Recovery & Support for Brachial Plexus Injuries

Recovery from a brachial plexus injury can sometimes take months. NYU Langone specialists guide you throughout this period to keep you as comfortable and active as possible.

Pain Relief Medication

NYU Langone’s team of pain management experts are available to assist you 24 hours a day during nonsurgical treatment or following surgery. One of our dedicated specialists visits you immediately following a surgical procedure to determine the proper medication to help you heal. Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, during your recovery.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an important part of recovering from a brachial plexus injury, whether you have surgery or nonsurgical treatment. Physical therapy helps strengthen your muscles and reduces the risk of another injury.

NYU Langone’s highly trained team of physicians and therapists at Rusk Rehabilitation is experienced in helping people recover from brachial plexus injuries. You may meet with a physical therapist for 6 to 12 weeks, and your therapist also provides an at-home stretching and strengthening routine that you can continue after therapy ends.  

Physical therapy can start after your doctor confirms that you can safely move the injured area. If you had surgery, you can usually begin light weight-bearing exercises within a week after your procedure.

Occupational Therapy

As you recover from your brachial plexus injury treatment, occupational therapy can be a vital part of your recovery, especially if your fine motor skills have been affected. Our occupational therapists develop a program that helps you improve your overall mobility, and teaches you how to safely perform tasks at home, work, and during leisure activities. Occupational therapy can begin once your doctor confirms you can move the injured area.

You may meet with an occupational therapist for 6 to 12 weeks. They also offer video visits, which provide a complete view of your daily routine and surroundings. Therapists identify safety risks, determine the need for assistive devices, and use items in your own home to develop a routine that you can continue after your visits are complete.