United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Emily's Physical therapist commented that she wished "there was something that could be done" to prevent Emily's arm from bending at the elbow as she raises it over her head. Is this an issue that is correctable? How? Her elbow is not bent normally, in typical BPI fashion, nor does she usually hold it bent. Emily did have the mod quad, but i am embarrassed to say I can't recall if this is something that was better before and got worse again or what. Yikes! Bad Mom. I'm too busy worrying about the big football player who is always at our house with flowers and candy to pay much attention the the BPI stuff these days! (:

My daughter also holds her arm in a normal position. The elbow is not bent. However, she bends it when it raises as well. I have been told that her triceps are weak and that is the reason (almost that gravity is pulling the elbow down and she does not have the triceps capability to straighten). When I put an elbow splint on her she can then raise it straight up. That is because the split takes the place of the triceps. I hope that this makes sense.
Michele from NJ

sue - football player??? wow! already?? hahaha

my first reaction was biceps contracture but you said that it's not bent always...so that's not a contracture then...

bending when raising the arm... I think this sounds like weakened triceps

how are you?

maia is having surgery on monday at 7:30 am...can I request prayers for her? and can you put her on the prayer list too?

Thanks!

-francine

My daughter has the same problem although we haven't had the modquad. She is seeing a new ot tomorrow so I will ask her.

weak triceps it is! We just went through this discussion this week with TCH and the therapists. Lots of arm raises will help stregnthen the triceps and if anyone has any other ideas please share with me. We practice jumping in the pool alot and of course you have to make sure you swing those arms up so you can go out further...whatever works.

tricep curls
nmes on triceps

no nmes..functional estim was ordered by one dr but the other recognized that while she needed it she would not tolerate it physically or emotionally. We also need bicep work..any more new and fun ideas? Her therapist(s) and I are at a loss as to what to add to her therapies now as we work on everything almost to the point of exhaustion.

I just started working with a new OT for my 11 month old with robpi. She is reccomending LOTS of stimulation, that it helps the muscle tone as well as the nerve function. She showed me a "wiggle game" where she held Sarah's hands and shook her hands & arms so that her whole body wiggled - Sarah loved it! We are also trying Kinesio taping to improve the strength and tone of the triceps. I was told the TES wasn't reccomended for under 2 years of age.