Exploring the Benefits of KT Tape and Braces for NTOS Relief
I am a 17-year-old female, standing at 167 cm and weighing 43 kilograms, currently residing in the United States. My journey with Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (NTOS) began nearly two years ago, primarily as a consequence of repetitive strain from playing the violin at a competitive level. Since the onset of this issue, I have explored nearly every available treatment avenue, including acupuncture, chiropractic care, physical therapy, herbal remedies, and even the DMO suit, though I have yet to consider surgery or Botox injections. Additionally, I've experimented with modifications to my violin technique and shoulder rest in search of relief. Recently, I came across the suggestion that KT tape and supportive braces might offer symptom alleviation. If these solutions prove effective, it would be a tremendous relief. I am eager to hear from anyone who has tried these methods – what has your experience been like? Were they beneficial? Thank you in advance for sharing your insights!
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 10:50:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
KT tape and supportive braces can offer some relief for those experiencing Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (NTOS) symptoms, as they may help improve posture and reduce strain on the muscles involved. It’s understandable that you're searching for effective methods to alleviate your symptoms after experiencing NTOS for so long.
Explanation:
Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome mainly involves compression of the nerves in the thoracic outlet, often aggravated by repetitive motions like playing the violin. Both KT tape and braces can assist by providing support to your shoulders and upper back, which may help to stabilize your posture. This stabilization can ease the strain on your nerves and muscles, potentially reducing symptoms like pain, tingling, or weakness in your arms.
Next Steps:
-
Try KT Tape:
- Application: There are many online resources with tutorials specific to NTOS. Proper application can provide the support you need while allowing for mobility.
- Monitor Effects: Keep track of how your symptoms respond to the tape. Note any improvements or adverse reactions.
-
Consider a Supportive Brace:
- Type of Brace: Look for a brace that provides gentle support without restricting movement too much. A clavicle brace or posture corrector could be appropriate.
- Wear Time: Start by wearing it for short periods during your activities to see how it benefits you before gradually increasing wear time.
-
Continue Mindfulness of Posture:
- During practice or daily activities, consciously check your posture. Keeping your shoulders relaxed and in a neutral position can prevent additional strain.
-
Review Techniques:
- Since you already modified your playing technique, continue to explore gentle practice routines to avoid overwhelming your muscles.
Make sure to regularly assess how these solutions are affecting your symptoms and adapt your approach as needed. If you have friends or colleagues who have had experiences with these methods, it's beneficial to hear their insights, but remember that individual results can vary. If ever your symptoms worsen or if you're considering more invasive options like surgery, consulting a medical professional is advisable.
Feel free to reach out with any further questions or for updates on your experience!
Related Questions
Should I be worried about fainting during my dad's outbursts?
For the past two weeks, I've been back at home after spending a year at university in a different city. A little background about me: over the last eight years, I've experienced two isolated episodes of nearly fainting due to minor finger injuries. However, I have never lost consciousness until today, and that was while my father was yelling at me. I generally prefer to keep a low profile at home. My work schedule is quite demanding, usually 6 to 7 days a week, from early morning until late at night. Consequently, I often return home feeling exhausted after being surrounded by people throughout the day. I suspect that I might be on the autism spectrum and have been pursuing a diagnosis. Autism runs in my family; I have three siblings who have been diagnosed. One sibling has Tourette's syndrome and ADHD, while another struggles with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and experiences migraines with auras, which can lead to hallucinations without medication. Given this family history, it’s fair to say that autistic traits are prevalent among us, including my parents. Currently, my dad is not employed, primarily because he has an injured toenail and was recently stung by a wasp on his hand. Since it was my day off, I offered to prepare dinner—some pasta for myself and my younger brother while my mother is away with my two sisters for the week. After returning home from work after 10 PM yesterday, I had to take a quick nap at around 4 PM. Unfortunately, I overslept and woke up just before 7 PM, realizing that my dad would likely be upset with my absence downstairs. I made my way downstairs and heard my dad on the phone. I thought he was greeting me, but once he noticed I was there, he hung up and began shouting—accusing me of not being ready to cook and implying that I was deliberately waiting for him to take charge. I attempted to apologize and explain that I had been sleeping, but as the words came out, they felt insufficient. My dad’s voice grew even louder as he recounted all his contributions to the household—cooking, grocery shopping, laundry, and taking out the trash—claiming I had done nothing since returning and that I was simply taking advantage of him. I stood there, unable to respond although I wanted to. Part of me believed that not arguing would lead to a quicker resolution, yet I was overwhelmed and found it difficult to articulate my thoughts. As he continued to yell, I began to feel clammy and breathless. I started to lose my balance, unable to maintain eye contact, and for a moment, I felt like a child again. Fear set in when my vision began to blur, despite my dad’s continued shouting in the background. I informed him I was having trouble seeing, but he responded with an exasperated sigh. By now, I was struggling to stay upright. I managed to ask for water, yet he stomped off to the kitchen, slamming various items in frustration right before I felt myself fade away, collapsing onto the floor. When I regained consciousness moments later, I was aware that it had only been a short time, as my dad was still busy in the kitchen. My vision flickered, and I could only manage to prop myself up on all fours at first. This was a new experience for me, so I waited until the flashing subsided before trying to stand and head toward the kitchen. My dad resumed his complaints about how he is the sole contributor in the house, reiterating that I hadn’t helped. My knees felt weak, so I took a seat, drank some water, but my stomach still churned. I apologized again for my earlier absence, indicating that I was about to get started on dinner. There’s so much I wish I could express to him about how he often reacts negatively whenever I try to take initiative. He tends to micromanage, fearing that his carefully established routine would be disrupted. This lifelong dynamic means when he’s in charge, I’m not allowed to interfere, yet, paradoxically, during his struggles, he expects me to know he wants assistance, despite rejecting it in the past. My dad had a challenging upbringing with both physical and emotional abuse, which may have affected his parenting style. As a child, I often felt anxious and uneasy about being alone with him without my mother present. Thankfully, he has improved in how he parents my younger siblings and is generally less aggressive now. I’ve heard that fainting can occur in response to distressing situations or seeing blood, particularly related to my past finger injuries. However, I am left wondering if this recent episode signifies a more serious underlying issue, potentially involving my heart or a response to stress. Should I consult a doctor about this, or is this something typical that I shouldn’t be overly concerned about?
Understanding Unexpected CT Results
Hello everyone, I’m a 44-year-old female who recently underwent a CT scan and an ultrasound to investigate persistent abdominal discomfort. My physician initially thought I might have an ovarian cyst. The CT results revealed several cysts on both ovaries, but I also found out I have one in my uterus, another in my liver, and an additional cyst in one of my kidneys. This has raised concerns for me about potentially more serious underlying issues. I have a follow-up appointment scheduled soon, but I’m curious about how serious I should be taking this news. What specific inquiries should I make during my next visit? Additionally, what further tests might be beneficial for me to request? Lately, I’ve been experiencing pain on the left side of my abdomen along with some alterations in my bowel habits, particularly the sensation of not fully emptying my bowels. I’ve also been feeling more exhausted than usual, which could be linked to stress, and occasionally I wake up sweating at night, possibly due to perimenopause or simply because of the warmer temperatures this summer season. I appreciate any insights or advice you might share!
Understanding Strep Symptoms or Potential Alternatives
I’m a 24-year-old male weighing 245 pounds. About a month ago, I was diagnosed with strep throat, for which I received treatment that successfully eliminated the infection. However, I’m beginning to suspect that the strep throat may have returned, but I’m uncertain whether I’m experiencing the same symptoms or something different altogether. Recently, while cleaning my tongue, I noticed an unfamiliar spot on the side of my mouth that I don’t recall seeing before. I’m curious if anyone else has experienced something similar. I have a clinic appointment scheduled for tomorrow and plan to discuss this concern, but I would appreciate any insights or advice in the meantime.
Navigating Post-COVID Neurological Challenges: Seeking Answers
At 41 years old, I experienced my second bout of COVID-19 in January 2024 despite being vaccinated and boosted. After several weeks, I began noticing a series of concerning neurological symptoms that appear to fluctuate over time. My current neurologist has admitted uncertainty about further testing and has now referred me to a specialist at a university hospital for additional evaluation. Here’s a summary of my symptoms over the past year: *From January to May 2024:* - Tingling and numbness primarily on the left side, affecting my foot, hand, and face. - Episodes of dizziness. *During the summer of 2024:* - The symptoms seemed to diminish; however, I then began to experience discomfort in the front of my neck. *Between October 2024 and January 2025:* - The numbness, tingling, and dizziness returned with increased severity. - Vision disturbances, including rapid eye movements. Although I consulted a neuro-ophthalmologist months later, who found my optic nerve to be healthy, my regular optometrist suspected a case of nystagmus and observed a slight defect in the left pupil. - Nighttime cramps in my calves increased, resulting in persistent leg soreness throughout the day. - Increased difficulty navigating stairs attributed to soreness. *By March 2025:* - Experiencing trouble swallowing, alongside a sore sensation in my neck when consuming food. - Persistent fatigue. *From May 2025 to the present:* - Difficulty walking up stairs due to continual leg soreness. - My voice has become hoarse during extended conversations or when fatigue sets in. - Ongoing challenges with chewing and swallowing. Numerous blood tests and examinations have been conducted. MRIs of my brain, cervical spine, and lumbar spine in May 2025 showed no concerning findings. Results of note include: - Elevated kappa light chains. - Increased IgA levels. - Low B12 levels (which have returned to normal with supplementation since September). - A vestibular test indicated mild peripheral vestibulopathy on the left. - A swallowing study revealed that my esophagus remains dilated during swallowing, and I'm awaiting an appointment with a gastroenterologist for further insights. The speech-language pathologist involved in the swallowing assessment commented on tightness in my neck muscles. Conditions that have been ruled out include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, Lyme disease, and myasthenia gravis. I would appreciate any suggestions on potential avenues to explore or which types of specialists might be beneficial to consult. Initially, I was under the care of my primary care physician and a nurse practitioner who managed my migraines. After two visits, I was directed to another neurologist. Additionally, a rheumatologist evaluated me and confirmed that my blood work showed no indications of rheumatic disorders. My current medications consist of birth control for hormonal migraine control and 100 mg of gabapentin nightly for restless legs.
Concerning Skin Condition While Traveling
Hello everyone, I'm a 33-year-old man visiting from the Netherlands. Currently, I’m enjoying a two-week holiday in Indonesia, and I've encountered a concerning issue that started three days ago. Initially, I had a small red spot on my finger, but that has since cleared up, leaving me with a new, much larger red area on my skin. The area has grown significantly over time, expanding from about 5 cm to approximately 15 or even 20 cm across. While I'm surrounded by mosquitoes, I've never experienced bites that resulted in such large reactions. At first, the spot was not itchy, but after one day, it began to itch. It isn't painful, but I can feel some pressure in that region. On the first and second days, the surface was smooth yet felt thick and somewhat hardened. Now, at day three, the pressure has reduced a bit, and there’s a noticeable mark in the center of the area. Additionally, I've noticed some digestive issues; I've been having diarrhea and stomach discomfort. I suspect this might be related to the drastic temperature changes I've experienced, shifting from a hot 34°C (feeling like 40°C) to a cooler range of 16-20°C. I’m currently taking several medications: Naproxen, Paracetamol, and a Ventolin inhaler for my asthma. Given the symptoms, I'm concerned this could be a severe bug bite or maybe even a tick, and I'm anxious about the possibility of Lyme disease. To treat the issue, I purchased a cream from a local pharmacy, but I'm uncertain about the quality of their recommendations. The cream is Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g, and they also provided me with Mebhydroline napadisylate for the itching. It’s worth noting that I won’t have access to a qualified doctor for the next ten days, which would require traveling to a hospital five hours away if needed. Any insights or advice on what this might be would be greatly appreciated!