Signs You Might Have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (And How Massage Can Help)
- vitalalignment
- Apr 26
- 2 min read
If you've been feeling unexplained pain, numbness, or tingling in your arms or hands, you might be dealing with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). This condition affects thousands of people every year — especially athletes, desk workers, and anyone with poor posture habits.
At Vital Alignment LLC in Orem, Utah, we specialize in helping clients find relief from conditions like TOS through expert bodywork techniques, including neurosomatic therapy and deep tissue massage.
Here’s what you should know about recognizing Thoracic Outlet Syndrome — and how massage can make a huge difference in your healing journey.
What Is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome happens when the nerves or blood vessels in the space between your collarbone and first rib (the "thoracic outlet") get compressed. This compression can cause a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms.
Common causes of TOS include:
Poor posture (especially forward head posture)
Repetitive activities (like swimming, baseball, typing)
Trauma from an accident
Anatomical differences (such as an extra rib)
Signs You Might Have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Recognizing the symptoms early can make a big difference. If you experience any of these, it’s worth speaking with a professional:
Numbness or tingling in your arm or fingers
Pain or aching in your neck, shoulder, or hand
Weak grip strength
Cold sensitivity or discoloration in your hands
Muscle wasting (in severe cases)
You might notice symptoms worsen when you lift your arms overhead, carry heavy objects, or spend long hours at a computer.
Important: TOS symptoms can sometimes mimic other conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or a herniated disc, so getting a professional assessment is key.
How Massage Therapy Can Help with TOS
Massage therapy, when done by someone trained in neurosomatic techniques, can be incredibly effective for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. At Vital Alignment LLC, we focus on identifying and addressing the root causes — not just managing symptoms.
Massage can help TOS by:
Releasing tight muscles in the chest, neck, and shoulders that are compressing nerves
Improving posture by realigning muscle imbalances
Increasing blood flow to the affected areas
Reducing inflammation and nerve irritation
Teaching corrective exercises to support long-term relief
Our approach is gentle, precise, and customized to your unique anatomy — because every case of TOS is a little different.
Why Choose Vital Alignment LLC in Orem, Utah?
Located conveniently in Orem, we specialize in working with athletes, people with chronic pain, and injury recovery clients. Our advanced techniques go beyond the basics of massage therapy — we work with the nervous system, muscles, and posture together to create real, lasting changes.
Whether you’re an athlete, an office worker, or just someone tired of dealing with arm and shoulder pain, we’re here to help you get back to living pain-free.
Ready to Find Relief?
If you suspect you have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome — or you’re simply tired of chronic neck, shoulder, or arm pain — Vital Alignment LLC can help.
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