Breaking down barriers to access sport with additional physiological needs.
Muscle Mechanics achieved an amazing result with our son Jenson and his unique recovery journey. We asked Jenson if it would be possible for him to complete a 5k at The Jingle Jog?
Jenson looked up and simply replied “Yes”. We did not know what the course was going to be like. However, with his keen enthusiasm, we made plans to go there and take his sticks for support.
It was a family event, so we all went to support Jenson together for this important mission. A whole 5k walk, which is the furthest he has completed with just his sticks and a handhold.
The course had a route along the canal bank and up onto a section of main road before returning to the field for the finish. The trail was muddy, slippery and had some rather interesting tree roots to negotiate. Quick frankly it would put off someone who had the mobility issues that Jenson has continually experienced since his life-saving brain tumour surgery in 2017.
Risk is higher than usual, there are masses of participants, and the senses are overloaded with visual and auditory information far greater than in a one-to-one environment. The use of space is difficult, and people will not always know what is going on with another person to ask or be considerate whilst running. It almost reverts to childlike tendencies of wanting to win and be first rather than just taking part. This is where Jenson has learned to become more patient with himself and not to think too much about what’s going on around him but to focus on what he is doing instead.
His brother decided to race off as he too felt the urge to finish the course as quick as possible to receive his medal. So, with this swift change to the plan of Dad staying with Jenson, Jenson stayed with me, and we went round together.
Jenson has global ataxia and uncoordinated movement due to the stroke experienced during his stay in the hospital. He moves with a slight delay on the left side and a weaker leg on the right. So, with every step he takes, the weight shift must work to his offbeat rhythm. The mental exhaustion hits sooner than expected, but with humour and positive encouragement, he continues towards the next kilometre. He starts to feel it in the ankles and stops briefly to stretch them. Each glance downwards tips his head forward, creating a momentum to fall, but he corrects it with strength and knowledge that was not there before. The self-correction to stand up straight and to move weight from one leg to another is the best we have seen. The strategy to get him to talk about what he is going to do later, distracts from the natural movements he can achieve without overthinking it. Jenson did not realise how far he had walked until the next yellow sign with 3 kilometres written on it. The yellow arrows became a game to see where the next one would be.
As the route is over halfway, we are joined by some lovely volunteer marshals and paramedic. They wanted to support Jenson and provided a good conversation when the tiredness started to kick in. The laughter and warmth of kindness gave Jenson more of a boost than the sweets provided by Santa as he passed by walking with a stick of his own.
Navigating dogs running along the canal, other runners that were itching to get past and cyclists. Jenson did extremely well. Breathing deeply to enable all the muscles to relax and keep moving. Jenson knew he would be ok; it was a battle of the mindset. At 4 kilometres he started to stop more often and felt like he could not continue anymore. Then he looked up to see his little brother running towards him and Dad in the background. Instantly, Jenson feels like he could go on, after all, he is the older brother, if anyone would show him how it is done, then Jenson would. The competitive instinct came alive. He was growling; he wanted to stop, but then he wanted the medal. We listen as the organisers are cheering him on, he can hear them over the loudspeaker. He glances up and sees marshals in yellow high-visibility vests clapping and cheering him on. The focus returns, the belief increases. “I can do it!” he says. The course had a great way of being slightly downhill at this point, so the use of gravity is to his advantage. The stick remained by his side, ever sliding and sinking into the mud, but with renewed strength of seeing the finish line, he lifts it without struggle and repeats again and again until finally he crosses the line. He takes a moment to receive his medal and to have a well-deserved drink. Shaking hands with the mayor and local policeman who thought it was the best experience to watch someone, who 8 years ago could not even lift his head, complete his first 5-kilometre walk.
Over the last twelve months, Muscle Mechanics has grown into a community to serve others who find mobility tough, access to sports is not always possible and as a result, participation is less likely. With Jenson winning a national award for his efforts to raise awareness of brain tumour rehabilitation for children. Jenson has had the chance to reach new levels of success. Muscle Mechanics is used to this day. He even had it on once he returned to the car as he felt his ankles and shins were tight.
Encouraging movement even when it seemed impossible, gave a sense of hope and belief that one day it can be accomplished. Not everyone will recover within a few weeks or a few months sometimes it can take years. Taking a day at a time and appreciating the journey can be far more rewarding than simply getting to the finish line.
To everyone who has read our articles this year, thank you for your time. If you have collaborated of purchased our balm kits, thank you. Each purchase has enabled the possibility to explore further training skills, new sports to enter and a feel-good energy that we are able to work together to improve the lives of others.
We hope to work with many more Physiotherapists to grow our visibility as a brand that cares for the mobility of others at any stage of recovery.
Happy Festive Holidays!
May 2026 be one of collaboration and connection.
#TeamJenson “Inspired By Movement”.
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