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