MS Yoga Therapy is a support group for people with Multiple Sclerosis, MS. We were set up over 10 years ago. Originally based in Haslingden, Rossendale, we have now evolved into a fully online group offering a weekly chair yoga therapy class over zoom for all our members.
Cathy explains that, ‘during covid we started doing classes online using zoom instead of meeting up at a venue. When the time came that we felt safe to meet up again, we all agreed that we preferred the zoom classes.’
‘Access was easier as no one was dependent on a carer bringing them to class, or exhausting themselves in getting to the venue under their own steam. Our homes are more comfortable than the room we previously used and the time we used to spend driving to and from class is now spent chatting before and after class.’
The sessions are supportive, friendly and fun. Members value discussing their condition with others who are in a similar position to themselves. ‘It is so good to talk to other people in the group who really understand the effect MS has on our lives,’ says Cathy. ‘We support each other through the hard times and celebrate the little victories that others don’t really understand.’
Ann-Louise agrees that, ‘members of the group support each other and everybody is always only ever a text away if you’re struggling or need help with anything.’
The aim of the yoga therapy sessions, summed up so beautifully and succinctly by Christine, is to, “make the most of what we've got for as long as we've got it!” I use my 20 years of yoga therapy experience and training to guide and support you on the best way to move and make the most of your physical abilities.
We have a continual conversation throughout the session on what you are experiencing with each posture. You are encouraged to make adjustments or changes if things aren’t comfortable or not working as they should. This could involve using extra props and supports or changing posture completely.
Ann-Louise says, ‘if I couldn’t do a movement Olivia showed me an alternative, or sometimes offered a support to help me improve things. She also taught me not to view it as a negative but to work in a more non-judgemental way. We are encouraged to focus on the whole body and to try to work with it rather than against it.
‘It’s very easy to focus entirely on all the bits that aren’t working as they should, especially at the beginning. Olivia has helped me develop an awareness of the whole body - the bits that do work, as well as the bits that don’t! It’s just as important to keep those bits working properly as it is to try to re-connect with the troublesome bits.’
‘Everything is explained so we understand better how the body works and the different connections in the body. I can now feel a lot better the effects of the movements rather than just concentrating on whether I can or can’t do a posture. I also understand better what is going on internally which has helped me manage my condition better.’
‘We are not competitive,’ says Cathy. ‘Olivia tailors everything to our own individual needs and abilities. She is great at breaking things down into small steps and developing a progression through the postures. Focussing on tiny movements that seem effortless can often make the greatest changes.’
‘Olivia is very observant giving individual advice when things aren’t quite right. I recently had a stiff, painful shoulder but after observing my movements Olivia identified the cause as tightness in my lower back and a few simple movements solved the problem.’
From June 2023 the group are really pleased to announce that we have managed to secure a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund. This is great news as it means that the group can continue with our valuable work. We have seen a great many changes over the past few years and we are now hoping that we can start to plan for the future development of the group.
We want more people with MS to be able to benefit from the yoga therapy sessions. They have helped many members over the years maintain mobility, develop a more positive body awareness which in turn has helped manage their condition a lot better.
Ann-Louise stresses that, ‘The MS Yoga Therapy group was really beneficial to me after getting diagnosed. They provided much needed support and understanding. More importantly the yoga therapy sessions taught me to how to connect and listen to my body which helped me understand my diagnosis better.’
Members have reported numerous benefits in attending the classes regularly. Cathy emphasises that, ‘the classes improve my posture, keep me supple, release tension in joints which reduces pain. Most importantly they are good fun.’
Ann-Louise says that, ‘the sessions help in reducing my spasticity and stiffness which I then try to continue to work on myself. Olivia gives us access to some recordings of the different exercises. You can do these as often as you want, and I have found them very helpful and try to do them on a daily basis.’
If you feel that MS Yoga Therapy could help you, please get in touch. Now that we are on zoom you can join this growing community from wherever you are. As Cathy says, ‘if you have MS do give MS Yoga Therapy a try. It’s so easy. Olivia will send you a link to click to join the class.’ You too can then get all the benefits from an online chair-based yoga therapy class lead by an experienced and fully qualified yoga therapist.
As our members all say, come and give us a try!
Here are some yoga videos that you might like to try to help you develop a home practice. They are all things we have done in class that are accessible and easy to do at home.
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A perpetual student, I am always learning new things about the body, how it works and how yoga therapy practices can be used to improve it.
‘Listen to your body’ has been a constant mantra for me from the very first yoga class I attended. I would still say it is the single most important instruction I use with all my students and continue to use in my own personal practices.
I use different yoga techniques, including postures, breathing and relaxation techniques and chanting, to help keep you balanced and functioning at your best so you can navigate the stresses, strains and changes in your life as effectively as possible.
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I hold live over 50s classes in and around the Bury area and also over zoom. If you would like to know more about what classes I run throughout the week please go to my schedule list and find an over 50s class that's suitable for you.
Weekly Schedule >
