What it is
A short, honest summary.
- —Injury to the brachial plexus — the network of nerves that supplies the shoulder, arm, and hand — usually at birth.
- —Severity ranges from temporary weakness (neurapraxia) to nerve rupture or avulsion.
- —Early, consistent physiotherapy is the single most important determinant of outcome.
What families notice
The signals worth taking seriously.
- 01An arm that hangs limp at the side after birth
- 02Asymmetric arm use as the child grows (preferring one hand exclusively)
- 03Reduced shoulder range — especially abduction and external rotation
- 04A 'waiter's tip' posture: shoulder rotated inward, elbow extended
- 05Asymmetric Moro reflex in newborns
My approach
How the work is structured.
- —Daily passive range-of-motion to prevent shoulder contractures.
- —Play-based active movement work as the child develops.
- —Caregiver training — what to do daily, what to avoid, what to watch for.
- —Coordination with paediatric neurology and, where indicated, surgical teams.
What recovery looks like
A plain-language picture.
“With early intervention, most infants regain substantial or full arm function. Cases needing surgery still respond well to long-term rehabilitation.”
FAQ
Common questions, answered briefly.
- How soon should we start physiotherapy?
- Within the first weeks of life. The earlier we begin, the better the long-term outcome.
- Will my child need surgery?
- Most don't. Surgical referral is considered if there is no biceps function by 3 months — your neurologist will guide that decision.