Erb's Palsy

Erb's palsy is a paralysis of the arm caused by injury to the upper group of the arm's main nerves. The condition arises most commonly from a shoulder injury during a difficult birth.

At Brownbill Associates Ltd the children with Erb's palsy usually require rehabilitation and / or surgery as they have permanent, partial or complete motor paralysis and loss of sensation in the arm.

The case manager will work with the child and their family to appoint and coordinate therapists, usually an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist, to ensure maximum function is achieved. This may involve helping to purchase equipment recommended by the therapists. Hydrotherapy is also an important treatment, and where appropriate the case manager will facilitate access to a hydrotherapy pool. It is important that range of movement, muscle tone, joint flexibility and sensory awareness are facilitated through rehabilitation. Active use of the arm via purposeful activities, including bi-lateral activities, is to be encouraged.

The case manager will support the family to help the child carry out the exercise regime, as recommended by the occupational therapist and physiotherapist, and where this does not happen will plan an alternative, for example, recruiting a support worker / therapy assistant to visit frequently to carry out the recommended exercises and activities.