I did have the doppler ultrasound which showed profound postural changes. I have not had surgery and have been doing aggressive PT incorporating edgelow. a follow up doppler showed that I am not normal, but much improved.

Hi Iris,
thanks for your reply. When I did the doppler, they tested me in 3 positions: 1) arms down, 2) arms out at shoulder height, 3) arms straight up.

In positions 1 and 2 - I had perfect blood flow. In position 3 - blood flow was almost completely cut off. The doctor said that these results were normal and did not indicate a vascular TOS. The doctor said that the only thing it indicates is that I have a relatively small thoracic space...which might indicate a predisposition for neurogenic TOS.

When you had your Doppler ultrasound -- what positions were you tested in? And, after therapy, at what positions did you see the improved blood flow?

Thanks also for the encouraging words on Edgelow. My first appointment is next week.

Kelly - thanks for your reply.
Is your hand pain constant? or activity related?

My hand pain is rather constant AND intense (keeps me awake or wakes me in the middle of the night) -- and I would characterize it as deep ache, throbbing , somewhat cramp feeling. I really don't have any burning sensations, tingling or numbness. And, only just recently, I am starting to have weird temperature issues with it.

My doc recently suggested that while my left neck/shoulder/armpit issues might be TOS, he thinks its possible that the intense hand pain could be RSD. Has this ever been suggested to you? Have you ever looked into it?

A lot of my hand and arm pain diminished with physical therapy. I did Egoscue at home (search for that name and "pain free" on Amazon and check out the book reviews) and on-site PT later on.

I'm still left with a lot of neck and rib issues which have been really stubborn for me, but my hand is down to occasional mild pain and some twitching.

Good luck.

Cyclist,

My hand pain seems to be activity related, though it can come on very strong for no apparent reason.

My doctor, Jules Steimnitz in SF, has suggested that I have a version of CRPS, though I don't have the skin changes.

Feel free to PM me. I think we've probably encountered a lot of the same doctors. I am also considering contacting Edgelow's office. I tried the protocol in the past and never got past diaphramatic breathing. But I'm running out of options and feel like I need to try something.

Take care,
Kelly

I've had a doppler ultrasound and I'm very much like you. Good flow with arms down and at sides, but I want to say the other position was in a military press. I have no vascular symptoms and the surgeon rated it a 3 out of 10, but suggested I get my ribs removed.

I have (had) a bruit on the left side in military press position as well. I don't know if it's still there as I haven't succumbed to provocative testing in quite some time.

I don't consider it to be anything more than a point of data.

Anne4Tos - Thanks for contributing to the post. I agree with you -- this is just a data point and needs to be viewed within the entire context. I also seem to lose my pulse on various provocative 'tests' for TOS, like Adson's maneuver. A doc recently told me that 20% of the 'normal' population will have anatomy such that they lose their pulse in that position. In my opinion, this is far from being truly diagnostic.

KellySF - Thanks for the offer to chat more. Would be nice to compare notes on local docs. I will definitely PM you.

Chroma - I actually have the Peter Egoscue book, Pain Free at your PC. I got 2+ years ago, but at the time I was involved in a PT program that actively emphasized strengthening of the shoulder girdle. Since you have had success with it... I'll dig it out again and add some of the stretches to my evening routine...

Thanks All for the input!

the first time any time I had my arm in ANY position but down, the blood flow was cut off. months later, I was told that it was not normal, but much improved. I do the entire edgelow protocol.

Hi kelly
I was just wondering if ur burning in top hand started after ur surgery or before?
As woke up from surgery w my whole hand numb & burning fingertips vs just last 2 fingers numb bf surgery.
Thanks

I had a recent ultrasound. I have neurogenic TOS but new test shows in upright position bloood cuts off. I now have Vasculer too. I have both Neurogenic and Vasculer now along with carpal tunnel not to mention rotator cuff tear and herniated disc. Therapy is no help. Doe snayone else have symtoms of both?