Brachial Plexus Injury: Symptoms, Treatment, and How to Regain Arm Function
Brachial Plexus Injury: Symptoms, Treatment, and How to Regain Arm Function
Have you recently been told you or your child may have a brachial plexus injury? Whether linked to trauma, a challenging birth, or something you’re only starting to notice, this diagnosis can make the next step unclear.
At Perfect Balance Clinic in Moorgate, we regularly manage these injuries and understand the need for quick and ongoing support. With good support, healing is possible, bringing back strength and control.
Book your visit now with Perfect Balance Clinic Moorgate and start working with a team experienced in nerve injury recovery.
What Is a Brachial Plexus Injury?
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that travel from your neck through your shoulder and down into your arm and hand. They allow you to control muscle movement and feel sensations. If these nerves are damaged, the signals don’t work right, causing problems from weakness to full loss of movement..
Strong impacts, tricky births, or poor posture over time can damage this nerve group.
What Causes Brachial Plexus Injuries?
Common causes include:
Road accidents or high-impact sports injuries
Birth trauma, often involving shoulder dystocia
Tumour pressure or surgical complications
Chronic strain from overhead work or poor posture
Penetrating trauma such as stab or gunshot wounds (less common)
Even subtle traction or inflammation around the nerves can affect arm control.
What Are the Symptoms?
These symptoms can show up fast or build slowly over time. They include:
Numbness or altered sensation in the shoulder, arm, or hand
Weakness or loss of movement
Difficulty lifting the arm overhead or gripping objects
Shoulder drooping
Muscle wasting in long-standing cases
Pain or electric shock-type sensations
In babies, you may notice a lack of movement in one arm or asymmetry when startled.
Can It Heal Without Surgery?
This depends on severity. Minor damage often recovers with rest and physiotherapy. Complex injuries often need a lot of rehab and, in some cases, nerve surgery.
Key factors that influence recovery include:
Extent of nerve disruption (stretch vs tear vs avulsion)
Time to start treatment
Patient age and activity levels
Associated injuries (e.g. fractures, shoulder dislocation)
Types of Brachial Plexus Injury
There are several classifications, including:
Neurapraxia - nerve is stretched but not torn; recovery is usually full within weeks
Axonotmesis - damage to the inner part of the nerve; slower recovery but often possible
Neurotmesis - complete tear; requires surgical repair
Rupture - nerve is torn but still connected at the spine
Avulsion - nerve is pulled out from the spinal cord; recovery is limited without surgery
Diagnosing Brachial Plexus Injury
To accurately diagnose the injury, we use a combination of:
Detailed movement assessment
Sensory testing and reflex checks
Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies
MRI or CT neurography to visualise damage
Yes, MRI does help reveal nerve damage, scar tissue, and compression patterns.
What Sets Brachial Plexus Injuries Apart?
It’s easy to confuse this condition with:
Erb’s Palsy - specific to upper plexus injuries (C5-C6), often birth-related
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - caused by compression rather than trauma
Cervical Radiculopathy - disc or joint issues affecting nerve roots near the spine
Differentiating them is essential for the right treatment.
What to Expect from Physiotherapy and Rehab
At Perfect Balance Clinic in Moorgate, your recovery is guided by a phased rehabilitation model:
Early Phase (Weeks 1-6)
Maintain joint mobility to prevent stiffness
Focus on postural alignment and scapular control
Begin gentle sensory stimulation to aid nerve reconnection
Educate on safe positioning during sleep and rest
Use of splints or slings to avoid secondary issues in severe injuries
Intermediate Phase (6-12 Weeks or as Nerve Function Returns)
Start active-assisted movement training
Introduce muscle re-education and avoid compensatory patterns
Continue sensory re-training and functional grip activities
Address fatigue and endurance with gradual progression
Functional Phase (12+ Weeks)
Strengthen with resistance and proprioception work
Restore complex patterns like reaching, pushing, or lifting
Incorporate real-life tasks and sports-specific drills
Adjust rehab based on occupational needs or lifestyle goals
In Newborns: Early Support Makes All the Difference
For babies with brachial plexus palsy, early intervention is critical. We involve parents every step of the way, helping you safely support your baby’s movement during feeding, dressing, and play.
Typical early signs include:
No active movement in the upper arm by 2 weeks
Floppiness or uneven arm movement
Poor grip in the affected hand
We guide you through:
Gentle passive range-of-motion techniques
Safe positioning advice during sleep and care
Support in liaising with paediatric consultants if surgery is required later
Other Techniques We May Use
In addition to physiotherapy, our team uses:
Laser Therapy - to reduce soft tissue inflammation
Sports Therapy - to rebuild strength and address full-body compensation
Manual Therapy & Massage - to manage tightness and aid circulation
Neuromuscular Stimulation - in cases of slow nerve response
Splinting and Bracing - for wrist or shoulder support during rehab
Everything is tailored-no two cases are exactly alike.
How Long Will Recovery Take?
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Here’s a general guide:
Neurapraxia: 2-6 weeks
Moderate stretch or partial tears: 3-6 months
Post-surgical recovery: 12-24 months
Babies with early intervention: Most improve by 6-12 months
Our team will monitor your progress closely and adapt your plan as recovery unfolds.
How We Help You Recover
At Perfect Balance Clinic Moorgate, our approach goes beyond sessions. You’ll receive:
A personalised rehabilitation programme
Advice on daily movement and long-term joint health
Monitoring for muscle compensation patterns that can cause pain elsewhere
Emotional support-we know injuries like this can affect confidence and independence
Whether you’re a parent guiding your baby or dealing with your own injury, you won’t be on your own.
Let’s Start Moving Forward
Having this injury doesn’t mean you can’t recover. Whether you’re on your recovery journey, helping your child, or dealing with symptoms no one has explained, you have help.
At Perfect Balance Clinic Moorgate, our role is to help you reclaim control, regain movement, and feel more confident in your body again.
Take the first step today. We’re ready when you are.
Book Your Appointment
Let’s help you recover properly and return to the activity you enjoy. Fill in the form below and one of our team members will reach out shortly to arrange your assessment.
Finding Us in Moorgate
Perfect Balance Clinic - Moorgate Centrally located near Moorgate and Liverpool Street stations. Easily accessible via public transport. Please note: There is no on-site parking available at the Moorgate clinic. We recommend using public transport or nearby public car parks, such as:
Finsbury Square Car Park
London Wall Car Park
We offer early morning and evening appointments to accommodate your schedule.
Book a Consultation Today
Perfect Balance Clinic, Moorgate