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Physical and Occupational Therapy for Patients with VTOS

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Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

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Abstract

While surgical treatment has an important place in the management of most patients with VTOS, physical therapists play a crucial role in helping patients attain optimal post-operative outcomes. Physical therapy should be focused on the individual needs of each patient with VTOS. The initial goals should be aimed at range of motion deficits, patient comfort, diaphragmatic breathing exercises and patient education on post-surgical precautions. Based upon symptoms, exercise tolerance, neurological deficits, and the protocol of the surgeon, the patient should gradually progress to strengthening activities. Postures, faulty movement patterns, habits and work duties which contribute to impairments for one individual may be different from another. Addressing the unique needs of each patient with VTOS is essential in order to achieve optimal recovery and long-term functional outcomes following surgical treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Outpatient Musculoskeletal, The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis, 4455 Duncan Ave. N/A, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA

    Matthew R. Driskill MSPT

Authors
  1. Matthew R. Driskill MSPT
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Correspondence to Matthew R. Driskill MSPT .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Division of Vascular Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa General Circle, STC 7016 2, Tampa, 33606, Florida, USA

    Karl A. Illig

  2. Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Department of Surgery, Washington University, Queeny Tower Campus Box, St. Louis, 63110, Missouri, USA

    Robert W. Thompson

  3. , Department of Surgery, John Hopkins Medical Institutions, Rutland Avenue - Ross 759 729, Baltimore, 21205, Maryland, USA

    Julie Ann Freischlag

  4. , Department of Thoracic Surgery, Blake 15, Massachusetts General Hospital, Fruit Street 55, Boston, 02114, Massachusetts, USA

    Dean M. Donahue

  5. Neurological Associates of West LA, Wilshire Blvd, Suite 790 2811, Santa Monica, 90403, California, USA

    Sheldon E. Jordan

  6. , Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, UCSF/SFSU, Balmoral Street 2429, Union City, 94587, California, USA

    Peter I. Edgelow

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© 2013 Springer-Verlag London

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Driskill, M.R. (2013). Physical and Occupational Therapy for Patients with VTOS. In: Illig, K., Thompson, R., Freischlag, J., Donahue, D., Jordan, S., Edgelow, P. (eds) Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4366-6_59

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4366-6_59

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-4365-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-4366-6

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