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Relieving Arm Pain: Expert Physical Therapy in Chicago

Arm pain is generally caused by a problem in the neck such as a disc herniation or pinched nerve.  Shoulder and elbow problems can cause referred pain to the arm.  Many of these conditions are covered on the neck, shoulder, and elbow pages.  Of course, muscles and joints of the arm can be sources of pain (see Muscle & Joint Pain page) and another source of arm pain may include:

Thoracic outlet syndrome – This is an umbrella term that encompasses three related syndromes that involve compression of the nerves, arteries, and veins in the “thoracic outlet.”  The thoracic outlet is the space between your collarbone and your first rib.  Tightness in this narrow region of the body can lead to compression of the nerves (brachial plexus) or blood vessels (subclavian artery and vein) that pass through.  Compression of these structures leads to lower neck, upper chest, and arm pain as well as tingling, numbness, weakness or blood flow changes in the extremity.   The most common cause of tightness in this region involves tightness of the scalene muscles in the neck and/or pectoral muscles in the chest.  This generally leads to compression of the brachial plexus – the bundle of nerves located here.  More rare causes of tightness include swelling of the blood vessels or presence of an extra rib.  Approximately 1 in 500 people have a cervical rib, a congenital abnormality where an extra rib extends from the 7th vertebrae of the neck. 

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Understanding the Causes of Arm Pain

Arm pain can stem from a variety of sources, ranging from issues in the neck and shoulder to specific conditions like Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Often, problems originating in the cervical spine, such as pinched nerves or disc herniations, can radiate pain down the arm. Similarly, conditions affecting the shoulder or elbow joints can also manifest as arm discomfort.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of the musculoskeletal system is key to diagnosing arm pain. Muscle and Joint Physical Therapy Chicago specializes in identifying these root causes, whether they are directly within the arm's muscles and joints or are referred pain from adjacent structures like the neck.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Common Culprit for Arm Pain

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a significant cause of arm pain, characterized by the compression of nerves, arteries, or veins within the thoracic outlet – the space between your collarbone and first rib. This compression can lead to a constellation of symptoms that extend into the arm.

Symptoms of TOS can include pain in the lower neck, upper chest, and arm, often accompanied by tingling, numbness, weakness, or even changes in blood flow to the extremity. Our expert physical therapists at Muscle and Joint Physical Therapy Chicago are adept at diagnosing and treating TOS through targeted interventions.

Physical Therapy Treatments for Arm Pain Relief

At Muscle and Joint Physical Therapy Chicago, we offer a comprehensive approach to treating arm pain, focusing on restoring function and alleviating discomfort. Our treatment plans are tailored to the individual, addressing the specific cause of your pain.

Our advanced treatments may include therapeutic exercises to strengthen and stretch affected muscles, manual therapy techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce nerve irritation, and modalities to manage pain and inflammation. We utilize diagnostic services like EMG/NCV testing to accurately pinpoint the source of nerve-related arm pain.

How Muscle and Joint Physical Therapy Can Help

Muscle and Joint Physical Therapy (MJPT) is dedicated to providing expert care for orthopedic, spine, and sports-related injuries, including those causing arm pain. Our independent clinic focuses on diagnosing the underlying issues and developing personalized treatment strategies.

We aim to help you regain full use of your arm and live without the burden of pain. If you are experiencing arm pain, we encourage you to request an appointment with our specialists to explore effective treatment options and begin your journey to recovery.