MLB pitchers and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
- Apr 10, 2023
- 1 min read

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a medical condition that results in chronic pain and swelling from compression in your thoracic outlet- the opening between your lower neck and upper chest.
TOS is suffered by MLB pitchers and is costing teams hundreds of millions of dollars. A study in 2017 assessed 14 MLB pitchers who underwent TOS surgery. Only 77% returned to MLB after an average of 11 months following surgery, costing their teams hundreds of millions.
Pitchers who have suffered with TOS include Phil Hughes, Jaime Garcia, Chris Young, Tyson Ross, and Chris Carpenter. And recently, Stephen Strasburg’s ongoing battle with thoracic outlet syndrome may actually end his career.
Strasburg has made just eight appearances over the past three seasons, which have all been derailed by the injury. He remains under contract through 2026 at $35M annually. But the big question is will he ever return to the mound?
Dr James Stoxen DC., FSSEMM (hon) has a unique perspective on TOS. He believes it can be treated without surgery. He himself had thoracic outlet syndrome, discovered the secret to treating it, and is now one of the world’s foremost experts in the field.
About James Stoxen
· Best-selling author of The Human Spring Approach to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: How to Get Pain Free by Restoring Your Thoracic Outlet Spring Mechanism
· His website: https://drstoxen.com/
· He is the president of Team Doctors®, Treatment and Training Center Chicago, one of the most recognized treatment centers in the world.
· He is known as the “Doctor to the Stars” and has treated multiple celebrities and he's traveled with The Michael Buble, Beyonce and Robin Thicke World Tour.






























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Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) has become a major concern for MLB pitchers, as it can seriously affect their throwing arm and overall performance. This condition compresses nerves and blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness. Many talented pitchers have faced career setbacks due to TOS surgeries and long recovery periods. Just like how an embroidery digitizer carefully designs precise stitch patterns, pitchers must follow equally detailed rehabilitation routines to restore accuracy and strength. Understanding TOS and its early signs is essential to protect players’ careers and ensure long-term performance stability in professional baseball.