Erb's Palsy - Importance of Therapy and Treatment

Erb's Palsy is a condition that often affects very young children. The condition falls under a category of injuries known as Brachial Plexus Injuries. These are a network of nerves that service the shoulders, arms and hands. Erb's Palsy occurs when these nerves are damaged in some way - usually they are pulled or torn when the shoulder is injured. The reason why this condition affects children so often is because this damage often occurs during childbirth. Studies show that about 2 in every 1,000 babies have this condition.

The severity of this condition varies according to the damage. In some cases, the nerve gets completely cut off from the spinal cord - this is the worst kind of brachial plexus injury. The good news is that in a number of cases, particularly among children, the damage heals on its own. Infants who sustain this injury at birth often take about 4 months to heal completely. If the injury is more severe then physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery is recommended.

It's important to note that nerve surgery should occur within the first three months of the child's life. Surgery performed after the baby's first year will not be effective. It's also important to do physical therapy with your child, starting when they are about three weeks old. These should be done at least twice a day - your doctor will give you a range of exercises to do.

Remember that children who are affected by Erb's Palsy may continue to experience weakness in the affected arm. This is why physical therapy and continued treatment at the right time is so important.