Best Home Exercises for Infants (and Children) with Erb’s Palsy

Introduction

In our previous post, we explored how certain play activities can lead to injuries in children. Today, we're sharing a hands-on guide to help you care for a child living with Erb’s Palsy—especially when it’s present from birth. This post will empower you with simple but important steps to support your child’s recovery from home; and even after Physiotherapy visits. 

Materials Needed

• Safe baby toys (rattles, soft balls)

• Journal or notepad to track progress

Understanding Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s Palsy is caused by injury to the brachial plexus, a bundle of nerves near the neck and shoulder. It usually affects one arm, resulting in:

• Weakness or paralysis of the arm

• Poor grip on one side

• Limited shoulder or elbow movement

Steps to Care for Your Child

Step 1: Observe Carefully

Pay close attention to them during sleep, play, and feeding times. Watch for:

• One arm hanging limply or held still

• Avoidance of using one arm

• Limited finger movement

Use a journal to note daily progress or changes. This helps both you and your physiotherapist track recovery.

Step 2: Consult a Physiotherapist

As soon as you notice signs of Erb’s Palsy, see a physiotherapist. They are movement specialists who will:

• Confirm the diagnosis

• Teach you home exercises

• Guide you on proper handling

• Recommend further treatments if needed (e.g., electrical stimulation or splints)

You don need to wait for a referral from a physician. Early intervention is critical for full recovery.

Step 3: Begin Gentle Home Exercises

Once your physiotherapist shows you how to safely handle your baby, begin these daily routines:

• Shoulder Movement: Gently move the arm outwards and upwards. Do 5–10 reps, twice daily.

• Elbow Bends: Bring the hand toward the mouth, then straighten. Repeat 10 times, twice daily.

• Wrist Circles: Slowly rotate the wrist in both directions. 10 reps, twice daily.

• Finger Play: Massage each finger and encourage grasping. 10 reps, twice daily.

These exercises will help to "remind" the brain that the affected arm exists, improving motor connection over time. And ensure to also move the unaffected arm.

Step 4: Encourage Use of the Affected Arm

As your child grows every day, help them use the weaker arm:

• Offer toys to that hand

• Use soft wrist rattles to draw attention to the arm

• Verbally encourage them to receive or hold objects with the affected side

And avoid:

• Forcing movement through pain

• Delaying help if there’s no progress after a few weeks

• Lifting or pulling the child by the affected arm

Step 5: Be Patient, Consistent & Loving

Nerve healing is slow–often taking months. So while caring for your child, stay consistent, celebrate every little progress, and avoid blaming yourself or your child. A twitch today may be a full movement tomorrow.

Final Thoughts

You're doing a great job. While it’s easy to feel pressure or even guilt, remember–you’re not the cause of your child’s condition. With love, patience, and consistency, recovery is possible.

Need support? Contact us at +2348126973878 for help finding a child physiotherapist or getting home-care tips.

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