Chordata method combined with electrotherapy in functional recovery after brachial plexus injury: report of three clinical cases

Authors

  • Régis Gemerasca Mestriner Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9837-1691
  • Charlene Brito de Oliveira Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul
  • Denizar Alberto da Silva Melo Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul
  • Mayara Ferraz de Menezes Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul
  • Irenio Gomes da Silva Filho Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul
  • Jefferson Luis Braga da Silva Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul
  • Verônica Baptista Frison Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-6108.2016.2.22425

Keywords:

brachial plexus neuropathies, physical therapy modalities, peripheral nerve injuries.

Abstract

Aims: To report three clinical cases of complex brachial plexus injury treated with an innovative physical therapy program, the Chordata Method, combined with electrotherapy.

Case description: Three patients suffered a complex brachial plexus injury. They were submitted to surgery and to long-term rehabilitation with the Chordata method (including suspension and tilting exercises) combined with electrotherapy. All patients exhibited significant signs of recovery in post-treatment electroneuromyography. Moreover, improvements in muscle strength and in the range of motion of the injured upper limb were also observed, leading to better posture and gains in activities of daily living (e.g., driving a modified car, holding objects, performing household chores, and doing leisure activities).

Conclusions: There was great functional recovery after the physical therapy program with the Chordata Method combined with electrotherapy, with an impact on patients’ daily lives as well as on electroneuromyography findings. Randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm or refute this new non-pharmacological strategy for the treatment of brachial plexus injuries.

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Author Biographies

Régis Gemerasca Mestriner, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS)

College of Nursing, Nutrition and Physiotherapy and Professor.

Charlene Brito de Oliveira, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

Biomedical Gerontology PhD student.

Denizar Alberto da Silva Melo, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

College of Nursing, Nutrition and Physiotherapy and Professor.

Mayara Ferraz de Menezes, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

Celular and Molecular Biology Post Graduation Program (PUCRS). Master Student.

Irenio Gomes da Silva Filho, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

Geriatrics and Gerontology Institute (PUCRS) and Professor.

Jefferson Luis Braga da Silva, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

College of Medicine. Director and Professor.

Verônica Baptista Frison, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

College of Nursing, Nutrition and Physiotherapy and Professor.

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Published

2016-05-13

How to Cite

Mestriner, R. G., de Oliveira, C. B., Melo, D. A. da S., de Menezes, M. F., Filho, I. G. da S., da Silva, J. L. B., & Frison, V. B. (2016). Chordata method combined with electrotherapy in functional recovery after brachial plexus injury: report of three clinical cases. Scientia Medica, 26(2), ID22425. https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-6108.2016.2.22425

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 2 (2016)

Section

Case Reports

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