The MSing Link: The Essential Guide to Improve Walking, Strength & Balance for People With Multiple Sclerosis

By Dr. Gretchen Hawley

Has multiple sclerosis caused you to become fearful, frustrated, or overwhelmed because your walking or mobility isn't improving?

In this straightforward and action-focus

• Language: English
• Publisher: Piper Publishing
• Release date: Jul 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798988156611

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The MSing Link

The Essential Guide to Improve Walking, Strength & Balance for People with Multiple Sclerosis

The MSing Link: The Essential Guide to Improve Walking, Strength & Balance for People with Multiple Sclerosis

Copyright © 2023 by Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this book was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Adherence to all applicable laws and regulations, including international, federal, state and local governing professional licensing, business practices, advertising, and all other aspects of doing business in the US, Canada or any other jurisdiction is the sole responsibility of the reader and consumer. Neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility or liability whatsoever on behalf of the consumer or reader of this material. Any per­ceived slight of any individual or organization is purely unintentional.

This book details the author’s personal experiences with and opinions about Multiple Sclerosis physical therapy, exercises, and symptom management strategies. The author is not your healthcare provider. The author and publisher are providing this book and its contents on an as is basis and make no representations or warranties of any kind with respect to this book or its contents. The author and publisher disclaim all such representations and warranties, including for example warranties of merchantability and healthcare for a particular purpose. In addition, the author and publisher do not represent or warrant that the information accessible via this book is accurate, complete or current. The statements made about products and services have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. Please consult with your own physician or healthcare specialist regarding the suggestions and recommendations made in this book.

Except as specifically stated in this book, neither the author or publisher, nor any authors, contributors, or other representatives will be liable for damages arising out of or in connection with the use of this book. This is a comprehensive limitation of liability that applies to all damages of any kind, including (without limitation) compensatory; direct, indirect or consequential damages; loss of data, income or profit; loss of or damage to property and claims of third parties.

You understand that this book is not intended as a substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare practitioner, such as your physician. Before you begin any healthcare program, or change your lifestyle in any way, you will consult your physician or another licensed healthcare practitioner to ensure that you are in good health and that the examples contained in this book will not harm you.

This book provides content related to physical and/or mental health issues. As such, use of this book implies your acceptance of this disclaimer.

Photographer (exercise photos): Meghan Lynn Photography

Photographer (author bio): Sarah McGinnis Photography

Co-editor: Patricia Hawley

Layout Design: Ogunbiyi Ismail

ISBN # (paperback): 979-8-9881566-0-4

ISBN # (ebook) : 979-8-9881566-1-1

Praise For The MSing Link

Finally! A brilliant and most practical book on understanding neuroplasticity and exercise with MS. A fount of meaningful information along with guided movements to begin this journey with Dr. Gretchen Hawley. I have been resistant to purposeful exercise due to … lack of interest. This book changes so much. And I am grateful. Essential reading! Motivating and incredibly important in all of our healing endeavors.

— Selma Blair, Actress, New York Times Best Selling Author, and MS Advocate

You can improve your mobility and function! Through The MSing Link, Dr Gretchen Hawley takes all the guesswork out of the equation. She equips you with simple and easy-to-follow guidelines for functional movement. These exercises and strategies make healing possible for everyone with multiple sclerosis. This is a must have book for anyone with mobility issues and multiple sclerosis!

— Dr. Terry Wahls, MD, IFMCP, author The Wahls Protocol A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions and creator of the Wahls Protocol(R)

To live your best life, despite having Multiple Sclerosis, it takes a multi system approach. The most underappreciated disease modifying therapy is exercise. I met Gretchen Hawley during the pandemic after she launched an amazing virtual exercise program for MS. Many of my MS patients have used her program with great success, and I am delighted that she is sharing her powerful information in this text. She is a gem to the MS community and this book will help many families with MS.

— Dr. Aaron Boster, founder of the Boster Center for MS, MS Neurologist

Dr. Gretchen Hawley’s steadfast commitment and practical strategies serve as beacons of hope, empowering people with MS to embark on their own journey of recovery. Through her many initiatives, she reminds us that exercise and physiotherapy can make a world of difference in the lives of those facing disabilities.

— Mathew Embry, Filmmaker, MS Patient Advocate & Founder of MS Hope

Dr. Hawley is your go-to MS physical therapist! People at all levels of mobility benefit from her wisdom, enthusiasm, and optimism. This book is full of practical advice for different challenges like spasticity, drop foot, and urinary problems. Her assertions are backed up by years of experience and scientific studies, and ample pictures show the exercises clearly. Hawley respects the uniqueness of each person with MS and offers solutions for bad days, relapses, and other sticking-points.

— Dr. Brandon Beaber, MS Neurologist, Author

Dr. Gretchen offers a ray of hope to people experiencing MS progression. This science-based book is as approachable and as joyful as Dr. Gretchen herself, and will be an invaluable tool for those looking to increase their strength, balance, and mobility.

— Ardra Shephard, Writer, Creator/Host of

AMI-tv’s Fashion Dis, TrippingOnAir.com

This book is dedicated to my MSing Link members who are committed to achieving their goals and believing in the power of possibility.

Also, Hi, Mom and Dad!

*waves*

We did it!

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Multiple Sclerosis 101: Diagnosis, Types of MS, and Causes

Chapter 2: Manage Your Symptoms With These Surprising Strategies

Chapter 3: Neuroplasticity: How and Why You Can Gain Strength … Even With a Progressive Disease

Chapter 4: Move Your Body: 10 Exercises to Improve Your Overall Strength and Conditioning

Chapter 5: The RIGHT Way to Exercise with MS

Chapter 6: Modify Your Exercises to Work for You

Chapter 7: Measure Your Progress at Home

Chapter 8: Relapse or Pseudo-Relapse? That is The Question

Chapter 9: Mobility Aids: Good or Evil?

Chapter 10: Your Biggest Enemy Is Yourself

TOP FAQs

Resources

Acknowledgments

About the Author

The MSing Link

The Essential Guide to Improve Walking, Strength & Balance for People with Multiple Sclerosis

Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS

Introduction

When I entered the world of physical therapy for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), my goal was to help them improve their mobility and reduce the effects of symptoms while building meaningful connections with my patients. That was in 2016, three years after working as a physical therapist. This was a life-altering decision. The very first person I treated with MS was a 23-year-old woman determined to build the stamina to stand up during social occasions. Her desire was simple: Go to a bar with friends and order a drink without sitting down. Like many people who face mobility challenges, she isolated herself because she wasn’t strong enough to leave her home and walk around with her friends. For the first time, I realized how much most people take for granted. It pained me to see this woman, who was about my age, unable to participate in life in the way she wanted due to MS.

A few of my early patients hoped to walk into a grocery store without looking like they were drunk; or stroll to the pizza shop instead of having it delivered; or escort a bride down the aisle. Quickly, I learned each patient had different symptoms day to day or hour to hour. I was fascinated by this since my favorite part of being a physical therapist is the creativity that’s involved. MS requires different exercises and movements for the type of day you’re having—high energy, low energy, strong, weak, balanced, and wobbly—and I was excited to work with each patient based on their abilities. However, I didn’t feel equipped to do that just yet.

MS is a different beast from orthopedic conditions like back, neck, or shoulder pain or post-surgery pain and weakness. Since the cause of each symptom is different (neurological vs. muscular) it requires a different form of physical therapy. So, I dove into the work to become a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist. This was the best way for me to learn everything about MS, and it allowed me to understand the ins and outs of the disease. I was particularly interested in gaining knowledge—and access to—research-based treatments and therapies to reduce symptoms.

In fall 2016, I gave a presentation to a multiple sclerosis support group to educate them on MS-specific physical therapy exercises and techniques. My