The long haul (eventual) benefits of the hot, sweaty splints…

Try telling that to my 6 year old self though!!

Wearing splints growing up had a huge benefit to my physical development. The doctors recommended it, my parents knew it, but try telling that to a growing little boy at the height of summer, just wanting to rip it off at every opportunity!!

The persistence of guiding my younger self and teaching me about the long term benefits must have been such an onerous task for my parents, knowing now they simply wanted me to have the best quality of life later on so having to resist or put up with my natural stubbornness towards it is something I’m still incredibly grateful for.

Sneakily taking the splint off at night only to find the bloody thing reattached as they lovingly strapped it back is amusing to look back on, baffling at the magic at the time!!

I recount these stories, partly as a healing process, part to share it with the wider world as for too long I bottled this up, thinking it was something to hide – never wanting to wear shorts, tired of answering questions as a kid.

Now, to put these together, to draw something from them when an obstacle comes my way or helping others to process in any capacity is a joy and a privilege.

I felt as if though I was on a tiny island all those years ago but I feel a sense to document and use this positive energy of socials to explain it in some ways.

I do tire perhaps more easily nowadays with the energy consumption needed but to be able to slow things down, to take stock and understand how my body reacts to gym sets or adapting at work is something I mindfully grateful to understand why and react to it moving forward.

Published by Matt Elson

Bringing you the latest in not only my personal journal into the world of disability Bodybuilding, but a discovery into latest events, profiles, news and promoting awareness of this great sport Based in Bristol in the UK, I’ve been competing in Disability Bodybuilding for the last 3 years in a journey which has taken me all over the country to national, international & world championships and I am so so grateful for that opportunity that had changed my life. Living with Cerebal Palsy has its challenges, but everyone has their individual hurdles to negotiate. Gaining strength both physically & mentally and adapting to the surrounding is all part of this journey. This is a mission to raise awareness, to promote our great category to develop opportunities for others. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss more!

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