Brachial plexus injury (BPI) damages the arm and hand nerves. Physiotherapy helps BPI patients regain function, strength, and recuperation.
Brachial Plexus Injury Physiotherapy Goals:
- Range of Motion Exercises: Physiotherapists work to improve and maintain arm and shoulder range of motion. Gentle stretching prevents joint stiffness and contractures.
- Strengthening Exercises: Regaining function requires strengthening surrounding muscles. Physiotherapists create muscle-specific exercise programmes to build strength and endurance.
- Neuromuscular Re-education: Physiotherapy reconnects the brain, nerves, and muscles after brachial plexus injury. This incorporates muscular activation, coordination, and motor control strategies.
- Sensory Re-education: Physiotherapists help BPI patients enhance sensory awareness and discrimination. To aid sensory retraining, try diverse textures, temperatures, and pressures.
- Pain Management: Physiotherapists treat BPI-related pain. Heat, cold, manual therapy, and anti-inflammatory activities may be used.
- Functional Training: Physiotherapists help patients use their afflicted arm for daily duties. To regain independence and function, practise reaching, grabbing, lifting, and handling objects.
- Assistive Devices and Orthotics: Physiotherapists can recommend slings, splints, or orthotics to support and protect the injured arm throughout recuperation.