4. Weak muscles are a major symptom of thoracic outlet syndrome.
Weak muscles occur when the muscles are in a tight position and unable to move. In order to loosen up the muscles, stretching exercises need to be done on a regular basis. With weak muscles, a person is unable to do simple tasks, such as grocery shopping because all of the items that are picked up may feel heavy to the person. The person will need someone to assist him or her when shopping.
Once the muscles become stronger, the person can do things on his or her own. When it comes to strengthening the muscles, light exercise bands and dumbbells are used. If heavy exercise bands and dumbbells are used it’s because the physical therapist thinks the person can handle it. Before exercise bands and dumbbells are used, the physical therapist may want to do some bodyweight exercises to strengthen the muscles.