The nerves that travel from the neck to the brachial nerves in the arm comprise the brachial plexus. An injury to this area will affect the movement of the shoulder, hand or arm. Newborns can have brachial plexus injuries, as can older children and adults. Stretches that target the neck, shoulders and arms may help infants and adults suffering from brachial plexus injuries.
Stretching the Neck
There are two stretches for the neck you can do to for brachial plexus issues. One stretch targets the back of the neck and is done seated. Grab the side of the chair with your left hand. Tilt your chin toward your right collarbone. Grab the top, left side of your head with your right hand and gently pull your chin down. Hold for 30 seconds and then relax. Repeat on the other side if you wish or only stretch the side of your neck that feels tight.
To stretch the side of your neck, stay seated and pull your neck back as far as you can as you look straight ahead. Then, tilt your head sideways toward your right shoulder. Rotate your chin up slightly. Place your right hand on top of your head near your left ear and pull down gently to increase the stretch. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side if you wish or only stretch the side of your neck that feels tight.
Dip Stretch
The dip stretch targets the shoulders and chest. It is similar to a weight training exercise for the triceps and chest called a dip. However, this exercise is meant to be held as a stretch instead of done over several repetitions and the leg position is different. To do this stretch, stand with your back to a sturdy table. Grab the edge of the table with your palms flat on the top and your fingers curled down over the edge. Your knuckles point forward. Then, bend your knees and elbows as you lower your body toward the floor until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and then stand back up.
Elbow Flexion and Extension
The elbow flexion and extension exercise increases range of motion and flexibility of the elbow. This exercise can be done passively with the help of an assistant, or by yourself. The elbow flexion and extension exercise is particularly beneficial for newborns or young children because they will be unable to do the exercise themselves. To do this exercise yourself, stand up and extend your right arm in front of you. Grasp your right wrist with your left hand. Bend your right elbow toward the shoulder, which is elbow flexion. Then straighten your arm, which is elbow extension. Keep your right arm relaxed so your left does the work. To do this exercise on an infant, lie him on his back and place one hand on his right wrist and one hand on his right bicep above the elbow. Then flex and extend the elbow. Do the same on the left side.
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