Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS
Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS
Learn Multiple Sclerosis-specific exercises & strategies to help improve your mobility, strength, and balance! Dr. Gretchen shares her best tips to help you feel empowered & confident!
To work with Dr. Gretchen, check out her online MS wellness program, The MSing Link!
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NOTE: These videos do not provide medical advice and are for informational/educational purposes only. The videos are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen in any of my videos. They are just to help educate you.
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I sure will. Thanks for sharing a great tool for measuring physical progress.
Absolutely, I’ll try! That’s a great way to track my progress! Thank You!
Great reminder
Ok I will give this a go. Thanks 😊
I will implement this!!
I WILL try this Gretchen. Thank you SO much. Where do I find my motivation to exercise? Do you have a Facebook page? You are my angel and I love your book!!!
Have you wondered how to tell if your MS exercises are working? 🤔 Let's face it - most of us aren't exercising because we love it, but because we're hoping to see improvements in our strength, walking, balance, etc. Or, more likely... we want our daily activities to feel easier and less cumbersome. The way to know if you're on track towards reaching your goals is by tracking your progress... 📈Tracking your progress at home (the right way!) can not only hold you accountable, but also let you know if you're doing the right exercises that'll make a difference in your strength and walking. One of my favorite ways to do this is with the 5 Times Sit-to-Stand Test 🪑: Ready to try it out? Here’s how: 1️⃣ Find a sturdy chair (with or without armrests). 2️⃣ Time yourself as you stand up and sit down five times. 3️⃣ Write down your time in your phone or notebook to track over time. Repeat this test every month to see how much progress you’re making. You're likely to see fluctuations due to the unknowns of MS, but over time you should see some trends. Remember, what you measure, you can manage! You'll likely be surprised at how good it feels to see noticeable improvements in your time each month. Even when it doesn’t feel like it, consistent effort leads to real progress 💪 Will you try this test this week? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️💬
I am also waiting on my Cadense shows - thanks for this!❤
What about muscle paralysis? Will this still help strengthen for better dorsiflexion?
Someone in my MS group posted with pictures how these shoes literally fell apart within 3 months. Just be warned. She did contact cadense and they gave her a coupon off her next $200 pair. not worth it.
It is likely circumducting or hip hike, or a combination of, that resulted in my hip labrum being torn up so bad that arthoscopic surgery didn't work and I had to have a full hip replacement. Recovery from that was never satisfactory- the product is very needed but I have concerns as noted below. Plus- it allows you to slide your foot forward but that assumes you are on a level surface that you can slide on. I'm not sure they will work on gravel, walking or hiking on a dirt path or going up or down inclines/declines. How do they work then? Also- my true issue- a good neuro PT determined is really calf spasticity vs foot drop. I've been helped the most by Mg, baclofen, tizanidine and now botox into my calf and back of thigh. Can you put out a video about when it really isn't foot drop, how to determine and what to do then?
They are intriguing but I am very budget conscious as I am no longer working- likely common in the MS group- people have been posting in the NMSS FB group that they don't last very long and all they were offered when they contacted the company was $30 off on the next pair...I won't buy unless they come with a good warranty...can you talk to them about quality issues and warranties?
extreme B12 deficiency can also mimic MS. My B12 was down at 58, and my dad also had very low levels. After years of worsened symptoms over the years, my cousin and I were diagnosed with MS. Our uncle had it and passed away when we were kids. No offence to you, and other doctors caring and doing a great job, I find it very disappointing...and cruel in some way....that people have to go for years being either misdiagnosed or suffer when there is soooo many things one can do to "nip it in the butt" and get better, or get educated to prevent further damage. Anyways, I'm always glad to watch your videos, read your emails, book, etc. Cheers!
SO GORGEOUS AND CREATIVE!!
I absolutely love my cadence shoes. I have two pair. I wear them every single day! Thank you Dr. Gretchen for recommending them
That's awesome! I'm so glad you are enjoying them!!
Thank you for this tutorial. I bought them but found them too slippery so I'm afraid of falling. This is just what I needed.
I'm so glad this was helpful!!
I ordered mine a couple months ago or so. O should be getting them in September. So excited to get them
That's great! I hope they work out perfectly for you!
I have drop foot, I need to stay more consistent with the exercises. I have ordered the foot drop brace it’s on the way. Just want to let you know I appreciate all you do for the MS patients. Thank you 👍
You're welcome! Always happy to share!
You're the best Dr. Im ecstatic to try this ❤
Happy to share!
I got these shoes, but I walk on tile it sounds like something is loose it's fine just noisy, for me it's a little loud
Thank you for sharing your experience!
I am also waiting and bought after your first video. Let's see how it goes
Thank you for sharing! I hope that you love them!
Hi I’m waiting for my shoes shipping at the end of this month. I have foot drop so this is awesome of you to show us these shoes. ❤️
I'm glad you found this video helpful & I hope the shoes work out perfectly for you once they arrive!
Thanks for this video Dr Gretchen I have MS but also arthritis in my hips and lower back😢 Which bike would be good for me🤔
My body wants to lean foward now, it’s so weird, I’m struggling with my posture so bad. When I let my knees lock I’m in a super extended swayback and I walk in a way that won’t let my knees lock so it makes it even more difficult for my to walk. when I don’t let my knees lock my body wants to lean foward. I also have a lot of compressing in my ribcage.
I feel like I’m not walk well. Loss of balance and my bowel movements come on suddenly that I have soiled my pants ( how embarrassing). Dr say not MS and I say maybe ALS I don’t know what to do about getting diagnosed properly 😢
Thank you for sharing! Absolutely continue to advocate for yourself & how you are feeling! No one knows how you are affected more than yourself. I hope that you receive some concrete answers soon! You got this!
None of these apply to me however the interesting part is I had a doctors 15 years earlier tell me I had Disconnected Tissue Disease but after seeing my neurologist he didn’t confirm that diagnosis. I’m still asking questions trying to get to the bottom of that. I no longer see that doctor and haven’t been able to get those records.
I appreciate you sharing your experience!
Thanks dr for your care
You're very welcome!☺️
When i practice hamstring curl my pelvis go in antror tilt plz telm what cause of that
LOVE YOUR CONTENT!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Always happy to share!
This was awesome to see, you two providing information and Hope to us all with MS.
So happy you enjoyed the video!
I feel secure holding my poles (elevated from the floor) just having my poles helps.
Thank you Gretchen I am a big fan and have had RRMS for 18years💪🏻 was bed ridden wasn’t able to support my body weight I’m still improving
I'm so glad you found my channel and are enjoying the content! You got this!
Die bewegungen im viedeo sind z.t. schlecht zu erkennen!!
The movement is simply standing, with good posture, without using the counter for support. Hope this helps!☺️
7 Steps to Walking: Part TWO ⭐️ ⭑The second step is to bend your back knee! This step is an easy one to forget, but when we don’t engage in that knee bend that can cause toe drag, trip, or foot drop! ⭑So after you shift your weight forward, bend your knee. This will give you clearance from the ground so you can move your leg forward. 👉🏻 To practice this step, follow along with the video and remember that you can modify this in many ways: • use a mobility aid • practice in a seated position • recline when seated • lie on your side Once you are in a comfortable position, try to bend your knee. Try a few reps on one leg and then switch to the other leg! P.S. 🔥 This is one of the HARDEST exercises for my clients and many of them have NO movement at first. That’s okay! Keep practicing in whichever position is easiest/least resisted #neuroplasticity 💡Stay tuned for part 3! Comment below if you will be practicing this step!
I will sure practice it
Will definitely practice this! Thanks for this step by step tutorial, Dr. Hawley!
Thank you! MS strong 💪 🧡
Always happy to share!
By the way, I love all the natural wood in your kitchen.
Thank you! 😊
I find myself leaning over with my elbows on the vanity while I brush my teeth. Well, sometimes while I’m doing dishes, too. It’s only hurting me. Why can’t I be more self disciplined?!
Habits can be challenging to break! Be kind to yourself in those moments when you catch yourself leaning onto your elbows, and then try to practice standing up tall. You got this!
❤❤❤
So glad you enjoyed the video!
Dr. Hawley, I look forward to you daily 😊
I'm so glad you are enjoying the content!!
I know I am a person who functions with depression. I have bladder and bowel issues! MS SUCKS!!!! I miss the person I used to be!!!
Thank you for sharing! I really appreciate it
Beautiful
Very first thing I started with. I'm way beyond that point now, though I use a rolling Walker but the cane started first.😊
Thank you for sharing!
YOU ARE SO LOVELY AND SMART!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you very much!
Recumbent bike for me!
Thanks for sharing! ☺️
When I’m brushing my teeth!
Yes! That's another great opportunity!!
Gretchen for president 2024 .
That reminded me I got to cook for tonight but even though I got dishwasher I like washing the dishes just to stand up .
Thich Nhat Han (Vietnam Zen Monk) taught meditation said there are two ways to wash the dishes. The first way is to get clean dishes. And the second way is “to wash the dishes to wash the dishes” by which he meant to immerse yourself in the experience the suds the water the smell the sounds ie meditation. Amazing teachings in his The Miracle Of Mindfulness. Eschew your dishwasher! Wash the dishes to wash the dishes! Be a Zen Monk for a while when standing! Thanks Dr Gretchen!!!
That's great! Excellent job practicing standing!
I like doing these when I put dishes away. Id be to nervous to do it when cooking 😂😂
I'd be nervous doing this with dishes as well 😅
That's fair! 😅 However you feel most comfortable performing this exericse is perfect!
Can you guess the most UNDERRATED exercise for improving balance in MS?! 🤔 If you have MS and want to stand longer without difficulty when doing everyday activities like cooking, brushing your teeth, and showering, this simple exercise can make a huge difference… 💥 STANDING! 💥 Hear me out: This might not sound like much of an exercise, but it’s great for improving your balance and strengthening your upper body, core, and legs. By practicing standing regularly, you can build the muscles and stability you need to stand longer and with more confidence! ❤️ Here’s how to get started: 1️⃣ Find a stable surface to hold onto if you need it, like a countertop or sturdy chair. 2️⃣ Stand with your feet hip-width apart and squeeze your ab muscles and glutes. 3️⃣ Practice standing tall for as long as you can, whether it’s 30 seconds, 5 minutes, or anywhere in between. 4️⃣ Aim to do this 5 times a week! If your butt is sticking out/you're hinging forward... you're not alone - that's a common symptom of MS due to weakness. It means you may also need to stretch your hip flexors. Remember, it’s all about consistency and listening to your body. Start slow and build up over time. This simple exercise can make a big difference in your daily life. Do you have trouble standing while cooking or showering? Let me know in the comments! 💬
Oh Yes! Now I have been diagnosed with scoliosis and osteopenia....Oy Ve ! 😅 but a good attitude goes a long way Thank you for your Help ❤