Lifestyle and home remedies

If you're diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, your doctor or physical therapist will instruct you to do exercises at home to strengthen and support the muscles surrounding your thoracic outlet.

In general, to avoid unnecessary stress on your shoulders and muscles surrounding the thoracic outlet:

• Maintain good posture
• Take frequent breaks at work to move and stretch
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid carrying heavy bags over your shoulder
• Avoid activities that worsen symptoms, or find ways to adapt activities so that they don't cause symptoms
• Create a work area that allows you to keep good posture and doesn't make symptoms worse
• Gently massage your shoulders and thoracic outlet
• Apply a heating pad to the area
• Practice relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, meditation and stretching