An Improvement of Upper Limb Strength in Infant Erb's Palsy Following Combined Exercise and Laser Therapy: A Case Report

Background: Erb's palsy (brachial plexus birth palsy involving C5–C6 roots) is one of the most common complications of birth trauma, occurring in 0.4–2.6 per 1,000 live births. The condition results in ipsilateral upper limb weakness, impaired active motion, and risk of secondary joint contractures if rehabilitation is delayed. Early and intensive multimodal rehabilitation is considered essential to optimise nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Objective: This case report describes the rehabilitation management of an infant with left-sided Erb's palsy treated with a combined protocol of structured exercise therapy and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). Exercise comprised passive range of motion (PROM), active-assisted exercises, and functional strengthening. LLLT was applied to the motor points of the affected muscles. Outcomes were measured using the Active Movement Scale (AMS) before and after four months of intervention. Results: After four months of combined rehabilitation, marked improvement in active left upper limb movement was observed. AMS scores improved across all assessed movements, with the most notable gains in shoulder flexion (AMS 1?6) and elbow flexion (AMS 1?6). No adverse events were recorded during the intervention period. Conclusion: A combined protocol of structured exercise therapy and LLLT is effective in improving active movement and upper limb function in an infant with Erb's palsy. This multimodal approach should be incorporated into comprehensive early rehabilitation programmes for brachial plexus birth palsy.