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8 exercises to regain strength after a brachial plexus injury
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Recovering from a brachial plexus injury requires patience, consistency, and the right rehabilitation exercises. Strengthening and stretching exercises play a crucial role in restoring movement, flexibility, and function in the affected arm.
Why are exercises important?
Rehabilitation exercises help:
- Improve muscle strength and prevent atrophy.
- Enhance range of motion and flexibility.
- Reduce pain and stiffness.
- Speed up nerve recovery with improved circulation.
Tracking your progress
- Monitor strength improvements by noting how much resistance or weight you can handle over time.
- Track mobility by measuring how far you can move your arm without discomfort.
- Keep a journal to log pain levels, fatigue, and flexibility improvements.
- Record video clips periodically to compare movement ability.
Effective exercises to regain strength after a brachial plexus injury
Below are eight effective exercises to help regain strength and mobility after a brachial plexus injury:
- Shoulder shrugs
- Shoulder rolls
- Passive arm lifts
- Wrist flexion & extension
- Elbow bends
- Hand squeezes (Using a stress ball)
- External shoulder rotations
- Finger taps
1. Shoulder shrugs
Purpose: Strengthens shoulder muscles and improves mobility.
How to do it:
- Sit or stand upright.
- Slowly lift both shoulders toward your ears.
- Hold for a few seconds, then relax.
- Repeat 10-15 times.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Avoid hunching forward.
- Keep movements slow and controlled.
2. Shoulder rolls
Purpose: Enhances shoulder flexibility and reduces stiffness.
How to do it:
- Sit or stand comfortably.
- Slowly roll your shoulders forward in a circular motion.
- Repeat 10 times, then roll backward for another 10 repetitions.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Avoid fast or jerky movements.
- Keep your neck relaxed while rolling.
3. Passive arm lifts
Purpose: Helps improve movement when active lifting is difficult.
How to do it:
- Use your unaffected arm to lift the injured arm.
- Gently raise it forward and then lower it.
- Repeat 10-15 times.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Do not force the movement.
- Keep elbows slightly bent to prevent strain.
4. Wrist flexion & extension
Purpose: Improves wrist strength and flexibility.
How to do it:
- Place your forearm on a table with your hand hanging off the edge.
- Slowly bend your wrist up and down.
- Perform 10-15 repetitions.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Keep movements slow and steady.
- Avoid overextending the wrist.
5. Elbow bends
Purpose: Strengthens the biceps and improves elbow mobility.
How to do it:
- Keep your arm relaxed at your side.
- Slowly bend your elbow toward your shoulder.
- Lower it back down and repeat 10-15 times.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Avoid locking your elbow when lowering.
- Move gradually to avoid strain.
6. Hand squeezes (Using a stress ball)
Purpose: Helps improve grip strength and hand function.
How to do it:
- Hold a soft stress ball or sponge in your hand.
- Squeeze and hold for a few seconds, then release.
- Repeat 15-20 times.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t over-squeeze to avoid fatigue.
- Keep fingers relaxed when releasing.
7. External shoulder rotations
Purpose: Strengthens the shoulder rotator muscles.
How to do it:
- Hold a resistance band with both hands.
- Keep elbows close to your body and rotate your forearms outward.
- Slowly return to the starting position.
- Perform 10-12 repetitions.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t overextend or twist your torso.
- Keep movements controlled and steady.
8. Finger taps
Purpose: Improves fine motor skills and dexterity.
How to do it:
- Touch each fingertip to your thumb one at a time.
- Repeat the sequence 10 times on each hand.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Ensure all fingers move independently.
- Avoid rushing through the movement.
These exercises are generally for both post-injury and post-surgery rehabilitation, depending on the severity of the brachial plexus injury.
- For mild to moderate brachial plexus injuries (without surgery): These exercises help restore movement, prevent stiffness, and strengthen weakened muscles while the nerves recover naturally.
- For post-surgery rehabilitation (e.g., nerve grafts, transfers, or muscle reconstructions): These exercises are often introduced gradually under the guidance of a physical therapist to regain strength and mobility after the procedure.
If the injury is severe or if surgery was performed, it’s crucial to follow a customized rehab plan from a healthcare provider to avoid complications or overstraining the recovering nerves and muscles.
Common symptoms during recovery
It’s normal to experience the following during your rehabilitation process:
- Tingling or numbness as nerves begin to heal.
- Fatigue or muscle weakness as you gradually rebuild strength.
- Mild pain or soreness after exercises, which should ease with rest.
- Temporary stiffness that improves with regular movement.
If symptoms worsen or persist, consult a medical professional immediately.
Conclusion
Regularly performing these exercises can help restore strength, mobility, and function in the affected arm after a brachial plexus injury. Recovery takes time, but each small step brings you closer to regaining full function. Always consult a medical professional or physical therapist before starting an exercise routine to ensure the best results for your recovery.
At Krisha Hand Hospital, Ahmedabad, Dr. Karn Maheshwari provides advanced treatment options and personalized rehabilitation plans to help you regain optimal function. Contact us today for expert guidance and treatment options.
Author bio
Dr. Karn Maheshwari is the founder of Krisha Hand Hospital, Ahmedabad, established in 2016. He is the only fnb-qualified hand surgeon across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
With MS and DNB in orthopedics, Dr. Maheshwari specializes in treating a wide range of hand and wrist conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, sports hand injuries, orthopedic hand surgery, ganglion cysts, mangled hand injuries, congenital hand differences, brachial plexus palsy, cerebral palsy & spastic hand, hand tendinopathy, hand microsurgery, hand swelling, hand transplants, hand reimplantation, rheumatoid hand deformities, and peripheral nerve injuries & compressive neuropathies.
Dr. Maheshwari’s unmatched expertise and patient-centric approach ensure world-class treatment, advanced surgical solutions, and optimal recovery for patients with complex hand and wrist conditions.
FAQs
Recovery varies based on severity. Mild cases may recover in a few months, while severe cases may take years or require surgery.
Exercises are crucial, but severe cases may require physical therapy, medications, or surgery.
Yes, but it’s best to consult a physical therapist before starting any routine.
Typically, 2-3 times a day under professional guidance is recommended.
Lack of rehab can lead to muscle weakness, stiffness, and permanent loss of movement.
Light resistance exercises may help, but always consult a doctor before lifting weights.
Yes, maintaining a healthy diet, hydration, and rest can promote nerve healing and muscle strength.
Mild discomfort is normal, but sharp pain should not be ignored. Stop and consult a medical professional.
Treatment options include physical therapy, nerve grafting, tendon transfers, or surgery.
Yes, gentle stretches like shoulder, wrist flexor, and neck stretches help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Yes, massage therapy may improve circulation, reduce pain, and promote nerve healing.
Yes, splints, braces, and electrical stimulation devices can support recovery and prevent muscle atrophy.
