I would only go to advanced /expert PTs /DCs... not rookies..or DCs in training they just don't have the overall knowledge that is needed.
Some are truly healers and some just do the cracking..

My chiro used PT modalities & had extra training in many things.. (ultrasound, low level laser, IF stim, nimmo, etc) as well as adjustments and the c1/c2 upper cervical adjustment, also called atlas /axis, and elbow, shoulder, wrist etc...
I did a lot of things on my own as well as some regular PT (work comp) and then found an advanced PT that dropped my top ribs down when they had got stuck up due to severe spasms.
Also self trigger point w/ tennis ball
Sharon Butler - gentle stretches & fascia information - www.selfcare4rsi.com
overall posture work- Alexander etc..

Hi,
Ok, I did order a rubber exercise ball, like in the picture that Jo*mar posted.
It was $25 from Amazon. I should get it tomorrow.

Are you sure wall push-ups are ok? I thought those would strengthen/tighten the pectoralis minor? Any kind of pushing exercises, actually, I thought would be not recommended?

I did look at the selfcare4rsi page, but her book costs $97. There's no preview or anything, so I don't know if it's worth it. $97 is a lot of money for me. I would gladly pay it to ease my TOS, but that website looks....not very professional.

I understand the concept of botox injections, paralyzing the muscle, preventing it from tightening around the brachial plexus. Is that a new treatment? Is it controversial? Do you think most doctors would know of it?

There is so much information in here it's a bit overwhelming. I have an appointment to start PT, but not until December.
You are right about the quality of PTs or chiropractors mattering a whole lot. I went to a chiropractic teaching college pretty much the whole year of 2013, and had no improvement. I didn't have any insurance, so I had to go to the free student clinic. The students were sort of on to the fact that I had symptoms of TOS, but they just didn't have enough knowledge. I have medicare/medicaid now so it makes finding a PT easier.

Welcome, Paperbag,

I would echo what Eight said. Try, really try, to limit your computer time. I know it's hard, especially when works requires it. It's especially hard if you're already feeling isolated. But I've found it to be the worst thing for me.

Take care,
Kelly

Sharon Butler has many articles worth reading on her site, you don't really need to buy anything. Her RSI book is in most libraries, and it does explain about the role of fascia & injuries , and why very gentle stretching is best for damaged tissues.

But I did need more expert hands on therapy by the time I got so injured that I couldn't work and my fine finger coordination totally stopped for a few weeks..

Wall push ups didn't help for me.. high door way work not good for me.
low arms behind and doorway was OK for me..

I guess it is try something and see if it helps or , makes worse, then take the helpful stuff and drop the not helpful fast..
That's how most of us figure some of it out.. try a little bit and see how it goes for you..

One main thing is do not push thru pain , stop before any pain starts, like baby steps..

* But trigger point work can/will be painful, that is one case where to fully release the knot you have to press right on the sore spot..

There is a DC in Chicago who has a specific TOS protocol and claims to have had great success with his txs. His name is James (I think) STOXEN. If I were in your area, I would beat a path to his door! The man is very knowledgable about TOS.

Use the forum search function (see the top right section of the page) to pull up posts and threads about this guy. One has a link to a video presentation he gave, which contains a lot of info about this theories and practices in txing TOS patients. Mind you, he is not the greatest public speaker I've ever heard, but the content of his presentation is very interesting.

You may not need a PT if you do go to Dr. Stoxen, as he uses many modalities that a good TOS PT would employ. If you decide to stick with PT, though, be aware that you'll really need to find one who is very experienced with TOS. The "normal" PT approach of "no pain, no gain" - we call it "shake & bake" PT - not only won't work for a TOSer, it can be very harmful. TOS-savvy PTs can be difficult to locate, but they're out there.

Start reading through some of the links Jo has provided for you. Knowledge is power! And please keep an open mind with respect to nonsurgical, noninvasive TOS remedies. Don't get your heart or mind set on having TOS surgery before you have explored more options and done the work. Surgery can leave you worse off than you were before. It's risky on multiple levels, and is not a "cure," by any means. You'd still have to do extensive and specialized PT post-operatively, if a good recovery is in your sights. Many of us develop breathing and stretching programs to do at home after we've gotten what we could out of PT. It's a lifelong thang!

Dr. Stoxen has successfully txed hundreds of TOSers, and not one of them has required TOS surgery to-date. Check him out for us, will you? No hidden agenda here, but I know that several of us would be very interested in following your progress with this guy. If you have good results, well be prepared for a lot of out-of-town house guests (JK!).

Keep posting and letting us know how you're doing, OK? If you have questions or concerns as you go along, please don't hesitate to ask! We are here to help.

Hope you are feeling better.

Alison

I tried the big ball stretch and my neck, shoulders and arms went numb for two weeks. I guess this really aggravated the scalenes.
So start easy with this one.

Also the door frame pec minor stretch totally does not work for me.
Tried it multiple times over the past year. Pain in scapula, then (if I keep on stretching) numbness in hand then (if I keep on stretching for several days) weakness in arm.
I use pin and stretch technique combined with manual release, seeing some minor improvements in scapular winging, but nothing dramatic.