behind my symptoms — things surgery alone couldn’t fix.
He helped me understand:
- Tight muscles can mimic heart-like chest pains
• Compression can return even after TOS Surgery
• The body works like a spring system that collapses under tension
• Many patients still feel thoracic injury symptoms after surgery
• Restoring movement improves thoracic myalgia more than removing structures
Instead of cutting, he focused on restoring natural motion.
He showed me why stiffness around the outlet can cause thoracic muscle pain treatment challenges — and how those patterns can be reversed with the right approach.
For the first time, my symptoms made sense.
My issue wasn’t that my body was “damaged” — it was that everything was compressed.
Why I’m Grateful I Waited
When I look back, I’m relieved I didn’t say yes to surgery out of fear. Not because surgery is wrong — but because I almost agreed without understanding my specific pattern, the source of my compression, or why symptoms like chest pain by the collarbone or chest pain below collar bone right side kept returning.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, scared, or uncertain, please hear this:
You don’t have to rush.
You don’t have to make a life-changing decision without understanding your body.
And you don’t have to rely on Thoracic Outlet Surgery Recovery, Thoracic Outlet Surgery Success Rate, or Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Risks to guide your choice.
There are other ways to look at this condition.
If You Need Help, Here’s Where to Start
If you’re confused or losing hope, don’t give up.
There is a clear path forward, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Dr. Stoxen has helped people all over the world understand TOS and work through their compression patterns. If you want someone to help you make sense of your symptoms, reach out.
You deserve clarity.
You deserve relief.
And you deserve to feel hope again.
Team Doctors Resources
✓ Check out the Team Doctors Recovery Tools
The Vibeassage Sport and the Vibeassage Pro featuring the TDX3 soft-as-the-hand Biomimetic Applicator Pad
https://www.teamdoctors.com
✓ Get Dr. Stoxen’s #1 International Bestselling Books
Learn how to understand, examine, and reverse your TOS—without surgery.
https://drstoxen.com/1-international-best-selling-author
✓ Check out Team Doctors Online Courses
Step-by-step video lessons, demonstrations, and self-treatment strategies.
https://teamdoctorsacademy.com
✓ Schedule a Free Phone Consultation With Dr. Stoxen
Speak directly with him so he can review your case and guide you on your next steps.
https://drstoxen.com/appointment
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Dr James Stoxen DC., FSSEMM (hon) He is the president of Team Doctors®, Treatment and Training Center Chicago, one of the most recognized treatment centers in the world.
Dr Stoxen is a #1 International Bestselling Author of the book, The Human Spring Approach to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. He has lectured at more than 20 medical conferences on his Human Spring Approach to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and asked to publish his research on this approach to treating thoracic outlet syndrome in over 30 peer review medical journals.
He has been asked to submit his other research on the human spring approach to treatment, training and prevention in over 150 peer review medical journals. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Orthopedic Science and Research, Executive Editor or the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care, Chief Editor, Advances in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Journal and editorial board for over 35 peer review medical journals.
He is a much sought-after speaker. He has given over 1000 live presentations and lectured at over 70 medical conferences to over 50,000 doctors in more than 20 countries. He has been invited to speak at over 300 medical conferences which includes invitations as the keynote speaker at over 50 medical conferences.
After his groundbreaking lecture on the Integrated Spring-Mass Model at the World Congress of Sports and Exercise Medicine he was presented with an Honorary Fellowship Award by a member of the royal family, the Sultan of Pahang, for his distinguished research and contributions to the advancement of Sports and Exercise Medicine on an International level. He was inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Personal Trainers Hall of Fame in 2012.
Dr Stoxen has a big reputation in the entertainment industry working as a doctor for over 150 tours of elite entertainers, caring for over 1000 top celebrity entertainers and their handlers. Anthony Field or the popular children’s entertainment group, The Wiggles, wrote a book, How I Got My Wiggle Back detailing his struggles with chronic pain and clinical depression he struggled with for years. Dr Stoxen is proud to be able to assist him.
Full Bio) Dr Stoxen can be reached directly at teamdoctors@aol.com
