Thoracic outlet syndrome: a useful exercise treatment option

The current study is a prospective evaluation of a supervised physiotherapy program of graduated resisted shoulder elevation exercises in eight patients with thoracic outlet syndrome. All had severe neurovascular symptoms and limited neck movements before treatment. After 3 weeks of intervention, symptoms had significantly improved in all patients, and all achieved a full range of cervical neck and shoulder movement. This study confirms the efficacy of a simple treatment program for patients with thoracic outlet syndrome.