The role of kinesiotherapy in treating the symptoms of obstetric palsy

Abstract

Obstetric palsy (OP) is the partial or total paralysis of the upper limb due to injury of the brachial plexus during childbirth. Early kinesiotherapy intervention helps to treat motor disorders faster and more effectively by reducing upper limb disability. The aim of this review is to describe recent research data on kinesiotherapy applications in patients with OP. The Google Scholar and PubMed databases were searched with the following keywords: obstetric palsy, kinesiotherapy, rehabilitation. This review included five articles. In conclusion, the application of kinesiotherapy contributes to the better treatment of motor and sensory disorders of the paretic muscles caused by OP as it helps to maintain the range of motion of the glenohumeral joint, to prevent stiffness, to maintain muscle tone, to increase muscle strength and endurance and, consequently, to improve function of the affected limb.