Klumpke's Palsy Physiotherapy in Indirapuram

How it happens

The lower brachial plexus nerves get stretched when the arm is pulled upward forcefully. At birth this can happen if the baby is delivered with the arm raised overhead. In adults, it can result from grabbing onto something while falling from height, or from a high-energy accident.

The small muscles of the hand and the wrist and finger flexors are affected. The hand may take on a claw-like posture. Sometimes there's drooping of the eyelid and a small pupil on the same side, called Horner's syndrome, which indicates the injury is close to the spinal cord.

Physiotherapy goals

While nerves recover, the priority is keeping the hand and wrist joints supple and preventing fixed deformity. Splinting helps hold the wrist and fingers in a good position. Range of motion exercises are done daily.

For babies, therapy is play-based and parents do much of the work at home. For adults, we focus on grip, pinch, fine motor control and practical tasks like writing, using a phone and buttoning. Electrical stimulation is sometimes used to maintain muscle while nerves regrow, though its benefit varies.

Recovery and specialist input

Lower plexus injuries often recover more slowly and less completely than upper ones. Early specialist review helps decide whether surgery, such as nerve transfers, might help. Rehabilitation continues regardless, because function can improve through compensation and adaptive techniques even when nerve recovery is limited.

Exercises often used for Klumpke's Palsy

These are exercises our physiotherapists commonly include. Which ones suit you, how many and in what order depends on your assessment and stage of recovery.

All shoulder exercises

Frequently asked questions