Pediatric Brachial Plexus Injuries Therapy in Durham & Chapel Hill
What is Brachial Plexus Injuries?
A brachial plexus injury occurs when the network of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand is stretched, compressed, or torn. These injuries most commonly happen during birth (often referred to as Erb’s palsy), but they can also occur later in childhood due to trauma or accidents.
For families, this can feel overwhelming—especially when you notice your child struggling to move one arm, meet motor milestones, or build strength and coordination. The good news is that with early intervention and the right therapeutic support, many children make significant progress.
Pediatric Brachial Plexus Injuries Signs & Symptoms
Every Child is different, but some common signs may include:
- Limited movement in one arm or shoulder
- Weak grip or difficulty grasping toys
- Arm held close to the body or in an unusual position
- Delayed gross motor milestones like rolling, crawling, or walking
- Muscle weakness or decreased coordination on one side
If you’re noticing any of these signs, early evaluation is key.
How Therapy Smarts Supports Children with Brachial Plexus Injuries
At Therapy Smarts, we specialize in helping children turn challenges into triumphs—and that includes supporting those with brachial plexus injuries through personalized, compassionate care. Our pediatric physical therapy team works closely with families to build strength, improve function, and support developmental progress.
Children with Cerebral Palsy may benefit from: (Physical Therapy)
Our approach includes:
- Strengthening & Mobility Exercises
We use play-based, engaging techniques to improve muscle strength, joint stability, and range of motion in the affected arm. - Developmental Milestone Support
From tummy time to crawling and walking, we help your child build the foundational skills needed to meet age-appropriate milestones. - Functional Movement Training
We focus on real-life skills like reaching, grasping, and bilateral coordination so your child can confidently explore their environment. - Family Education & Home Programs
Parents are a key part of progress. We provide hands-on guidance and easy-to-follow exercises so you can support your child’s development at home. - Collaborative, Whole-Child Care
Because we offer occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, ABA, mental health services, and psychological evaluations—all under one roof, your child receives comprehensive care tailored to their needs.
Physical Therapy at Therapy Smarts is tailored to meet children where they are developmentally while encouraging continued progress.
Enhancing Communication and Feeding (Speech Therapy)
Communication is the bridge to connection. Because children with Brachial Plexus Injuries often face challenges with speech clarity or language delays, our Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) provide:
Oral Motor Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the tongue and jaw for clearer speech.
Total Communication Support: Using signs, gestures, or AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) to reduce frustration while verbal speech develops.
Feeding Therapy: Specialized support for chewing and swallowing safety, ensuring your child gets the nutrition they need to thrive.
Developing Independence and Fine Motor Skills (Occupational Therapy)
Our Occupational Therapists (OTs) focus on “the job of being a kid.” We help children master the daily skills they need for home and school, including:
Fine Motor Coordination: Strengthening small hand muscles for writing, using scissors, or buttoning clothes.
Self-Care Skills: Practical training for feeding themselves, dressing, and grooming.
Sensory Integration: Helping children process information from their environment so they can stay focused and calm in the classroom.
Social and Behavioral Growth (ABA Therapy & Mental Health Support)
For children who need extra support with social cues or behavioral regulation, our ABA and Mental Health teams offer a supportive environment to:
Build positive social interactions with peers.
Increase attention span and classroom readiness.
Support emotional regulation and confidence-building.
Wondering About Developmental Milestones?
Have questions about your child’s development, or wondering if a certain diagnosis may be a fit? Try out our developmental screening tool— it’s a fast, free way to get a snapshot of your child’s progress on his or her developmental milestones.
Ready to Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential?
At Therapy Smarts, we don’t believe in a “wait and see” approach. We believe in early, expert intervention that gives your child the tools they need to thrive. Whether you are looking for specialized Brachial Plexus Injury support or a comprehensive developmental evaluation, our award-winning team in Durham and Chapel Hill is ready to partner with your family.
Two Easy Ways to Begin:
Contact Us Directly: Ready to schedule? Call us at 919-378-1340.
Fill out our Online Inquiry Form to speak with a member of our intake team.
Don’t navigate this journey alone—let’s unlock your child’s possibilities together
