Beating BPI

My name is Matt Parsons and I was born with Erb's Palsy / Brachial Plexus Injury (BPI) in my left arm. I was a huge baby, almost 11lbs and on my way into this world I got stuck. My left arm was pulled, which then tore the nerves and resulted in my injury. My parents did physiotherapy with me twice a day and I ended up regaining some movement. I'd say that I have around 60% of movement back in my arm, but there are still things that I'm unable to do.

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Having said that, I want you to understand that with enough determination and hard work, people with Erb's Palsy can do anything. I was told that I would never be able to catch a ball, but I ended up playing county cricket as a teenager. I was also told that I'd never play a musical instrument. I have been a drummer in a band and I have also learned how to play guitar upside down and recorded several albums as a guitarist and singer / songwriter. 

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Everyone's journey is different and we all have our own struggles. I decided to build a blog to document my personal journey and hopefully inspire a few people on the way. I document stretches and exercises that I do to help build muscle, flexibility, strength and range of movement. These aren't always exactly how a physio or a doctor may show you, but these work for me. I think that it's important to adapt things to work for you. 

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I have filmed a documentary about Brachial Plexus Injury / Erbs Palsy called 'Exploring Erb's Palsy'. Series 1 is currently being released weekly. Please click HERE to watch. Each episode features interviews with other people with Erbs Palsy, nerve surgeons, physiotherapists and more. Keep track of the episodes by following the Beating BPI social media.

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I hope that some of you enjoy the content and I'd love to hear from you and I look forward to meeting some new friends.