Brachial Neuritis Exercises Handout

Common symptoms of a brachial plexus injury include burning pain in the shoulder or upper arm, weakness, or loss of muscle strength in the affected arm, and difficulty with shoulder adduction or forearm movement. Patients may also experience neck pain or symptoms resembling cervical radiculopathy.

Physical therapy is essential for restoring upper extremity function and improving strength after a brachial plexus injury. Therapists use a combination of active and passive range of motion exercises, joint mobilization, and manual therapy to maintain flexibility, reduce pain, and prevent muscle loss. Strengthening exercises target the rotator cuff, shoulder muscles, elbow, and forearm to rebuild muscle function and support nerve repair.

Surgical intervention may be required for severe brachial plexus injuries, especially when the injured nerve fails to recover on its own or involves severe nerve root avulsion. Surgical procedures such as nerve grafting, nerve transfers, or direct nerve repair aim to restore nerve function, reduce pain, and prevent further muscle atrophy.