The MSing Link

Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS
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  • Médecine parallèle
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Do you have Multiple Sclerosis and have goals of improving your mobility, energy, and motivation? On this show, you’ll learn MS-specific exercises and symptom management strategies to help you gain control over your life with MS. I also bring in other MS Experts in the healthcare industry to share their insights and advice so you’ll be armed with research-driven education. You’ll leave each episode feeling empowered and ready to take action!

  1. 291. You're Stronger Than You Think: Dr. Gretchen's Birth Story

    -1 j

    291. You're Stronger Than You Think: Dr. Gretchen's Birth Story

    I'm back, and this is my first episode recording since going on maternity leave and welcoming my second daughter into the world. So many of you in The MSing Link and on social media have been asking about my birth story, and I wanted to share part of it with you. But this episode is about so much more than childbirth. It's about realizing how strong you already are… even if you've forgotten it. Especially if you don't feel it. In this episode, I share: → The arrival of Scarlett Townsend, and the special meaning behind her name (her middle name honors my husband's mom, who we lost this past November) → The decision that weighed on me my entire pregnancy: C-section or VBAC? And why I felt so much shame around the choice I ultimately made → Why staying local turned out to be exactly the right call, especially when my heart rate dropped into the 40s for nearly 24 hours after delivery → The chaos of those first weeks home: cluster feeding, two-kids-at-once mornings, a new puppy (ask me why… I honestly don't know), and my old friend, noise sensitivity → The ordinary moment on my couch (feeding Scarlett, singing "The Wheels on the Bus" into a toy microphone, and shooing the puppy away with one foot) when it hit me: Wait, I'm doing it. Look at me go. I want to be clear: I'm not comparing my experience to living with MS. But I think this is something universal. We don't always find out what we're capable of until something asks us to rise. Strength doesn't always look the way we imagine. Sometimes it looks like asking for help. Sometimes it looks like accepting the C-section instead of carrying shame about it. And sometimes it looks like getting out of bed, getting dressed, and walking around your home, all of which take real emotional and physical strength. So this is your reminder: you are so much stronger than you think. And so much stronger than you feel. More likely than not, you did something hard today and didn't even stop to notice. Your movement still counts. You've got this. 🧡 Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com  Website: www.MSingLink.com Social:  ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen ★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1 → The Progress Method for MS: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheProgressMethodForMS → Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram → The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

    22 min
  2. 290. From Me to You: Pep Talk

    24 juin

    290. From Me to You: Pep Talk

    If you're someone with MS who knows exercise matters but can't seem to stay consistent… this episode is your pep talk. We've all been there. You start the week with the best intentions, then by Wednesday the negative self-talk creeps in: "I'm too tired." "It's not working." "What's the point?" Sound familiar? Here's the thing, exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have for improving mobility, strength, and independence with multiple sclerosis (MS). But the way you talk to yourself about it? That matters just as much as the workout itself. In this episode, I'm breaking down: → Why mindset is the missing piece in most MS exercise routines  → The common thoughts that keep you stuck before you even start  → How to shift your mental habits so they support your goals instead of sabotaging them  → Practical strategies for building an exercise plan that actually fits your life  → Phrases you can borrow to boost your motivation on the hard days This isn't about pretending everything is fine or forcing toxic positivity. It's about honest, research-backed strategies for people with MS who want to feel stronger, move better, and believe in what's possible again. You've got this. 🧡   Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com  Website: www.MSingLink.com Social:  ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen ★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1 → The Progress Method for MS: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheProgressMethodForMS → Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram → The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

    16 min
  3. 289. Clonus with MS: Why It Happens + How to Calm It Down

    17 juin

    289. Clonus with MS: Why It Happens + How to Calm It Down

    If you've ever been sitting on the couch, just minding your business, and suddenly your leg starts bouncing like it has a mind of its own… you're not imagining it. That's clonus. And it's one of the most misunderstood symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). In this episode of The MSing Link Podcast, I'm walking you through everything you need to know about clonus with MS… what it actually is, why it happens (hint: it's that wifi connection between your brain and your muscles getting a little staticky), and the small adjustments that can make a big difference in your daily life. We'll talk about: → What clonus is and why people with MS experience it  → The everyday moments it tends to show up (sitting, biking, standing in the shower… sound familiar?)  → Simple positioning and movement strategies you can try today to calm the bouncing  → Why "just push through it" isn't the answer… and what actually helps As an MS-specialized physical therapist, I've worked with so many people in The MSing Link community who've felt frustrated, embarrassed, or just plain confused by clonus. You're not alone in this. And there's more you can do about it than you've probably been told. If your legs have ever shaken in a way that felt impossible to control, this one's for you. You've got this. 🧡   Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com  Website: www.MSingLink.com Social:  ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen ★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1 → The Progress Method for MS: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheProgressMethodForMS   → Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram → The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

    21 min
  4. 288. Why Your Movement Isn’t Improving (And What to Do Instead)

    10 juin

    288. Why Your Movement Isn’t Improving (And What to Do Instead)

    Ever feel like you're getting stronger… but your walking, your balance, your daily movement just isn't catching up? You're not imagining it. And you're definitely not alone. In this episode, I'm breaking down one of the most common frustrations I hear from people with multiple sclerosis (MS): you're putting in the work — biking, lifting, going to physical therapy — but it's not translating to the things that actually matter in your day. Walking to the mailbox. Standing up from a chair without plopping. Getting through the grocery store without your legs giving out. Here's the missing piece: functional exercise. I'll walk you through what functional exercise actually means, why it matters so much for people with MS, and how to take a big goal (like walking more steadily) and break it down into smaller, specific movements your body can actually practice and improve. This is the wifi connection between your brain and your muscles — and it's what makes the difference between getting stronger on paper and feeling stronger in real life. You'll walk away with: → A clearer understanding of why traditional exercise often falls short for people with MS  → How to identify the specific movements you want to improve  → Practical ways to build strength that actually shows up in your daily life Whether you're newly diagnosed or you've been living with MS for years, this one's for you. Your movement still counts — and there's a smarter way to make it count more. You've got this. 🧡 Resources mentioned in this episode:  Dr. Gretchen Hawley’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorGretchenHawley   Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com  Website: www.MSingLink.com Social:  ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen ★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1 → The Progress Method for MS: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheProgressMethodForMS   → Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram → The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

    18 min
  5. 287. Let’s Talk About MS Spasticity: Causes, Triggers, and Support

    3 juin

    287. Let’s Talk About MS Spasticity: Causes, Triggers, and Support

    In this solo episode, I'm getting into one of the most common (and most misunderstood) multiple sclerosis symptoms… MS spasticity. If your legs feel heavy, your muscles lock up, or you've been told it's "just tightness"… this one is for you. I'll walk you through what spasticity actually is, what's happening in your body when it shows up, and why it can have such a big impact on your daily life and mobility.    We'll cover: → The Modified Ashworth Scale (and what those numbers really mean)  → The difference between spasms, cramps, and true spasticity  → Common triggers like fatigue, infection, heat, and stress  → What actually helps… including physical therapy-based strategies, stretching, medications, and the latest research on cannabis and electrical stimulation   Press play and let's get into it.   Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com  Website: www.MSingLink.com Social:  ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen ★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1 → The Progress Method for MS: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheProgressMethodForMS   → Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram → The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

    39 min
  6. 286. Foot Drop Explained

    27 mai

    286. Foot Drop Explained

    If MS has ever made your toe catch on the carpet, or you've felt that frustrating slap of your foot hitting the floor before you meant it to… this episode is for you. I'm walking you through what foot drop actually is, why it happens with multiple sclerosis (MS), and how it shows up in your walking and your fall risk. As an MS-specialized physical therapist, I'm breaking down the most common causes I see in my members — weakness in the ankle muscles, tight calves, sensory changes, and limited ankle range of motion. Each one matters, and each one responds to a slightly different approach. You'll learn specific exercises to strengthen the right muscles, stretches that actually move the needle, and sensory tools that help reconnect the connection between your brain and your foot. I'm also covering the products people ask me about all the time — insoles, AFOs (ankle-foot orthoses), and electrical stimulation, and how to know which might be a good fit for you. Here's the piece most people miss… supportive devices work best when they're paired with the right strength work. One without the other leaves progress on the table. I'll show you how to combine them so the changes you're working for actually stick. Whether you're trying to trip less, walk further, or just feel steadier on your feet, this one's packed with practical, MS-specific guidance you can start using today. You've got this. 🧡 Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Cadence shoes - Use code DRGRETCHEN10 for a 10% discount The MSing Link Episode 271, Toe Exercises for MS: Improve Balance, Foot Drop & Walking - Apple Podcast || Spotify The MSing Link Episode 280, - Apple Podcast || Spotify The MSing Link Online Program - https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink   Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com  Website: www.MSingLink.com Social:  ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen ★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1 → Game Changers Course: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/GameChangersCourse → Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram → The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

    20 min
  7. 285. How to Activate Neuroplasticity With MS

    20 mai

    285. How to Activate Neuroplasticity With MS

    In this episode, I'm continuing the conversation on neuroplasticity. Or, the way I like to explain it, the wifi connection between your brain and your muscles. Here's the thing: your brain can keep adapting and building new pathways, even if you've been living with MS for years. That's not wishful thinking. That's real, and it's research-backed. We'll talk through: What neuroplasticity actually is (in plain English, I promise) The MS-specific, functional exercises that help you build strength where it counts Why repetition and quality of movement matter more than how long you're working out How sleep, nutrition, and mindset quietly shape your MS symptoms day to day Simple ways to keep your routine fresh at home so you actually stick with it Resources Mentioned in this Episode: The MSing Link, Episode 270, Does MS Affect Brain Aging? What the Research Shows with Dr. Kelly Rich - Apple || Spotify   Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com  Website: www.MSingLink.com Social:  ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen ★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1 → Game Changers Course: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/GameChangersCourse → Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram → The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

    29 min
  8. 284. What Is Neuroplasticity (And Why It Matters in MS)

    13 mai

    284. What Is Neuroplasticity (And Why It Matters in MS)

    What if the key to walking better, feeling stronger, and moving with more confidence isn't just in your muscles… but in your brain? In this episode, I'm diving into one of my favorite topics as a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist and physical therapist: neuroplasticity and what it really means for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). If you've ever wondered why generic exercise programs haven't worked for you, or why "just doing more reps" hasn't moved the needle, this conversation is going to connect a lot of dots. What you'll learn in this episode: What neuroplasticity actually is, in plain language (think of it as the wifi connection between your brain and your muscles) Why neuroplasticity is especially important for people with MS, and how it relates to demyelination, lesions, and rebuilding neural pathways The difference between standard exercise and MS-specific, neuroplasticity-based functional exercise — and why that distinction matters for real progress How repetition, intention, and specificity train your brain to communicate better with your body Practical, MS-specific exercise strategies you can start using to support strength, walking, balance, coordination, and stability Daily activities and small habits (outside of formal workouts) that reinforce change How neuroplasticity supports not just physical symptoms, but also mindset, confidence, and mental resilience with MS What the research says about neuroplasticity and MS — and what it does and does not promise Why progress is still possible, even if you've been living with MS for years and feel like you've tried everything   Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com  Website: www.MSingLink.com Social:  ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen ★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1 → Game Changers Course: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/GameChangersCourse → Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram → The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

    16 min
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À propos

Do you have Multiple Sclerosis and have goals of improving your mobility, energy, and motivation? On this show, you’ll learn MS-specific exercises and symptom management strategies to help you gain control over your life with MS. I also bring in other MS Experts in the healthcare industry to share their insights and advice so you’ll be armed with research-driven education. You’ll leave each episode feeling empowered and ready to take action!

Informations

  • Création
    Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS
  • Années d’activité
    2021 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    292
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Site web de l’émission
    The MSing Link

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