Two weeks after a nerve graft surgery, parents are instructed to resume gentle PROM exercise. If the child has had a neurolysis surgery, parents are instructed to resume gentle PROM exercise immediately after surgery. PROM Shoulder exercises should be in a neutral plane until sutures have completely healed. Do not put weights on involved extremity at this time. Regeneration of nerves may be noted at 9-12 months after surgery with only minimal return of motion to involved musculature before this time.
Scar massage is to be performed one month after surgery once steri-strips have fallen off.
Vitamin E oil or any kind of lotion may be used. Scar massage can be performed before ROM exercises or any time throughout day. If scar on the leg goes down to ankle, PROM of ankle in all motions can be performed to maintain flexibility. If intercostal to musculocutaneous nerve graft was performed the arm will need to be restrained at the shoulder in adduction and must not be allowed to move more than 45 degrees of abduction for six weeks so that the graft will take. PROM may be performed to the elbow, wrist, and hand after initial dressing are removed.