Not too long ago, I asked my Instagram followers what they wanted a podcast episode on. And one topic that was repeated by multiple people was spasticity. But not only that, the difference between spasticity vs. muscle tightness. And there were also some people who wanted to learn about muscle spasms. So I'm going to throw that in here as well! Let's dive in! Mentioned Resources in this episode: The MSing Link- Episode 81 Apple Podcast & Spotify The MSing Link Episode 118 Apple Podcast &...
May 08, 2024•26 min
Today, I have the honor of interviewing Dr. Gabriel Pardo. He is a physician and a scientist that aims to provide comprehensive care to individuals with MS through a multidisciplinary approach. On today's episode, we talk about smoldering MS, new terminology that explains worsening of function without changes on an MRI, aging out of disease modifying therapies and the effects of BTK inhibitors. Dr. Gabriel Pardo is a physician and a scientist that aims to provide comprehensive care to individual...
May 01, 2024•17 min
Today, I want to share a conversation with you that I had about a year ago. It was with someone on social media, after I had shared something in my Instagram stories. Someone with MS commented her thoughts on what I shared and it was something that really stuck with me. Since it hit home with me I wanted to share this with you! I want everyone to hear it because I know that there are more people that feel that same way. Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out...
Apr 24, 2024•14 min
Today, I want to talk about pain, and the reason I want to talk about pain is because two thirds of people with multiple sclerosis will have some level of pain at some point in their MS journey. And so I really wanted to break down what MS pain is like, what it's caused from, and how it's different from orthopedic pain. And we're also going to touch a bit on some treatment options! Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com ...
Apr 17, 2024•24 min
Thank you so much for tuning in today. I am interviewing a guest that we have previously had on The MSing Link podcast because she has such a powerful story, but also has something new up her sleeve that I just think the whole world should know about. I'm interviewing Julie Stamm. On today's episode, we talk about her book that normalizes differing abilities and amplifies how each of us can thrive in spite of challenges, and her newest creation, 52 Essential Inclusion Skills, which come in an in...
Apr 10, 2024•26 min
One question that I am asked frequently is, "What can someone expect physically, mentally, and emotionally after going through any of my programs or courses like The Missing Link?" So, instead of hearing it from me I wanted you to hear from one of my more recent clients that I have had the honor of working one on one with. We were actually only working together for just three months, and I think you'll find her story, her journey, and her symptoms that are now leading to improvements really moti...
Apr 03, 2024•35 min
Thank you so much for tuning in today. I am interviewing Dr. Barry Singer. This is his second time on our podcast and I'm so excited to have him share his expertise with us. On today's episode, we talk about early symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The kind of early that happens before you're even diagnosed. And we also talk about MS diagnosis and care. Dr. Barry Singer is the director and founder of The MS Center for Innovations in Care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. He is an Associate Profes...
Mar 27, 2024•29 min
Today we are going to be talking about knee locking, which can also be called knee hyperextension. we're going to take this topic and talk about all of the nitty gritty details, including things like why is this occurring in the first place, what exercises you can do for it, and are there any tools that can help. Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com Website: www.MSingLink.com Social: ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.co...
Mar 20, 2024•21 min
I have a very special guest with me, Tyler Susco. Tyler invented a shoe that was designed to help people who trip when they're walking, reduce their tripping or even avoid it, and increase their walking speed. His background is in mechanical engineering, robotics, and neurotherapy, and he's applied his knowledge and expertise into this shoe. On today's episode, we talk about how these shoes are different from other shoes on the market, how they work, and who will benefit from them. Explore the C...
Mar 13, 2024•29 min
Thank you for tuning in today! I am going to be reviewing how to prepare for your physical therapy visit. And the reason this is so important is because being prepared can truly make or break your experience with physical therapy. The more knowledge you come with and the more you know what to expect, the better your treatment plan will be! Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com Website: www.MSingLink.com Social: ★ Facebo...
Mar 06, 2024•28 min
I have a repeat guest on our podcast today, Garrett Salpeter! On today's episode, we talk about new research on the newbie device that was specifically performed in people with multiple sclerosis. So we'll get an idea on how effective it is and benefits for those with MS. The MSing Link Episode 41 with Garrett Salpeter: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/podcasts/the-msing-link/episodes/2147683426 Garrett’s book & Audiobook: The NeuFit Method Unleash the Power of the Nervous System for Fas...
Feb 28, 2024•48 min
This topic that we're going to discuss is all about finding something that works for you to relieve some stress that you might be feeling. And If you have MS, please know that you likely might be in a state of constant stress, even if it's not high stress, it might be so low that you don't recognize it, but simply because your body is fighting a disease. So having a strategy to implement consistently to reduce your stress levels can be immensely important and almost integral in reducing some of ...
Feb 21, 2024•21 min
On today’s episode, I'm chatting with Dr. Lindsey Elmore! We discuss the microbiome as it pertains to multiple sclerosis, actions you can take to improve your microbiome, and how to heal your gut BEST when you have MS. Dr. Lindsey Elmore is a board-certified pharmacist, Institute for Functional Medicine trained clinician, speaker, author, entrepreneur, yoga teacher and world-renowned wellness expert. Dr. Elmore earned a bachelor’s in chemistry from the University of Alabama Birmingham and a Doct...
Feb 14, 2024•47 min
Thank you so much for tuning in today! Today, I am going to be talking about wall walking and furniture walking! This might be a topic or a phrase that you've heard of before, or maybe this is your first time hearing it, but it is very common in the physical therapy world. So today, I'm going to break down why this is happening, why it's not ideal, and a few different strategies that you can do to improve it! Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hel...
Feb 07, 2024•23 min
I have a special guest with me, Dr. Allison Evans. Dr. Allison is a doctor of chiropractor who focuses on creating technology that combines healthcare with innovation. On today's episode, we talk about the benefits of sunlight, red light, and infrared light for people with multiple sclerosis to reduce inflammation, improve energy, and so much more. Dr. Alyson Evans, DC has dedicated the last 20 years to mashing up her passions for healthcare and education, alongside pursuing her purpose of build...
Jan 31, 2024•45 min
Today, I want us to analyze something, and, and this is the perfect time to analyze since it's still fresh in our brain. And what that is, I want to analyze your body's response to anything that happened over the holidays. The holiday season can be chaotic, which can cause additional stress, which can lead to MS symptoms! 5 Day MS Strength Challenge - https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/offers/d7jn4Yfk Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doc...
Jan 24, 2024•16 min
I have a special guest with me, Dr. Mitzi Joy Williams. She is a board certified neurologist and fellowship trained multiple sclerosis specialist who serves as the founder and CEO of the Joy Life Wellness Group Multiple Sclerosis Center. On today's episode, we're diving into the ins and outs of fatigue. You'll finish this episode feeling prepared with actionable steps to help improve your energy and therefore do more in your daily life. Mitzi Joi Williams is a Board-Certified Neurologist and Fel...
Jan 17, 2024•20 min
This is going to be one of your favorite episodes if you are working towards improving your balance. Tune in as I break down balance and discuss things like how MS affects balance and what exercises you can be doing if you have a goal of improving your balance! The MSing Link Podcast Episode 123: Foot Drop 101 https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/podcasts/the-msing-link/episodes/2147914016 The MSing Link Online Program https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink Total Core Program https://...
Jan 10, 2024•23 min
Today I am talking with Dr. Marissa Barrera, the Assistant Dean of Health Sciences and Director of the Graduate Program in Speech Language Pathology at the Katz School of Science and Health at Yeshiva University in New York City. On today's episode, we talk about cognition, speech, and swallowing symptoms in multiple sclerosis and how to advocate for the care that will set you up for success down the road. Dr. Marissa A. Barrera is the Assistant Dean of Health Sciences and Director of the Gradua...
Jan 03, 2024•41 min
About a month or so ago, I posted on social media about the topic of clonus in multiple sclerosis. And to my surprise, a lot of people didn't know what it was, and they were hearing about it for the first time. So I wanted to turn it into an episode for you and first explain what it is and how to fix it, because it's one of those rare symptoms in MS where you actually. can fix it! Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com W...
Dec 27, 2023•21 min
Today, I'm interviewing Dr. Whitney Patrickson and Dr. Naseem Chattawalla about a newer electrical stimulation device that helps improve walking. This device is called PoNS. On today's episode, we'll learn more about what PONS is, how it can help people with multiple sclerosis, and what results have been seen in clinic. *Individual results and patient experiences vary. Speak to your physician to determine if PoNS is right for you.* Whitney Patrickson PT, DPT is Director of Physical Therapy at He...
Dec 20, 2023•35 min
This is a very special episode for me because I am celebrating the five year anniversary of The MSing Link, my online MS wellness program. Join me as I share the story of The MSing Link program from it's very beginning stages, why the program came to be, and the journey through the last 5 years! Thank you all so much for being here! I hope you enjoy this episode! Check out a Behind the Scenes sneak peak into The MSing Link Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/BehindTheScenes Additional ...
Dec 13, 2023•38 min
On today’s episode, we talk about symptom management for spasticity in addition to the different types of spasticity and similar symptoms. This episode is chock full of his best recommendations for therapies and medications. Dr. Barry Singer is the director and founder of The MS Center for Innovations in Care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. He is an Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Singer earned his undergraduate degree from Duke Univ...
Dec 06, 2023•25 min
Welcome to my 2023 MS Holiday Gift Guide. The gifts that I have for you this year are geared towards improving your mobility, which includes walking, reducing inflammation, improving neuroplasticity, and recovering from any type of injury or anything that's causing you to feel uncomfortable, even if that's something like tight or spastic muscles. ★ Bop It https://www.amazon.com/shop/doctor.gretchen/list/27X34NVAIOXLV?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfdoctor.gretchen_RHYJMWBEMHCZVWBGKE21 ★ Fringe...
Nov 26, 2023•41 min
Marissa Shackleton is the Executive Director at The Elliot Lewis Center in Wellesley, MA. The Elliot Lewis Center is a comprehensive care center for patients with multiple sclerosis and other neurologic disorders. On today’s episode, Marissa talks to us about access to & affordability of MS medications, health insurance for MS, and resources to make medications more affordable. Marissa Shackleton is the Executive Director at The Elliot Lewis Center in Wellesley, MA. The Elliot Lewis Center i...
Nov 22, 2023•27 min
I received a really great question from one of my MSing Link members recently, and this is a question that a lot of people with MS have asked me over the last 10 or so years so I wanted to bring this question up on this podcast. The question is, "What if my fear of falling has more to do with my poor proprioception? Are there exercises for that?" Let's answer those questions now! Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com We...
Nov 15, 2023•21 min
Dr. Rani Banik is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained neuro-ophthalmologist with additional training in Integrative and Functional Medicine. On today’s episode, we talk about how MS and other demyelinating diseases affect vision, red flags that should cause you to see a doctor, and the difference between eye doctors. Dr. Rani Banik is America's Integrative Eye Doctor. She is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained neuro-ophthalmologist with additional traini...
Nov 08, 2023•22 min
One question that I get every single day, and probably multiple times per day, on all of the platforms that I show up on is are your exercises good for me and would your MSing Link program be good for me if I don't have multiple sclerosis? Stroke, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, ataxia, hereditary spastic paraplegia,s parkinson's, a spinal cord injury, neuromyelitis optica, transverse myelitis, and so many others...I am going to be answering this question for you today! Additional Resources:...
Nov 01, 2023•17 min
I have a very special guest with me, Prasanna Ranganathan. He is a human rights lawyer, diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioner, accessibility advisor, documentary filmmaker, and author. And I'm not sure if you are aware of this or not, but October, It's National Disability Employment Awareness Month. And on today's episode, Prasanna talks to us all about disability rights, disclosing your disability, and steps to improving disability inclusion and belonging. Prasanna (he/him) is a documen...
Oct 25, 2023•42 min
Today is my second podcast episode where I am contributing to my If This, Then What series. Today we're going to be talking about If This, Then What: If You Fell, or if you landed on the floor, and you need to know exactly what to do! Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com Website: www.MSingLink.com Social: ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen ★ You...
Oct 18, 2023•19 min
