oitf-thoracic-outlet

Pain in the upper back, index finger, and thumb

Pain around Thumb Pad People complain about pain just inside the shoulder blade, thumb, and index finger. Notably, it doesn’t always create pain in the hand; sometimes, it tingles like it is “falling asleep” or “going numb.” Sometimes, they have pain or tingling when reaching out with the hands near shoulder level, like when you’re driving […]

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Scalene Muscles – Functional Anatomy

Overview Scalene anatomy is more variable than most muscles. They vary in their attachments and size in 40-71% of the reviewed studies. Scalenes are 3 (sometimes 4) muscles on either side of the neck. This is one of those muscles that makes it hard to say which end is the origin and which end is

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Subclavius- Functional Anatomy

The subclavius is a short, thick triangular muscle along the inferior aspect of the clavicle. Origin – first rib Insertion – medial clavicle. Function – lowers clavicle. The origin is a flat tendon that attaches on the first rib, near the sternal cartilage. It gradually transitions to muscle fibers. The insertion is a tendon that

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Pectoralis Minor – Functional Anatomy

Overview Pectoralis minor is a fan-shaped muscle in the front of the shoulder. Notably, its anatomy has frequent variations. Basically, it secures the coracoid process of the scapula to the rib cage. Superficially, the pectoralis major covers the pectoralis minor. Overview of Pectoralis Minor Anatomy Origin Insertion Function Innervation Anomalies are clinically significant on attachments and innervation.

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Pain Along the Biceps, Maybe Collar Bone & Forearm

People seldom have any part of this pattern as their primary complaint, but when they do, it is usually biceps pain. When this is a problem, the entire pattern can usually be elicited by pressing up under the collar-bone near the sternum. This response is surprising and intense for a pattern that is seldom a

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Pain in the Front of Shoulder When Lifting Arm

People complain of pain in the front of the shoulder when lifting the elbow above the shoulder or back at shoulder level. This pain is less distinct and focused unless the person has a specific activity that they need to do and cannot adapt to their movement. For instance, one case was a weightlifting enthusiast who

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Stretching for scalene muscles

Here are some specific stretches for scalene muscles that have been recommended by many sources over the years. They were published in the self-care section on scalenes in the research of Janet Travell, the physician to two presidents. Clinical experience has proven them to be effective for helping the problematic effects of tight scalene muscles. Helpful

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Stiff, Swollen Hands in the Morning

People complain about waking with stiff, swollen hands in the morning. Some of them have problems with tingling and sleeping hands in the night. They often get up and move their arms around until the tingling stops and the arms are awake again. Sometimes, they have stiff hands, pain, or tingling when they hold their arms

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