Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Treatment

At Mayo Clinic, the first line of treatment for nerve-related (neurologic) thoracic outlet syndrome usually involves nonsurgical therapies. These treatments relieve pain related to thoracic outlet syndrome. However, you may need surgery if you have arterial or venous thoracic outlet syndrome. Mayo Clinic doctors provide these therapies:

• Physical therapy. Physical therapy is standard treatment for people who have neurologic thoracic outlet syndrome. Doctors from Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation will help you with exercises to strengthen your shoulder muscles and relieve pressure on your nerves and blood vessels.
• Relaxation therapy. Deep breathing techniques can help you loosen your shoulder muscles and improve your posture.
• Surgery. During decompression surgery, your doctor removes the first rib and a portion of muscle to relieve pressure on your nerves and blood vessels.