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

217. MS Exercise Progression: 7 Physical Therapy Strategies to Advance Your Workout 29.01.2025

In this episode, I delve into essential strategies that make exercises more challenging for those with MS. Discover how to enhance your MS-specific exercises with simple yet effective modifications like adding weight, slowing down movements, and increasing repetitions. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with MS for years, these tips will help you safely advance your workout routine...

216. MS Exercise vs. Stretching - What Your Physical Therapist Wants You to Know 22.01.2025

In today's episode, I dive deep into the critical differences between stretching and exercising for people with MS. Learn how stretching focuses on lengthening muscles, while exercises aim at building strength, stamina, balance, and endurance. Understanding these distinctions can significantly impact your daily routine and help you achieve your mobility goals more effectively.  Tune in for in...

215. Adaptive Bra & Underwear For Chronic Illness w/ Liberare 15.01.2025

In this episode of our podcast, I'm chatting with Emma Butler, CEO of Liberare, who shares her journey in developing innovative and accessible bras and underwear that address challenges faced by individuals with MS, arthritis, and other chronic conditions. We'll explore how these adaptive undergarments, featuring front-facing magnetic closures and grip loops, can ease the daily struggle of getting...

214. MS Healthcare Barriers: What Your Neurologist & Insurance Won't Tell You About SPMS (Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis) & Physical Therapy 08.01.2025

In this episode of The MSing Link Podcast, I delve into the critical healthcare barriers faced by those with multiple sclerosis, focusing on the nuances of SPMS (Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis) diagnosis, MS medications, and access to physical therapy.  As a physical therapist specializing in MS, I share insight into new MS drugs, the complexities of navigating insurance, and the im...

213. MS Physical Therapy Success Stories: Beyond Walking - Core Strength, Posture & Daily Activities 01.01.2025

Join me on The MSing Link Podcast as I recount a recent trip to Boston, where I worked in-person patients with multiple sclerosis to enhance their mobility and quality of life. In this episode, I focus on functional exercises and neuroplasticity techniques tailored for MS, highlighting unique patient goals such as improving posture, breathing, and core strength.  Whether you're working on wal...

212. Transformative Exercises to Improve MS Mobility: Member Successes 25.12.2024

Join me on this episode of The MSing Link Podcast as I discuss effective exercises to improve walking and mobility for people with multiple sclerosis. Hear testimonials from members of The MSing Link wellness program, including Debi, Maria, and Sophia, who share their inspiring progress.  Learn about the importance of quality over quantity in exercise routines, tailored exercise plans, and th...

211. Pep Talk: Rediscovering Personal Growth on Your MS Journey 18.12.2024

In this heartfelt episode, I share a moving story about my mini tree and the powerful lessons it taught me about growth and resilience. Join me as I explore how this analogy relates to our MS journeys and reminds us that progress is possible, even in tough times. Let's inspire each other to keep growing and thriving with MS! Additional Resources : https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach...

210. MS Walking Tips: Essential Warm-Ups to Improve Standing After Sitting 11.12.2024

Tired of feeling stiff and unsteady when you get up from your desk or couch? In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite tips and tricks to help you move more easily with multiple sclerosis, especially after sitting or lying down for a while. As a physical therapist who works with the MS community every day, I'll walk you through simple but powerful exercises to make those tricky transitions smoother...

209. MS Travel Tips: Planning Accessible Vacations w/ Emily Foggio 04.12.2024

In this episode , I’m joined by Emily Foggio to talk about how to plan a vacation when you’re living with multiple sclerosis. We dive into practical tips for traveling with MS, handling mobility challenges, and making your trip as stress-free as possible. Whether you're worried about managing MS symptoms or finding accessible accommodations, we’ve got you covered with strategies to help you enjoy...

208. Early Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis 27.11.2024

In today’s episode of The MSing Link Podcast, we’re talking about the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis that many people don’t always recognize at first. Things like fatigue, tingling, and changes in vision can all be signs of MS — but they’re easy to miss. I’ll share some tips on how to spot these early MS signs and why early detection is so important. Join Dr. Gretchen's email list:  htt...

207. Holiday Gift Guide 2024 20.11.2024

In this episode of The MSing Link podcast, I share my favorite MS mobility aids and tools for chronic illness that can improve mobility, ease daily tasks, and enhance your quality of life. Whether you're looking to improve walking or increase independence, these products are designed to support those with multiple sclerosis in managing daily challenges and improving strength. I hope you enjoy this...

206. Pep Talk: Reframing Daily Actions to Achieve Your Mobility Goals 13.11.2024

In this episode of the MSing Link Podcast, I’m sharing a pep talk for anyone who feels like their goals with multiple sclerosis are too far away to reach. If you’ve been struggling to stay motivated or make progress with MS, I’m here to remind you that small steps matter. Together, we’ll talk about simple strategies to build strength, improve walking with MS, and keep moving forward, even when thi...

205. Improving Mobility and Strength with the Exoband for MS Patients 06.11.2024

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Panizzolo about the Exoband, an innovative assistive technology for individuals with multiple sclerosis. We discuss what the Exoband is, who it’s for, and how it enhances mobility and strength. If you’re seeking effective tools and strategies to improve your quality of life with MS, tune in to learn how the Exoband can support your journey! Dr. Panizzolo is a Profe...

204. How to Stay Consistent w/ Amy Behimer 30.10.2024

In this episode of our podcast, I'm chatting with Amy Behimer! We tackle the challenges of maintaining healthy habits and staying consistent. Discover why it’s hard to stay on track, learn that setbacks aren’t your fault, and explore practical tips to boost your motivation. This episode offers valuable insights to enhance your quality of life with MS. Tune in for essential strategies to create pos...

203. MS Pre-hab 101: How Pre-habilitation Can Transform Your Multiple Sclerosis Journey 23.10.2024

In this episode, we're diving into Prehab (prehabilitation) and why it's such a game-changer for managing multiple sclerosis. I’ll share what Prehab is all about, why it’s so important for folks with MS, and how it can help boost your strength and mobility. Plus, we’ll chat about practical exercises, strategies, and tools to enhance your quality of life. So, join me and discover how taking proacti...

202. Multiple Sclerosis Medication Guide: When and Why to Switch MS Treatments 16.10.2024

In this episode, we discuss switching medications for multiple sclerosis (MS), including when to consider a change, key factors to evaluate, and signs to watch for. This discussion can help provide insights on managing MS treatments and improving symptom management. Tune in for essential strategies to enhance your quality of life and mobility with MS! Resources mentioned in this episode: The MSing...

201. Improving Foot Sensation in MS: Vibration Therapy and Exercises with Dr. Splichal 09.10.2024

In this episode, Dr. Emily Splichal and I explore how sensation impacts foot drop and walking speed in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Discover effective exercises to improve balance and gait, and learn about vibration therapy for enhanced mobility. This insightful discussion is essential for anyone seeking strategies to manage foot drop and boost overall quality of life with MS. Tune in for...

200. MS Awareness at New York Fashion Week w/ Mount Sinai MS Center 02.10.2024

In this episode, I’m excited to share my experience walking the runway at New York Fashion Week to help raise awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis (MS) with Mount Sinai Hospital. It was such an incredible way to combine creativity and advocacy! We’ll chat about how events like this can really support the MS community, and the overall experience! Join Dr. Gretchen's email list:  https://...

199. Cionic Neural Sleeve for MS w/ Jeremiah Robison 25.09.2024

In this episode, I’m excited to chat with Jeremiah Robison, the CEO and founder of the Cionic Neural Sleeve! We dive into how this amazing technology can help improve mobility and strength for those of us living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Jeremiah shares his insights on the benefits of the neural sleeve and offers some practical tips for enhancing your walking ability and managing MS symptoms....

198. How to Get Stronger with MS 18.09.2024

In this episode of The MSing Link podcast, I’m excited to share some practical tips on how to get stronger with multiple sclerosis (MS). We’ll explore simple exercises and strategies to boost your strength and improve your mobility. Whether you’re new to MS or looking for ways to enhance your daily life, you’ll find helpful advice on managing MS and getting the most out of physical therapy. Grab y...

197. UVB Light Therapy for MS w/ Kathy Reagan Young & John MacMahon 11.09.2024

I have two guests with me on this episode, which is really exciting because one guest is going to share the science behind a specific type of therapy, and the other guest is someone who has been using this therapy, and she is going to share all of the benefits that she's noticed from it! On today's episode, John educates us on UVB light therapy for multiple sclerosis and Kathy shares her expe...

196. Reversing MS Damage: The Promising Potential of PIPE-307 to Regrow Myelin 04.09.2024

  Today, we're going to be talking about a specific drug that has been shown in research thus far to help with remyelination. Do you remember back in the day, there was research in the MS world that was looking at the possible effects of clemastine on multiple sclerosis. The hope here was that it would help with remyelination, AKA building myelin. That same research has been integral in...

195. Healthcare Policies for MS w/ Bari Talente 28.08.2024

Thank you so much for tuning in today! I have the Executive Vice President of Advocacy and Healthcare Access with me today. Her name is Bari Talenti. On today's episode, we talk about changes to healthcare policies for MS and what to keep an eye out for that could increase access and equity to healthcare.  As the Executive Vice President of Advocacy and Healthcare Access, Bari leads team...

194. Weakness After Reducing MS Spasticity 21.08.2024

I am very excited to talk about this topic because spasticity is one of those symptoms that is just, I think, the most frustrating and discouraging. One example is i f you've noticed weakness from baclofen or weakness from botox when attempting to manage MS spasticity, this episode will explain why and give you MS exercises to help! T here's lots of things that we can do to manage spasticity. So,...

193. Managing Autoimmune Diseases Through Diet & Lifestyle w/ Dr. Rani Banik 14.08.2024

I have a very special guest with me, Dr. Rani Banik. You may recognize her name. We actually had her on the podcast previously where she talked all about MS and other demyelinating diseases and how they affect our eyes.  But today we're gonna be talking about something different. We're actually going to be diving into how to manage autoimmune diseases through diet and lifestyle to make a posi...

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