Rehabilitation of patients with thoracic outlet syndrome

A series of physical therapy protocols is proposed for patients with thoracic outlet syndrome. The anatomic findings dictating certain physical therapeutic approaches are outlined. General principles of physical therapy that stem from these findings are suggested, and a specific protocol for the physical therapy regimen is given. An appropriate physical therapy program for thoracic outlet syndrome patients with symptoms of mild-to-moderate severity can avoid early surgery. Degradation of symptoms or invalidating functional compromise indicates a referral to surgery. Physical therapy cannot replace surgery in severe or complicated forms of thoracic outlet syndrome with vascular or neurologic compromise.