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Power-assisted exercise at Everyone Active’s Wellness Suite in Stratford has helped a lifelong athlete defy medical expectations and return to full-contact American football.

Jack Cameron-Bryshun sustained a severe break in his left shoulder (proximal humerus) in a downhill mountain biking accident in Canada in 2021. The fracture failed to heal and the 55-year-old was left in severe pain unable to drive and perform everyday tasks.

“Surgeons told me I’d be lucky to get 10 per cent range of motion back and the only surgical option would be to cut off half of my left arm and replace it with a metal rod. I’d never be able to play contact sport again,” says Jack. “It was devastating. Sport is everything to me. I’d lost a huge part of my life.”

The retired police officer, who now delivers PE sessions in primary schools, had always played sport, including ice hockey, baseball, swimming, American football and weight lifting. Unwilling to give it up, he chose the physiotherapy route, but only regained a little movement in his arm and shoulder before being told there was nothing more to be done.  

After moving to the UK with his family, Jack joined Stratford Leisure Centre, which is run by Everyone Active in partnership with Stratford-on-Avon District Council. He was introduced to the Wellness Suite; a dedicated space featuring Innerva’s power-assisted exercise equipment. 

“My personal trainer saw my scans and suggested I try the Wellness Suite. At first, I was in pain and barely had any mobility, but within weeks, I saw real improvement,” he said. 
Using the equipment three to four times per week, the assisted movement allowed Jack to gradually build strength and mobility. After four weeks he was able to swim for the first time in four years, and after five months, Jack had regained 75 per cent of his shoulder’s range of motion, far beyond initial expectations. 

“I thought I’d be limited for the rest of my life, but the power-assisted equipment has given me my life back.”

Jack now swims three times a week, lifts weights five days a week and plays full contact American Football for Swindon Storm.  He is also assistant coach for the Oxford Brookes University American Football Panthers.

“I play in defensive halfback, an extremely athletic position where I’m constantly in motion. I don’t know anyone else my age playing the sport like this who is in such good health. I’m doing so much more than I thought I would ever be able to achieve.”

Everyone Active’s contract manager, Richard Bell, said: “The fact that Jack has been able to rebuild his strength and mobility after such a difficult injury and return to sport is such an incredible achievement. It’s fantastic to see how our Active Wellbeing Suite has impacted his recovery. This equipment plays a huge part in supporting rehabilitation, tackling inactivity and healthy ageing for our local community. Jack’s motivational story is sure to inspire many and we hope we can continue to support him with his health and fitness goals in the future.”  
  
Laura Childs, Marketing and Communications Manager at Innerva, said: “It’s not every day a user of our equipment gets in touch with such an inspirational story to share. Congratulations to Jack on his remarkable recovery and his determination to return to the sport he loves. We hope Jack’s story inspires others facing similar challenges.”