In my clinical experience, one of the most heartbreaking patterns is meeting individuals who have undergone multiple surgeries yet continue to suffer. They were promised relief from pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating down the arm, only to wake up after each procedure unchanged or worse. Many of these individuals had carpal tunnel release surgery, […]
Part of the problem in modern medicine is an overreliance on diagnostic testing. Many clinicians believe advanced imaging can explain every symptom a patient reports. This belief has shaped how thoracic outlet syndrome imaging is commonly used today. Scans are often reviewed before a full physical examination is completed. In my clinical experience, this sequence […]
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, often shortened to TOS, describes a group of conditions where nerves or blood vessels are compressed as they travel from the neck to the arm. In vascular forms of TOS, changes in circulation become a central feature, and patients often notice symptoms in the arm rather than the neck. Many individuals seek […]
Why Imaging Alone Can Mislead Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Diagnosis One of the most common sources of confusion in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome evaluation is the belief that imaging alone can provide definitive answers. Many patients assume that if an MRI, X-ray, or other radiologic study is “normal,” then nothing significant is wrong. In my clinical experience, […]
Why Arm-Raised Venograms Are Often Misinterpreted in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome In my clinical experience, one of the most misunderstood aspects of evaluating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is the interpretation of arm-raised venogram findings. Many individuals are told that a temporary blockage seen only when the arm is elevated proves the need for first rib resection or […]
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 […]
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 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 Testing Too Soon Creates Confusion Many people with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome go through rounds of testing long before anyone performs a proper examination. Today, doctors rely heavily on scans, even though most thoracic outlet syndrome imaging cannot show how the nerves and vessels behave during motion. This is one reason why early testing often […]
