The MSing Link

Today, I want to chat with you about an article that was recently released that caused quite a stir amongst the community, or at least in the part of the community that I am in contact with.  The article was claiming that yoga is better for people with multiple sclerosis than physical therapy. I want to clear the air for you about this article and about what is actually true! Let's get i...

On today’s episode, I’m interviewing Disability Advocate Hayley Aspinall. She’s had Multiple Sclerosis for 23 years and while her MS symptoms challenge her daily, she’s able to maintain a positive outlook overall. Today, Hayley shares her tools and strategies to maintain her independence, feel good on the inside and out, and how her disability advocacy has led to changes in her local community and...

Lisa Marcovici is a licensed Brain Gym Consultant and international Faculty Member of Breakthroughs International. For over 20 years, Lisa has been actively engaging students of all ages in Brain Gym Activities to help improve their movement through exercises that release tension, reduce inflammation, and calm the nervous system. On today’s episode, Lisa explains how all that is possible + gives u...

Dr. Katz is the Director of the Elliot Lewis Center, and a nationally recognized expert in multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, MOG associated disease, and transverse myelitis.  I’ve worked alongside Dr. Katz for many years and shared many patients. He’s one of the few neurologists who truly listens to you and your symptoms and will spend the time to brainstorm solutions for living your...

 Today's episode is all about pool therapy! Is it beneficial or not, how you can incorporate it into your daily routine, and what it actually is versus what you may believe it to be! And I also share some specific exercises that I typically recommend to clients who are interested in taking to the water for their exercise.   Additional Resources : https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insi...

 Join me today as I chat with Elizabeth Fedrick on all things boundaries! From the different types, why they are important, and how to set them, she shares her knowledge & tips on how to be effective, but kind. Boundaries are such an important tool in effective communication and relationships! You won't want to miss this one!   Dr. Elizabeth Fedrick, PhD, LPC Biography:   I am a...

Today, I am chatting with Debbie E! Debbie is a MSing Link member, and someone who I had the pleasure of working 1:1 with! Throughout her journey with MS since diagnosis, she was seeking out a program that would allow her to feel confident, strong, and assist her in day to day tasks that require standing for longer periods of time. In her search she came across The MSing Link, and hasn't looked ba...

Join me as I sit down with  Dr. Hamid Khoja, Ph. D.  His newest research is looking at using fibroblast cell therapy to help slow the progression of MS as well as potentially remyelinate and recover previously lost function.  This research is still in the very early phases of development, but the results have been promising and exciting, so I wanted to have Dr. Khoja share his...

  Tune in as I share give you a sneak peak into my new book that will be launching this year! I am so excited for you all to get this into your hands so that you can start implementing some of the practices & feel empowered! This book discusses everything from the basics of what MS is, exercises to help with balance & walking, mindset, and more!    Additional Resources : htt...

Lindsay DeLong OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist of 10 years focusing on adult populations in home health. She is the founder of EquipMeOT, an online platform on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok focusing on modifications and adaptations for maximizing safety and quality of life through the lifespan. On today’s episode, Lindsay shares what occupational therapy is, how it can help people with chronic...

Foot drop, drop foot, foot slap, foot drag...no matter what name you call it, this symptom can be improved upon through specific exercises and stretches! Tune in today as I break down the slight difference between all the names used to describe this symptom, and what can be done about it.    Additional Resources : https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me : hello@docto...

Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis is a wonderful, wealth of knowledge for those living with MS! Their website and programs are always growing, and expanding to bring as many helpful tools, resources, and support to the community as possible. And I am proud to say that I’ve been collaborating with Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis for a few years now by offering MS-specific exercise videos and content. Tod...

Neurorecovery and compensation are probably two words that you have heard float around when it comes to how someone with MS should be moving throughout the day. But, it can be tricky to know when neurorecovery practices should be used versus compensation practices. Let me breakdown the difference between these 2 helpful strategies, and how they can be most effective for you! Tune in to find out mo...

On today’s episode, Nitika talks about how thriving with a chronic illness means something different for each person, but thriving is available to all of us. She gives her top tips on how to access a state of thriving while allowing grace on other days. She also talks about her upcoming in person Chronicon event where I’ll be speaking! Nitika Chopra is a chronic illness advocate & the founder...

Are you making the #1 mistake that occurs when people are trying to improve their walking? It is absolutely NOT anyone's fault because it's something that we do not even think about when walking! It's bending the knee, or lack of ability to bend the knee. But, the good news is there are ways to help with this! Let me share them with you!     Additional Resources : https://www.doctorgretc...

On today’s episode, we’re diving into the ins and outs of spasticity. You’ll finish this episode feeling prepared with actionable steps to improve your mobility and muscle tightness t o improve your energy and therefore, do more in your daily life.   Dr. Mitzi Joi Williams is a Board-Certified Neurologist and Fellowship trained Multiple  Sclerosis Specialist who serves as the Founder &am...

 Relapse or pseudo-relapse? This is a question that anyone with MS can find themselves asking at one point or another. Today, I share with you how to tell the difference, a few types of treatment that can be taken, and two examples from my clients experiences.   Additional Resources : https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me :  hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com &nbs...

Tune in today as I sit down with Matt Rowe as he shares with us how raised stress levels can impact our minds, and bodies. But, better yet...he shares his powerful way of reframing stressful situations which has not only helped in his healing journey with MS, but also can be applied to any situation in life!   Matt Rowe,  is the Author of Belief to Heal, a Certified Health Coach, meditat...

MRI results, and muscle testing can sometimes contradict how someone with MS is feeling about their progress and strength. If you have ever felt that way, you are not alone! Tune in to hear my best tip, and some exciting news about an upcoming project of mine.   Additional Resources : https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me :  hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com   We...

 Tune in today as I sit down with Dr. Terry Wahls, and Josh Sookman to discuss their latest creation! They have designed an app that is chock full of guidance, tips, tracking, and more to help those with MS achieve their nutrition goals, exercise goals, mindfulness goals and more. Truly anyone could use this app to help with those things, so go ahead & check it out!   Dr. Terry Wahls...

Setting goals for the New Year can seem like a huge or even impossible task given the unpredictability of MS. But, choosing a word or two for the year can really help with staying focused, and even bring more joy into your life! Let me share with you the 3 questions that helped me do just that, and can help you too!   Additional Resources : https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach o...

Join me today as I sit down with Dawnmarie as we chat about different ways she has found to focus on the positivity the world can hold despite it's trials and tribulations. Dawnmarie is an author, writer, producer, actress, model and founder and CEO of global  advocacy company, Dawnmarie Healthy and Fit, LLC. She has two movie projects, a  documentary on life with Multiple Sclerosis base...

You may have heard me discuss functional outcome tests that can be done from right from your home previously. But, those tests I have spoken about require movement! Today, I wanted to share with you two subjective outcome tests that are in a survey form, but can help you measure your progress just the same! YouTube mentioned in episode -  https://youtu.be/SORqkc44AEM   Modified Fatigue I...

Join me today as I sit down with guest, Pamela Miller, M.A., C.C.C.-SLP. She shares with us valuable knowledge, and tips on how speech can be affected by MS, as well as  swallowing. And how a speech language pathologist, like herself, would be able to help! Pamela Miller is a speech language pathologist practicing in DENVER, CO. Pamela specializes in speech, language and swallowing disor...

Have you ever pondered the question, "What if I can't feel my muscles working?" If so, this episode is for you! You are not alone in this question, and despite what you may think it does NOT mean that your muscles are not seeing the benefits of your exercise. Tune in today as I share 3 tricks of the trade that help you to feel your muscle activation!   Episode Reference: Episode #93 titled "...