The MSing Link

Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS
  • 4.9 (113)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

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

    22h ago

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

    Jun 10

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

    Jun 3

    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
  4. 286. Foot Drop Explained

    May 27

    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
  5. 285. How to Activate Neuroplasticity With MS

    May 20

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

    May 13

    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
  7. 283. What People with MS Wish You Knew

    May 6

    283. What People with MS Wish You Knew

    In honor of Mother's Day, I'm sharing something I've been sitting with for a while… the real, honest answers to the question, "What do you wish the people in your life understood about living with MS?" I asked. The MSing Link community answered. And what they shared is something every mom, daughter, sister, and friend with MS deserves to have heard out loud. We're talking about the fatigue that doesn't go away after a nap. The symptoms no one can see, but you feel every second. The emotional weight of waking up not knowing what your body will do that day. The grief, the guilt, the love, and the quiet strength it takes to keep showing up. If you have MS, I hope this episode makes you feel a little less alone. If you love someone with MS, I hope it gives you the words you've been searching for. Either way, you'll walk away with real language, real stories, and real ways to bridge the gap so the people closest to you can finally start to get it. Press play. Share it with someone who needs to hear it. And let's keep showing the world what life with MS actually looks like… together. 🧡   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

    25 min
  8. 282. Balance Exercises for MS: 5 Moves for Real-Life Stability

    Apr 29

    282. Balance Exercises for MS: 5 Moves for Real-Life Stability

    In this episode, I’m sharing my top five evidence-based balance exercises for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). If you’ve ever felt frustrated by doing balance exercises that don’t translate to real life—like getting out of bed, climbing stairs, or turning around—this episode is for you.  As a physical therapist and MS specialist, I walk you through practical MS balance training strategies and explain exactly how to perform each exercise safely, even with mobility aids. You’ll learn why traditional balance routines often fall short and discover functional exercise ideas to improve your stability, walking, and confidence in daily activities with MS.  Join me on The MSing Link Podcast for expert PT tips, actionable balance drills, and straightforward advice to help you thrive with multiple sclerosis and walk better every day! Resources mentioned in this episode:  The MSing Link Podcast - Episode 279, MS Balance Tips for Real Life - Apple || Spotify This episode on YouTube,  Balance Exercises for MS: 5 Moves for Real-Life Stability - YouTube   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

    21 min
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4.9
out of 5
113 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    290
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The MSing Link

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