Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The primary principle of treating thoracic outlet syndrome is conservative treatment. Since the main culprits compressing the nerves are usually shortened and tense scalene muscles and pectoralis minor, any treatment that reduces the tension in these muscles is effective. Research has reported that acupuncture treatment works by directly stimulating trigger points in hypertonic muscles to relax muscle tension and improve local blood flow; it produces synergistic effects when combined with physical therapy and stretching. However, structural causes such as cervical rib compression or vascular occlusion require separate evaluation. From the perspective of a Korean medicine clinic, the shoulders of a beautician stiffened by holding their arms in an elevated position represent a typical condition where Qi and blood circulation is blocked and tight. When the pathway for Qi and blood flow from the chest to the arms is blocked, the blockage causes numbness and pain. Dongjedang approaches this condition step-by-step. First, tension in the scalene and pectoralis minor muscles is released using acupuncture. If adhesions have formed due to long-standing conditions, they are separated using a needle guided by ultrasound. If ligament or fascia regeneration is required, fire acupuncture or thread embedding is used, and if inflammation is present, bee venom acupuncture or pharmacopuncture is added. By combining this with internal treatment to eliminate occupational fatigue, dampness, and blood stasis, and thereby restoring organ function, you can create a state where recurrence is minimal while continuing to work.