United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Morning folks,

Have quick question, Does anyone have good exercise routine to regain muscle that was lost due to injury?

Also has anyone regained muscle bulk that was lost for a period over injury?

Due to left arm injury, I lost a stone in total and its all muscle loss to the left side and now need to try regain this.

Thanks in advance

Hi Paulsco,
I also have a left tbpi - going on 4 1/2 years. I've been in and out of OT/PT since my accident. About 7 months ago, I joined a gym and incorporated both my PT exercises as well as working with a trainer who used to be a therapist.
7 months later, I've gained an inch back! I go 4-5 times a week and spend half an hour on my arms. I do everything from bicep curls, arm extensions, lateral dips & raises, chest press - you name it. I also have rsd so i don't really let the pain stop me, but if it hurts that much, you should probably stop.

Talk to your doc or PT about it and I'm sure they could come up with a routine for you.
All the best of luck,
Gillian

Well done!

Thank you for your input, will give them a try.
Am looking at surgery in about a month, A type of hot wire nerves.

From my chest to arm to hopefully ease pain and regain some movement in fingers, then next year a ligament transfer.

All the best

Gillian,
I'm in the midst of doing the same thing. Trying to start a well thought out routine of PT and regular exercise at the local gym. I'm curious what was the extent of your injury and any recuperative surgeries. I'm coming on 3 years post injury w/a RTBPI, C5, C6, C7 avulsion w/nerve transfers to biceps, deltoid and triceps. My deltoid and triceps are very week so I try a lot of PT in the pool and 4 or 5 lb. weights for the biceps.

That inch you've gained back, is that at your biceps circumference? I'm glad your pushing thru the pain. One of my goals is t o get off of neurontin completely as soon as I'm exercising regularly and my endorphins are on the rebound.

I'm just glad to hear someone has taken solid steps to regaining and strengthen all they can.

Cheers, Chris

Chris,
LTBPI w/ c7 c8 t1 no avulsions though. lost 60% of specifically my ulnar nerve function. it's been 4 1/2 years for me now. my entire arm was very weak, lost almost all of my muscles though my tricep was always a bit stronger. my shoulder and neck has always been weak as hell, especially my trapezius and anterior deltoid. like i said i also have rsd in my left arm which has complicated matters a bit so i'm not your typical bpi.

had ulnar nerve transposition at elbow in 01,
thoracic outlet decompression with interior scalenectomy 02
next up is a ribsectomy this fall

and yes, it's biceps circumference, and forearm muscle (can't remember the name!) as well. the only thing i'm having no luck is gaining my intrinsic muscles back - don't have any left!

i've just spent the last 6 weeks being weening off Neurontin. tomorrow night will be my first time without it in 1 1/2 years. i'm still on a bunch of other meds but i'm so happy about getting off neurontin. it's been one hell of a month of withdrawal symptoms. get off it as soon as you can, cause the longer you wait the harder it might get.
all the best
Gillian