United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

How long after injury should one continue physical therapy if all 5 nerves are avulsed???? Is it worth it???
Frank

I had 2 avulese and 2 ruptured... I did PT and OT and water therapy for 3.5 years after my wreck! I really htink that it helped me get to where i ma today! i am not sure about all5 avulsed though.... good luck! i Am sure someone here can help better!

COurt

Hi Frank,

I avulsed all 5 13 years ago and stopped regular PT about a year into it. Couldn't see the point, BUT I do stil pull mt arm up over my head as it releves the pain quite a lot when I get it, and I still do the finger crunching (bending and straightening using the other hand) just to keep th blood flowing.

As for doing 'normal' PT, personally, for me anyway, I thinK it's not necessary anymore.

I forgot to mention, I do have the means to bend the elbow, thanks to nerve grafts years ago, and I do that regularly every day, even tho the movement is of no real practical use to me.

Lizzy F

I think PT before as well as after surgery is very important, just to keep the muscles from freezing up. After surgery John spent one session a week in a pool, and had much more range of motion in water since he didn't have to fight gravity. In addition to that, he had one other session with the OT & 2 with a PT every week - plus doing exercises daily at home.

Electrical stimulation (e-stim) is also important to keep the muscles from atrophying while waiting for repaired or transferred nerves to grow out - especially since they grow so slowly. Physical therapists have stronger e-stim units than the battery operated hand held one John used at home.

Hope this helps.

Ellen

Frank

I avulsed my left brachial plexus - I did PT for the first 2 years but was never going to get any function back. It has been 14 years since my injury. It got to a point wher I needed to move on with my life and not worry whether or not I would gain back any functionality - no regrets what so ever. I got a great career with a great company, married with 1 daughter. My Dad told me that you got to hope for the best but plan for the worse. To me, being independent was more important. My opinion is that PT is not worthwhile for complete avulsions - Only disclaimer would be is if it helps with the pain, then it may be worthwhile. My pain is not too bad, so it is not an issue for me. Focus on the limbs that do work. I hopes this helps.

-Rich

I think pt is important to continue especially as we age. I am 34 and some days I'm not as active as I should be. On the days I'm not stretching my arm and doing things it tends to be more stiff. Although, I do live in Montana and the cold hits it all the time. I think it just depends on the individual and what makes you feel better.
Just a thought.

I did therapy for a couple of years after my accident, but with no use of my arm couldn't see the point in carrying on. Milder injuries where there is some use would probably benefit and even flail arms like mine would probably be better off if that shoulder was more flexible (well done Liz, mine goes no higher than 90 degrees) but to be honest I wish I'd just had it amputated when they offered years ago. Rich hits the nail on the head-moving on and being independent (including independent from doctors and therapists) can be the best therapy for severe bpi injuries!