The determined tween, from Swansea, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy just before her third birthday and would often trip over and fall due to an abnormal walking gait which led Sienna’s mum, Jo, to feel uncertain about her daughter’s future.
After carrying out extensive research on the condition, which the NHS describes as a ‘group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and coordination caused by a problem with the brain that develops before, during or soon after birth’ Jo learned about neuroplasticity and how the brain can create new patterns and pathways.
She discovered that physiotherapy and strength and conditioning training could lead to remarkable improvements in Sienna’s mobility, balance, and strength, and introduced her to qualified Strength & Conditioning coaches to achieve her full potential.
The family also built a gym inside their home so that Jo could also work with Sienna on strength training at home two to three times a week.
“Since her diagnosis, we were committed to providing Sienna with every opportunity and experience available to her. We wanted to ensure she could participate in all the activities her peers enjoyed and to demonstrate that she’s capable of anything,” Jo said.
Following a consistent approach to training allowed Sienna to overcome things she previously struggled with such as balance, strength and coordination. Specialised programs developed by accredited Strength and Conditioning coach Liam at Village Gym in Swansea, helped Sienna manage her cerebral palsy, along with sport-specific performance training to improve her athletic abilities.
Her training includes a variety of exercises, such as plyometric training, strength and explosive power work, as well as targeted exercises to address her imbalances and weaknesses.
During these sessions, she utilises equipment like the skillmill, squat rack, and free weights, taking full advantage of the extensive training equipment available at the Village Gym Health & Fitness Club.
“The facilities in Swansea are excellent, equipped with everything Sienna needs to thrive,” Jo explains.
“The staff always greet us warmly, and it’s heartwarming when fellow gym-goers come up to Sienna to compliment her on her progress. She truly leaves some of them in awe, which has significantly boosted her confidence and self-esteem.”
Cerebral palsy affects Sienna’s stamina, making her prone to fatigue, but working with Liam has helped to suitably adjust her training regime. Each session starts with a warm-up before she moves on to her specific program. She also typically trains first thing in the morning when her energy levels are highest giving her the boost she needs.
Explaining how Liam’s training approach has made a difference to Sienna, Jo continues:
“Since starting her training with Liam, we have witnessed remarkable progress in Sienna’s mobility, which has positively impacted all the sports she participates in.”
Since training with Liam, Sienna now engages in various sports each week, including athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and climbing. Sienna also regularly goes on bike rides and is able to ride independently on a mountain bike.
She also participates in a number of sports clubs, who have been very inclusive and supportive of her needs as well as making adaptations when required. However, Jo has noted one area where she feels there could be improvements for children with cerebral palsy.
“As a whole the biggest challenge is the limited number of para sport events available to children.” Jo explains.
“When competing, Sienna mainly takes part in able-bodied events, she is so driven and determined she doesn’t let this deter her.”
In fact, Sienna has set her sights on one of the biggest sports competitions of all. In the future, she hopes to compete in athletics at the Paralympic Games.
In the meantime, now that Sienna has received her athletics classification, she will participate in even more competitions next year whilst inspiring others through her Instagram page Siennas_cerebralpalsy_journey.
Through her social media account, Sienna shares the benefits she has experienced in managing her cerebral palsy, as well as the incredible opportunities that have come from participating in sports and activities.
“We’ve received hundreds of messages through her social media page from families just beginning their own journeys, seeking advice and reassurance on how to start their training,” Jo says.
As for Sienna’s own hopes and aspirations, Jo hopes that her daughter will continue to thrive, improve upon her mobility and take this through into adult life.
“Her long-term goals include keeping up with her friends and participating in all the activities they enjoy, while also maintaining her mobility as she transitions into adulthood. She is committed to achieving these goals through regular training and an active lifestyle.”
“Our hope is that the active lifestyle that she currently leads instills in her the importance of it and the benefits it brings. We also hope that her goals and dreams of being a Paralympian one day come true.”
[Lead image: Village Health & Wellness Club]
