United Brachial Plexus Network

<t>If I were you I would see a certified hand therapist. These are usually OT's but PT's are CHT's as well. Hand therapists just deal with mostly the forearm and hand(and up to the shoulder). They are very knowledgeable about carpal tunnel releases and ulnar nerve transposistions. I just graduated f...

<t>What surgeries did you have? If its a carpal tunnel release those surgeries are really painful and can have a long recovery time.<br/> Same thing with an ulnar nerve transposition(they move your ulnar nerve) for cubital tunnel syndrome. Don't give up hope just yet. sometimes it takes a while for ...

<t>I have been fortunate enough to never need a splint but... in my OT clinicals the splints that people seem to find the most helpful when they have reduced hand and wrist function are resting hand splints and wrist cock up splints.<br/> These weren't for peope with BPI's necessarily but for people...

Carolyn:
What do you mean by cold in washington state? I grew up in the philadelphia(east coast)area and I have experienced cold weather. What is different about washington state?
Becky

I would suggest helping her out with the more physically demanding tasks. I know shes only eleven but maybe give her simple chores to do? Carry the heavier things for her. Also you could try ice or heat when her shoulder is sore.
Becky

I cannot pronate enough to type 2 handed so I just type with one hand. I am actually kind of stuck in supination in my right BPI hand but I can honestly say I do not face major obtacles because of it.
Becky

I'm wondering if there are any BPI specialists who do carpal tunnel releases. So maybe if a BPi doc says its ok you could still do your affected side as well(if you want)
Becky

<t>I have not had a problem getting PT/OT covered by insurance for my BPI arm. I recently had surgery to clear scar tissure from my brachial plexus and did not have a problem getting that covered.<br/> <br/> I never had the tendon/muscle transfer surgeries that kids get these days so can't comment o...

<t>If frankie can lay his hand on the table and has enough strength to hold it there he can use adaptive devices on his BPI hand to hold a fork while he cuts with another. There is something called a universl cuff which you can wear around your hand like a bracelet and put utensils in it.<br/> <br/>...

<t>Have you talked to your PT about this? Are you getting more pain with stretching or with exercise?<br/> <br/> I know from doing internships in hand therapy that stretching tight hands is painful for people but the end result is that they feel better once their joints/muscles are loosened.<br/> <b...