If you read more deeply on TOS, you will find that there are people with TOS whose EMG tests are negative. In the literature they label this "disputed neurogenic TOS", but plenty of TOS specialists recognize it as a real problem.

Medical testing for TOS is not perfect.

Also, I have never heard before that frame size is related to TOS. Even if it were, don't you think it would be a trend rather than a hard rule?

I think you need a 2nd opinion.

Also, be careful about strengthening. Usually TOSers need stretching, myofascial release and light strengthening of postural muscles. As Peter Edgelow pointed out, you have to get rid of the compression and restore circulation before strengthening.

Re: who to see, I'm out in Los Angeles. Hopefully, someone will chime in with East Coast recommendations. You may still need to travel up or down the coast though.

Good luck.

chroma, I agree with everything you say. A person's "frame size" is completely irrelevant. I have read that if a woman has very large breasts (which may pull her shoulders downwards), that may aggravate TOS, but I don't know if that has been proven. A person's posture (slouching, forward-rolling shoulders) may not be good for TOS), but I don't see how one's body size would matter (please correct me if I'm wrong). No strengthening! How does the doctor not know that? I think it should be gentle stretching and nerve-gliding (again, correct me please).

My EMG showed normal as well. I had 1st rib resection in Sept. 2011 because an ultrasound showed compression after 8 weeks of therapy. The compression on the sub clavical artery was causing the vertebal artery to stop flowing completely on the left and right, but therapy starting working on the right. I am still in alot of pain and have trouble sleeping. Pain in arms, neck and shoulder area. I get tingling in arm, hand, and neck at times. I am having real difficultly using my arms and have been out of work since May of this year.

Was your subclavian artery compression on the left, the right or both?

What kind of symptoms did the vertebral artery flow stoppage cause? I can guess, but would like to hear from you, in your own words.