The MSing Link

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: [email protected] 

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/the-progress-method-for-ms

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

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: [email protected] 

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/the-progress-method-for-ms

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

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: [email protected] 

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/the-progress-method-for-ms

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

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: [email protected] 

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

 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:

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: [email protected] 

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

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:

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: [email protected] 

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

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: [email protected] 

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

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: [email protected] 

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

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. That's exactly why Gina created something different.

We'll talk about what Neuro Scenes actually are, how guided visualization and sensory techniques can make nervous system regulation feel easier and more restorative, and why calming your nervous system can help reduce MS symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing MS for years, this conversation is packed with practical strategies and neuroscience-backed tools you can start using right away, plus exclusive access to Gina's calming audio experiences created specifically for the MS community.

About Gina Coil:

Gina Coil creates tools for people who are overwhelmed and still have to keep living their lives. Her work exists for real moments. The ones where things feel heavy, confusing, or mentally exhausting, and you don’t have the energy to read a whole book, follow a long program, or figure out what’s “wrong” with you.

Gina is deeply interested in how the human brain and nervous system actually function under stress, not how they function when life is calm and ideal. She believes that when someone is struggling, more information usually isn’t what helps first. Feeling a little better is.

NeuroScenes grew out of that belief and her own lived experience. They are guided, imagination‑based experiences designed to help the nervous system regulate in real time, without pressure, performance, or fixing.

Gina meets people where they are and helps things feel more manageable first.

Connect with Gina:
Website: www.ginacoil.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18UG5RQqri/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colorfullivingwithgina
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@colorfullivingwithgina?_t=ZP-8uIC7VjKMe7&_r=1
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@colorfullivingwithginacoil?si=Y-z1b3I8QWZnJ-NY

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: [email protected] 

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

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 therapist, and offer expert tips to help you decide what could truly support your MS mobility, walking, and strength goals. 

Resources Mentioned In This Episode: 

The MSing Link Episode 165, Red Light Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis w/ Dr. Alyson Evans - Spotify | Apple

The MSing Link Episode 243, MS Red Light Therapy for Nerve Repair & Inflammation – Chiropractor + PhD Explains - Spotify | Apple

The MSing Link Episode 273, Ankle Braces vs AFOs for MS: What’s the Difference? - Spotify | Apple

The MSing Link Episode 274, Fake MS Cures on Social Media: How to Tell What’s Real vs. AI Hype - Spotify | Apple

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: [email protected] 

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