Getting The Balance Right

Getting The Balance Right our Regional Exercise and Physiotherapy service which offers online and in person exercise classes, such as physiotherapy and yoga, across the country. These programmes are funded by our branches or grants and fundraising and coordinated by the local regional offices of MS Ireland. They are usually delivered by local physiotherapists working as contractors to MS Ireland.

Classes are organised by Community Workers and Administrators in our Regional offices. A team of regional contractors provide the service that is entirely reliant on fundraised income and supported by our local branches. Contact your local regional office to find out what is running in your area.

History

Initially, Getting the Balance Right delivered physiotherapy programmes to nearly 2000 people living with MS over its two-year course (2005-6). Getting the Balance Right continues to be delivered by MS Ireland today and its content has evolved in light of ever-changing evidence for the benefits of exercise for people with MS. Originally, what was unique about that programme was that we grouped people according to ability and mobility levels (a practice common now across all our programs) and provided treatments by physiotherapists, fitness instructors and yoga instructors that were delivered in the community. The evidence suggests that not only are these programmes beneficial for strength, balance and for reducing MS impact and fatigue, but that they also have significant psychological benefits and that being part of a group of people “in the same boat” helps with both peer learning and social support. These programmes continue to be run around the country in all of our regions led by teams of physios, yoga instructors and fitness instructors and have become the backbone of MS Irelands Exercise and Physiotherapy services.