Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS

The MSing Link

Health EN ↓ 293 episodes

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!

Author

Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS

Category

Health

Latest episode

Jul 8, 2026

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Episodes

292. MS Mindset Shifts with Damian Washington 08.07.2026

Okay, I've been looking forward to sharing this one with you. In this episode, I'm chatting with Damian Washington about something I know so many of you wrestle with... how do you stay motivated when you're working toward goals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the progress feels slow, or a setback knocks you back a few steps? Damian and I get into the good stuff. We talk about the power of repetit...

291. You're Stronger Than You Think: Dr. Gretchen's Birth Story 01.07.2026

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. Es...

290. From Me to You: Pep Talk 24.06.2026

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 mobili...

289. Clonus with MS: Why It Happens + How to Calm It Down 17.06.2026

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...

288. Why Your Movement Isn’t Improving (And What to Do Instead) 10.06.2026

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...

287. Let’s Talk About MS Spasticity: Causes, Triggers, and Support 03.06.2026

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 an...

286. Foot Drop Explained 27.05.2026

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 cause...

285. How to Activate Neuroplasticity With MS 20.05.2026

  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 actu...

284. What Is Neuroplasticity (And Why It Matters in MS) 13.05.2026

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 have...

283. What People with MS Wish You Knew 06.05.2026

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 do...

282. Balance Exercises for MS: 5 Moves for Real-Life Stability 29.04.2026

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...

281. The Science of Nervous System Regulation with Gina Coil 22.04.2026

In this episode, I'm diving deep into nervous system regulation with Gina Coil, the creator of NeuroScenes, guided audio experiences designed to help you calm your nervous system, even when you're living with multiple sclerosis (MS) or other chronic conditions. If you've ever tried traditional meditation during an MS flare or when fatigue hits hard and found it just doesn't work, you're not alone....

280. BioNess, Red Light, Vibration Plates: Honest MS Reviews 15.04.2026

In this episode, I’m diving into a product review of five popular tools and devices commonly mentioned for managing multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms—vibration plates, Bioness L300 (and other functional electrical stimulation devices), red light therapy, the Pulse device, and Restural foot pad. I break down the evidence behind each product, share my perspective as an MS-specialized physical therapi...

279. MS Balance Tips for Real Life 08.04.2026

In this episode, I’m tackling a topic that frustrates so many of us living with multiple sclerosis (MS): balance training! As an MS-specialized physical therapist and founder of the MSing Link, I break down why traditional balance exercises like tandem stance, feet together, and wobble boards often don’t help with real-life activities—like getting dressed, walking on uneven surfaces, or turning yo...

278. What New Symptoms Really Mean in MS Rehab 01.04.2026

In this episode of The MSing Link Podcast, I share a personal story about falling down the stairs while seven months pregnant, and how my experience relates closely to what so many living with multiple sclerosis (MS) go through when working to get stronger and walk better.  We explore the gate control theory of pain and discuss why new symptoms can pop up during MS exercise routines—and how t...

277. Your MS Questions Answered: Walking, Hip Weakness & Leg Pain 25.03.2026

In this episode, I’m thrilled to give you a special sneak peek inside The MSing Link with a Q&A session pulled directly from our exclusive member calls! You’ll hear real questions from our MSing Link community—on topics like walking challenges, leg weakness, use of mobility aids, pain management, muscle strength, neuroplasticity, and more—as I offer practical, actionable solutions you can impl...

276. Neuroplasticity for Mindset: How to Respond Differently When Life Feels Hard with Kelsea Koenreich 18.03.2026

In this episode, I’m thrilled to interview my business coach, Kelsea Koenreich, who specializes in neuroplasticity for mindset. Together, we explore how to rewire your brain to overcome negative patterns, build resilience, and empower yourself on your journey with multiple sclerosis (MS).  Kelsea shares practical strategies for challenging unhelpful thoughts, asking for support, and embracing...

275. How to Climb Stairs with MS: Exercises to Make You Stronger with Stairs 11.03.2026

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most common mobility challenges my clients with multiple sclerosis face: stair climbing. As a physical therapist specializing in MS, I know how tricky going up and down stairs can be—so I’m sharing practical strategies, exercises, and my top tips for building leg strength and confidence. Tune in to learn evidence-based MS stair climbing techniques, tri...

274. Fake MS Cures on Social Media: How to Tell What’s Real vs. AI Hype 04.03.2026

In this episode of The MSing Link Podcast, I tackle the important topic of fake MS cures circulating on social media and give you practical strategies to spot what’s real versus AI hype.  As a physical therapist specializing in multiple sclerosis, I break down the red and green flags in MS treatment posts, discuss the dangers of misinformation, and share my top resources for fact-checking new...

273. Ankle Braces vs AFOs for MS: What’s the Difference? 25.02.2026

In this episode of The MSing Link Podcast, I dive deep into everything you need to know about AFOs (ankle foot orthoses) and ankle braces for multiple sclerosis (MS).  As a physical therapist specializing in MS, I answer your most common questions about foot drop solutions, the difference between custom and off-the-shelf AFOs, a few popular brands, and the truth behind certain marketing claim...

272. Walking Outside with MS: What Makes It Hard—and What Helps 18.02.2026

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most common questions I hear as an MS specialist: “Why can I walk better indoors than outdoors when I have multiple sclerosis?”  If you’ve noticed your MS symptoms make walking outside harder—think struggles with balance, strength, or heat sensitivity—you’re not alone! I’ll cover the main reasons this happens, including the impact of temperature,...

271. Toe Exercises for MS: Improve Balance, Foot Drop & Walking 11.02.2026

In this episode of The MSing Link Podcast, I’m diving into the surprising importance of toe movement for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Discover why toe mobility matters for improving balance, reducing foot drop, and boosting overall mobility.  I share practical toe exercises, strengthening strategies, and tips to help you regain confidence in your daily activities. Whether you’r...

270. Does MS Affect Brain Aging? What the Research Shows with Dr. Kelly Rich 04.02.2026

In this episode of The MSing Link Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Kelly Rich, neuroscientist at Harvard Medical School, for a deep dive into how multiple sclerosis (MS) might accelerate brain aging—and what the latest research reveals.  We explore the connection between MS, cellular aging, and innovative new therapies like cellular reprogramming that could help protect and rejuvenate you...

269. MS Progress Tests You Can Do at Home: Walking, Strength & Balance 28.01.2026

In this episode I dive into the most effective objective functional outcome measures for MS —the same gold standard tests used in physical therapy and neurology clinics to track real improvements in walking, strength, and mobility.  I break down exactly how you can perform tests like the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, and Sit-to-Stand assessments safely at home, plus how...

268. How to Track MS Symptoms at Home: 2 Self-Assessment Questionnaires 21.01.2026

In this episode, I’m sharing how to track your multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms at home using two research-backed self-assessment questionnaires: the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and the Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12).  As a physical therapist specializing in MS, I’ll walk you through how these gold-standard MS outcome measures can help you assess your progress with exe...

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