The MSing Link Podcast, Ep. 246:

MS Walking Problems? Real Results from MS‑Specific Exercises & Expert Insights
Host: Dr. Gretchen Hawley, PT, DPT, MSCS
Guest: Tracy, MSing Link Member
Date: August 20, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth, inspiring conversation between Dr. Gretchen Hawley and Tracy, a member of the MSing Link community living with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS). The discussion highlights Tracy's journey from misdiagnosis and disabling mobility challenges to real, measurable improvements in strength, balance, and confidence—achieved through MS-specific exercises and supportive programs. The story offers practical strategies, hope, and expert insights for listeners seeking to improve their quality of life with MS.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Tracy’s Diagnosis and Early Challenges

• Misdiagnosis and Early Experience:
  • Tracy experienced walking difficulties, leg numbness, and balance problems for nearly three years, originally attributed to a pinched nerve. Eventually diagnosed with PPMS in 2021.
    • Quote: “It was almost like every step was like stepping on a marshmallow…” – Tracy (03:03)
• Dependence on Assistance:
  • Initially leaned on her husband and “furniture surfed” around the house for balance (04:05).
  • Progressed from no aids to cane, then rollator walker, especially after several falls and persistent fear of falling.

Ineffective Conventional Therapy

• Multiple Rounds of Physical Therapy:
  • Tracy completed several traditional PT programs with “little to no improvement” (05:51).
  • Emotional toll: Frustration, defeat, and fear of eventual wheelchair dependence.

Turning Point: Discovering the MSing Link

• Finding the Program:
  • Discovers Dr. Gretchen’s free five-day MS Strength Challenge—gains renewed hope after encountering MS-specific exercise content online (07:45).
    • Quote: “The hope was given to me that I had totally lost. Totally lost.” – Tracy (08:14)
• The Power of ‘Why’:
  • Writing down a specific “why” (her motivation) proved transformative—wanted to walk with her husband in new places without fear (08:46).
  • Dr. Gretchen underscores the importance of specific and emotionally resonant goals.

Achieving Results: Total Strength Program

• Immediate, Noticeable Changes:
  • After starting the program, Tracy quickly noticed gains in walking ability and strength, bolstered by her husband’s encouragement (10:27).
    • Quote: “There was a noticeable difference in my walk… the confidence that something made a difference.” – Tracy (10:44)
• Crucial Exercise Principles for MS:
  • MS-specific exercise strategies differ from traditional physical therapy (12:01); the program focuses on tailored routines, mindful movement, and stopping when technique falters to prevent maladaptive patterns.

Ongoing Progress: Joining the MSing Link

• Transition and Exploration:

  • Upgraded from Total Strength Program to full MSing Link membership after just two and a half weeks, compelled by rapid progress (13:29).
  • Over five months as a member, Tracy uncovered exercise solutions for symptoms she hadn’t even recognized, especially upper body weakness (17:45).

• Community & Resources:

  • Highlights the value of orientation, structured calendars, live classes, and an engaged support community (16:46).
  • “There is no end. I haven’t even found probably a third of what is available on the Missing Link. I find something new every day.” – Tracy (16:02)

Real-Life Transformations & Practical Insights

• Walking on Uneven Surfaces:
  • After years, Tracy recently walked 120 yards on grass, dirt, sand, and cement—with her rollator (18:38).
    • Quote: “Yesterday, I walked… approximately 120 yards on grass, loose dirt, sand and cement without stopping.” – Tracy (19:10)
  • Progressed from full-time rollator use to using trekking poles for most outings, reducing aid dependency (20:08).
    • “What an upgrade from the Rollator. I still use the Rollator… but the trekking poles… I use now.” – Tracy (20:30)
• Foot Drop Management:
  • Saw a 30-40% improvement in foot drop through exercises, supported by special footwear (Cadence sneakers), which enable safer walking while retraining muscle patterns (24:10).
• Daily Life Improvements:
  • Tasks like taking out the garbage, visiting neighbors, and highway driving are now achievable and less daunting (25:01, 26:34).
    • Quote: “Once the strength improved, I'm able to… walk down the driveway… I hear you… lift your leg, bend it…” – Tracy (25:01)
  • Regained independence in driving confidently, no longer needing to assist her leg to the brake pedal (26:34).

Emotional & Mental Health Benefits

• Restored Confidence and Hope:

  • Tracy describes an emotional shift—from feeling stuck and resigned to celebrating even minor wins, fueling motivation and progress (14:27, 15:27).
  • “The hope and the potential that was totally lost before… you give the hope that that doesn’t have to be the end of your story.” – Tracy (14:59)

• The Value of Community:

  • The collective encouragement and accountability from the MSing Link Facebook group created a supportive “big hug” environment (30:13).

• Relatable Setbacks and Resilience:

  • Tracy candidly shares a week-long lapse in exercise, reaffirming that it’s normal and surmountable:
    • “I have a confession, I haven’t done a blasted thing for a week… The difference in not doing anything to doing something is night and day. Not only crazy physical improvement but mentally.” – Tracy (27:08, 28:20)

Advice and Takeaways

• For Newly Diagnosed or Discouraged Listeners:
  • MS-specific therapy is critical; orthopedic/traditional PT often falls short for MS symptoms (31:54).
    • “With having MS, [traditional PT] is not how you do it. It doesn’t work. It doesn’t give you any real improvement or hope…” – Tracy (31:54)
  • Embrace Small Wins:
    • Every incremental change should be celebrated—trying, feeling a muscle move, or standing taller all matter (32:42).
    • “The possibilities are endless. And you need to just try… feeling that try… is the win.” – Tracy (32:42)
• The New Normal:
  • Acknowledging MS as a “new world” can help reframe expectations and open up possibilities for joy and growth (35:51, 37:02):
    • “The world is still fantastic. Just, you have to… It’s like learning a new world.” – Tracy (35:51)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Balancing Emotion and Progress:
  • “When you see improvements… it does hit home emotionally. You do feel that confidence, that hope.” — Dr. Gretchen (14:27)
• On Motivation During Setbacks:
  • “You are more than entitled to not do a blasted thing for that timeframe, but don’t wallow in it.” – Community member, paraphrased by Tracy (30:50)
• On Advice to Others:
  • “Just have to—even the smallest win is a win and you’ve got to celebrate it… You have to find the joy in that new world.” – Tracy (35:10, 35:51)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Diagnosis story and early mobility challenges – 03:03–05:17
• Physical therapy disappointments – 05:51–07:12
• Discovering and starting the 5-Day Challenge – 07:45–08:46
• Experiencing the Total Strength Program – 10:27–12:01
• Transition to MSing Link membership & program exploration – 13:29–17:45
• Breakthroughs: Walking on uneven surfaces & device progression – 18:38–21:10
• Foot drop improvement / adaptive footwear (Cadence sneakers) – 21:29–24:10
• Daily living improvements (garbage, neighbors, driving) – 25:01–26:34
• Overcoming a setback, the mental boost of returning to exercise – 27:08–28:57
• The value of community support – 30:13–31:20
• Advice for others in similar situations – 31:54–32:42, 35:10–37:02

Tone & Language

The conversation is supportive, hopeful, and empowering, with Dr. Gretchen’s expert guidance complemented by Tracy’s candid, relatable storytelling. Both speakers use affirmative, optimistic language and emphasize practical solutions harmonized with emotional resilience.

Summary

This episode of The MSing Link beautifully illustrates that real, practical improvements in MS-related mobility and confidence are possible with MS-specific strategies, community support, and a focus on meaningful, personal goals. Tracy’s journey from lost hope to measurable gains—like ditching the cane for trekking poles, walking on diverse surfaces, and reclaiming independence—offers listeners both actionable steps and powerful motivation.

For anyone with MS facing walking or mobility issues, this episode is a must-listen—to find hope, learn expert-backed methods, and connect with a community that truly understands.