Exercise is a powerful DMT (disease modifying therapy). Dr. Gretchen Hawley, Certified MS Specialist & Author of "The MSing Link," joins us to talk about the magic of neuroplasticity and the targeted physiotherapy that can help improve strength and MS symptoms.

Plus, if you’re like me and exercising with MS feels completely overwhelming, Dr. Gretchen’s got tips to keep us motivated even on our MSiest days.

Highlights: 

• Show Intro (00:00)
• Exercise as Disease Modifying Therapy - Opening Remarks (00:29)
• Introducing Dr. Gretchen Hawley, Certified MS Specialist & Author (01:11)
• What is Neuro-Therapy & Why is it Important? (02:58)
• Neural Pathways & How a Muscle Works (05:05)
• When to Seek Neuro-Physiotherapy (05:59)
• Differences Between Physiotherapy, Exercise & Movement (07:55)
• Rethinking the Meaning of “Exercise” (10:04)
• Guilt-Free Rest (12:43)
• Fatigue, Guilt & Understanding (16:11)
• Setting Movement Priorities (18:09)
• Forget the Frustrations and Look for the Little Wins (20:42)
• Activating Neuroplasticity Through Focused Attention (23:24)
• Games as Therapy? (26:46)
• Filling in Knowledge Gaps & Simple Tricks (28:52)
• Spasticity & Vocal Cords (31:49)
• Regulating Your Core Temperature (33:06)
• Measuring Success & Strengthening Neural Pathways (36:32)
• Where to Find Dr. Gretchen Hawley & Her Book “The MSing Link” (39:53)
• “Be Gentle with Yourself and Keep Moving” - Closing Remarks (41:37)

Guest Bio:  

Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS

Dr. Gretchen is a Physical Therapist & Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist since 2013. She’s the founder and creator of The MSing Link, an online program offering services to help people with MS worldwide feel more confident in their strength, walking, and daily activities. Dr. Gretchen has been featured in publications such as Forbes, National MS Society, Overcoming MS, MS-UK, and MS Views & News. Additionally, Dr. Gretchen has made numerous television appearances and is a frequent presenter at national & international MS conferences.

Relevant Links:

Official Website for Dr. Gretchen Hawley  - https://www.drgretchenhawley.com/

Find Dr. Gretchen Hawley's Empowered Living with the MSing Link on YouTube

About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air

Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim.

Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation.

Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists.

Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice.

Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair

About Alex Hajjar

Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship.

A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis.

Get More "Tripping On Air"

The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air.

And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/