United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

hello everybody. i am 24 yers old and was born with brachial plexus in my right arm. i am starting to do my own research and see if there is anything more that could be helpful to gain more strentgh and rom and to help with the pain.. like maybe surgery. i cant believe at how many websites and people that have this too..wow! Growing up there wasn't very much information around. When i was younger i went to a doctor yearly at the U of M who didnt know much either. i live in south carolina and was wondering if anybody knew of a close bpi specialist. Or who i should go about contacting to begin my process. i would appreciate any information anybody has to offer.

Kristi,
Do you see a physical or occupational therapist? That might help a lot with pain. I was having pretty bad pain in my shoulder region of my back and I talked with my OT about it and she has done ultrasound followed by deep tissue massage and I have very little pain now. It was amazing, I too was thinking about another surgery to relieve some of the pain but now its gone and I didn't have to have another surgery.
Now I am also working on ROM with my OT and during the school year I saw student OT's and we worked on strengthening. This has really helped me.

There is a medical resource directory under the resources link at the top of the page then there should be doctors listed by state.

Another thing that might help with strengthening would be the use of splints, doesn't sound like it would help with strength, but I have had several for my hand and have gained a lot of strength from them.

Good luck and I hope that your pain goes away soon, its no fun to be in pain.

Amy 19 ROBPI from MN

Hi Kristi,
Welcome. I emailed you some information, but please post all of your questions here too. There is alot of support here and there are no dumb questions!
Hugs,
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI

Kristi:
I think to increase strength you should attempt to strengthen the muscles you already have in your affected right arm. An occupational therapist can advise you but generally physical therapists do most work with strengthening. I would definately see either an OT or PT for stretching as this did wonders for me at first. Surgery should be a last result but that doesn't mean you can't go there. I would advise therapy at first to see if that works but if not see a brachial plexus injury specialist and go from there.
Becky
Becky