Brachial plexus neuropathy is a nerve disorder that affects the shoulder and arm on the side where the damage occurs. It causes decreased sensation, reduced movement and pain. The damage usually is caused by direct trauma to the nerve, but also can occur as a result of a tumor, a birth defect, stretching injury or exposure to various toxins. An inflammatory disease also can contribute to peripheral neuropathy.
Treatment
Once the underlying condition is treated, the feeling often returns to the nerve bundle and the symptoms disappear. Pain management through medication may get you through the healing process. Your doctor may run tests to discern the cause before treatment or physical therapy is ordered. A chest x-ray, biopsy, blood tests and nerve conduction tests may uncover the cause.
Recovery
A full recovery occurs in about 80 percent of individuals with brachial plexus neuropathy within the first two years following the damage, and grows to 90 percent after three years, reports MD Guidelines. While you're still in pain, you may start with passive range-of-motion therapy in which the rehabilitation specialist moves your arm to prevent it from seizing up. Reducing the amount of traction you put on the nerves also is important. You may be directed to rest your arm on a pillow when sitting to relieve the pressure. Eventually, you'll perform range-of-motion exercises yourself, moving your arm in circles, forward, backward and from side to side.
Strengthening
Muscles atrophy quickly, so you'll most likely need a round of progressive strengthening exercises to rebuild your muscle strength. Isometric exercises that target your shoulder are effective strengthening activities. Isometrics require you to tighten a muscle group and hold it for a time, release and repeat. You might do slow wall pushups where you push against the wall from a standing position and hold it before pushing back out, or be asked to squeeze a tennis ball with your arm outstretched. Once your doctor is sure no further damage is likely, you can progress to more intense strengthening exercises such as pullups, weight lifting and working with resistance bands.
Stimulation
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation, or NMES, uses electrodes to send electrical impulses to the weakened muscles to shock them into contractions. The technique is especially effective if you've developed severe muscle weakness from persistent neuropathy damage. According to Northeastern University, NMES can produce significant results when muscles have been unused for long periods.
