Physical therapy can be used to help treat injuries to the brachial plexus or other medical conditions associated with it. Therapy will include strengthening exercises and movements aimed at helping you regain full range of motion within the arm and hand affected by a brachial plexus abnormality or injury. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to first repair a damaged nerve in your brachial plexus, which is then followed by physical therapy treatment.
Brachial Plexus
Your brachial plexus is comprised of a nerve bundle stemming from your cervical and thoracic vertebrae and extends through your shoulder and into your upper arm. The medical term plexopathy refers to injury of this network of nerves. Physical therapy and surgery can be used to help treat medical conditions that affect the brachial plexus and will include exercise and stretching movements. Most brachial plexus injuries occur during birth, thus making infants and children the main patients of this condition.
Postoperative Therapy
Following surgery to repair an injured brachial plexus nerve bundle, the patient's arm will be immobilized in a cast or splint. The arm will be placed in a flexed position against the chest for up to six weeks following surgery. Gentle passive range of motion exercises are then introduced by the therapist after the child has been cleared by a doctor. These exercise movements will be done in a neutral anatomical plane until the child's sutures are completely healed.
Mid and End Therapy
From weeks six to eight, the child's physical therapy will focus more on helping regain lost arm strength by performing simple arm exercises with the aide of the physical therapist. These exercises may include mild resistance with the use of light weights or therapeutic bands. Nerve regeneration may occur six to 12 months after surgery.
Treatment Programs
Many hospitals across the nation offer brachial plexus programs specializing in helping children and families with rehabilitating this condition effectively and properly. These programs often include a team of neurologists, physical therapists, othopedic surgeons and neuropathic specialists. Programs are focused on helping the child regain full nerve function in the affected arm.
