Podcast
The MSing Link
Hosted by Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS · EN
Do you have Multiple Sclerosis and have goals of improving your mobility, energy, and motivation? On this show, you’ll learn MS-specific exercises and symptom management strategies to help you gain control over your life with MS. I also bring in other MS Experts in the healthcare industry to share their insights and advice so you’ll be armed with research-driven education. You’ll leave each episode feeling empowered and ready to take action!
45episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
267. Kinesiology Tape for MS: How It Works for Spasticity, Balance & Movement with Dr. Steve Capobianco
Jan 1400:55:15Summary readyIn this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Steve Capobianco, chiropractor and co-founder of RockTape, to dive into the benefits of kinesiology tape for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). We discuss how kinesiology tape can help with challenging MS symptoms like spasticity, muscle weakness, balance issues, and even foot drop. You’ll learn practical strategies for improving mobility and movement using tape, gain insights on how this tool works by communicating with the nervous system, and get tips on safely applying it at home. If you’re searching for MS exercises, expert advice, and evidence-based ways to get stronger and walk better with MS, this friendly conversation is filled with actionable tools for boosting your independence and confidence. Whether you have relapsing or progressive MS, tune in for empowerment and inspiration! About Dr. Steve Capobianco: Dr. Steven Capobianco, a chiropractor with over 20 years of experience and co-founder of RockTape. Dr. Capobianco is a passionate educator and innovator in manual and movement therapy, with advanced training including a post-doctoral diploma in rehabilitation and certification as a strength and conditioning specialist. He's dedicated his career to helping people understand how simple tools like kinesiology tape can communicate with the nervous system to improve movement and reduce symptoms. Resources Mentioned in this episode: How Kinesiology Tape Can Help People with Multiple Sclerosis Feel and Move Better: https://rocktape.com/blogs/rocktape/how-kinesiology-tape-can-help-people-with-multiple-sclerosis-feel-and-move-better Connect with Dr. Steve Capobianco:Website: https://rocktape.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RockTapeGoStrongerLongerMovement Advocate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themovementadvocate/ 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 ★ 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
Summary
266. Knee Bending Exercises for MS: Strengthen Hamstrings & Release Tightness
Jan 700:27:47Summary ready In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most common mobility challenges for people with multiple sclerosis—difficulty bending the knee. As a physical therapist specializing in MS, I’ll walk you through targeted knee bending exercises, strategies to strengthen your hamstrings, and practical tips to release tightness and spasticity in your quadriceps. These actionable tools can help improve your walking, stair climbing, and everyday movement. Join me for expert advice, step-by-step assessments, and easy modifications so you can gain strength, flexibility, and function. Tune in if you’re looking for MS-specific exercises, rehab techniques, and support to regain confidence and quality of life! Resources mentioned in the episode: Knee Bending Exercises for MS: Strengthen Hamstrings & Release Tightness | MS Physical Therapy [YouTube Version of this episode] - https://youtu.be/o2_kYh5qOLk 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 ★ 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
Summary
265. Managing MS Symptoms with Diet and Lifestyle Changes with Vickie Hadge
Dec 3100:37:42Summary readyIn this episode of The MSing Link Podcast, I’m thrilled to sit down with Vickie Hadge to talk about practical ways to manage multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms through evidence-based diet and holistic lifestyle changes. We cover the “DESK” approach—Diet, Exercise, Sleep, and Kindness—and share actionable strategies on how these healthy habits can help reduce MS fatigue, brain fog, spasticity, and stress. You’ll learn how to make dietary changes even when your family eats differently, plus get realistic tips for improving sleep quality and practicing mindfulness. Whether you’re looking for MS exercises, MS diet advice, or ways to build a supportive MS wellness routine, you’ll find tools and inspiration here to boost your mobility, strength, and quality of life with MS. Join us for this empowering conversation and take a step toward living your healthiest life with MS! About Vickie Hadge: Vickie Hadge has been managing her multiple sclerosis through diet and lifestyle changes for nearly two decades. After her first MS relapse in 2006 resulted in foot drop, Vickie began implementing evidence-based lifestyle modifications and went 10 years without another relapse. Since her official diagnosis in 2017, she's combined a disease modifying therapy with a whole food plant-based diet, daily exercise, quality, sleep, and mindfulness practices. It sounds like a lot, but Vickie makes it sound and gives tips to make it super manageable and attainable. Vickie shares her expertise through her YouTube channel and Facebook page called Even So It Is Well where She Helps Others with MS live their healthiest lives. Connect with Vickie:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/evensoitiswellFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/evensoitiswell/Newsletter: https://evensoitiswell.subscribemenow.com/Email: vickie.hadge@evensoitiswell.com 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 ★ 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
Summary
264. Celebrating OUR Wins: The MSing Link Reached 33 Countries in 2025!
Dec 2400:32:07Summary readyIn this special episode of The MSing Link Podcast, I’m celebrating major wins from our community—including reaching listeners in 57 countries and welcoming MSing Link members from 33 countries this year! I share the biggest milestones we’ve hit together, how we’re making MS physical therapy more accessible across the globe, and the launch of tools like Dr. Gretchen AI for 24/7 MS support. Whether you’re looking for evidence-based MS exercises, fresh strategies for walking and strength, or inspiration for your MS journey, this episode is filled with inspiration, expert advice, and heartfelt community moments. Join me as I reflect on how far we’ve come in providing life-changing MS resources and support, and how YOU can keep seeing what’s possible in your own life with multiple sclerosis. If you’re searching for MS physical therapy, ways to get stronger with MS, or practical tips to improve MS mobility and independence, this episode is for you! 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 ★ 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
Summary
263. Health Coaching for MS: Research Shows 85% Feel More Confident Managing Their Symptoms
Dec 1700:44:47Summary readyIn this episode, I’m joined by nationally board-certified health and wellness coach Amy Behimer to explore how health coaching can empower people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to take charge of their symptoms and boost quality of life. We dive into the latest research from the National MS Society showing that 85% of participants felt more confident managing their MS after working with a coach. Amy Behimer shares her unique perspective as a health coach, pharmacist, and someone living with MS herself. We discuss the differences between types of coaching, how health coaching supports consistency, and strategies for building habits that stick—plus, what to look for when choosing the right coach for your own MS journey. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, living with progressive MS, or seeking practical tools for improving mobility, strength, and independence, this episode offers research-backed advice and encouragement to help you move forward with confidence! About Amy Behimer: Amy Behimer brings a unique triple perspective to our conversation. She's a nationally board certified health and wellness coach specializing in autoimmune disease, a doctor of pharmacy, and someone who's been living with primary progressive MS for nearly 14 years. Amy has been a guest expert inside The MSing Link twice now. Resources Mentioned:Club Habit Hub Sign Up: https://amybehimercoaching.com/joinThe MSing Link Episode 204, How To Stay Consistent with Amy Behimer - Apple | Spotify Connect with Amy:Website: https://amybehimercoaching.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessway_mountpleasant/ 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 ★ 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
Summary
250. Newly Diagnosed with MS? How to Find MS Support and Connect with Other People with MS
Sep 1700:37:45Summary readyIn this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with Amy Stow, Head of Operations at Shift.ms, to talk all about the power of MS peer support and the Shift.ms Buddy Network. Amy shares how their innovative Buddy Network pairs newly diagnosed MSers with experienced peers, helping to reduce loneliness, boost confidence, and provide essential emotional support. We also discuss how to access the Shift.ms app, what to expect from a buddy match, and why connecting with others is so vital for your mental health and quality of life with MS. Whether you’re looking for MS support groups, reliable MS resources, or simply want to hear inspiring MS stories, join us for this encouraging conversation designed to empower your journey with multiple sclerosis! About Amy Stow: Amy currently works as the Head of Operations at Shift.ms, a digital charity that provides peer support to young people with Multiple Sclerosis. She has worked in the third sector for 16 years, with 8 of those in the heritage and museums sector. Amy’s particular skill set is in volunteer management/community engagement, strategy, income generation and human resources. Amy understands the needs of bringing together disparate communities, and champions the benefits of volunteering in reducing loneliness and isolation. Resources mentioned in this episode: shift.ms app - https://shift.ms/ Email- hello@shift.ms 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 ★ 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
Summary
249. Spilling the Tea: My Interview on the Messy Podcast with Christina Applegate & Jamie-Lynn Sigler
Sep 1000:24:49Summary readyIn this special episode, I’m spilling the tea on my recent interview with Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler on the MeSsy Podcast! I share a behind-the-scenes look at how I was invited to the show, my connections with Jamie and Christina, and what it felt like to discuss multiple sclerosis (MS) with two incredible advocates. Tune in as I open up about pre-interview nerves, staying authentic, and diving into important topics like MS symptoms, physical therapy exercises, mindset shifts, and practical strategies for improving MS quality of life. Whether you’re looking for MS exercise tips, ways to manage cognitive overload, or expert advice to help you walk better, you’ll find plenty of resources and inspiration here. Join our supportive MS community for honest conversations, empowerment, and actionable tools to help you live stronger with MS! Resources mentioned in this episode: MeSsy with Christina Applegate & Jamie Lynn Sigler Episode 70 - Any Movement Counts with Doctor Gretchen - Apple || Spotify 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 ★ 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
Summary
248. How to Process Chronic Illness Grief (When Talk Therapy Isn't Working)
Sep 300:33:38Summary readyIn this episode, I’m joined by Ashley Milas, a trauma-informed somatic grief and life transition coach who specializes in helping people process chronic illness grief—especially when traditional talk therapy just isn’t working. We dive deep into why grief is often overlooked when living with multiple sclerosis (MS), how somatic work can support your healing, and practical ways to process emotions through your body and nervous system. Ashley shares her 13+ year journey with chronic illness, offering insights and compassionate strategies to help you reconnect with yourself and find acceptance, even in the face of MS-related loss and change. Tune in for an uplifting conversation packed with actionable tips, tools, and resources to help you manage MS symptoms, navigate emotional challenges, and improve your quality of life with MS. About Ashley: Ashley Milus is a certified wellness coach and meditation and mindfulness teacher. Ashley's work is focused on improving the lives of those living with chronic illness. She helps people learn how to live life with illness in a way that supports their well-being and keeps them thriving. She acts as a guide to help navigate the physical, mental and emotional challenges that arise. Her intention is to help people find joy, inspiration, self-empowerment, healing and peace so that they may live a life of well-being." Connect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleymilus.com/ Free 45 minute consultation: https://www.ashleymilus.com/book-a-session 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 ★ 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
Summary
247. Why Physical Therapy Doesn't Work for MS (And What Does)
Aug 2700:24:51Summary readyIn this episode, I’m sharing the real reasons why traditional physical therapy often doesn’t work for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and—most importantly—what actually DOES help improve strength, mobility, and daily activities for those of us living with MS. As a physical therapist who specializes in MS, I break down how MS-specific exercises, functional movement strategies, and neuroplasticity can make a big difference in walking, stair climbing, and overall independence. Tune in for evidence-based advice, practical tips, and empowering exercises tailored specifically for MS symptoms. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing MS for years, you’ll leave this episode with MS-friendly exercise solutions to help you strengthen your mind-body connection, improve mobility, and boost your quality of life! 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 ★ 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
Summary
246. MS Walking Problems? Real Results from MS‑Specific Exercises & Expert Insights
Aug 2000:39:00Summary ready In this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with Tracey, a member of The MSing Link, to discuss real results from MS-specific exercises and inspire anyone with MS to take the first step. Tracey opens up about her journey—from being misdiagnosed and struggling with foot drop, balance issues, and mobility aids to regaining confidence, walking on uneven surfaces, and even driving on the highway again! We dive deep into the impact of targeted physical therapy exercises for multiple sclerosis, strategies for improving strength and stability, and practical MS walking tips you can start using today. Whether you're dealing with primary progressive MS or just looking for MS exercise motivation, this conversation is filled with hope, actionable advice, and MS tools that can help you live more fully. Join us for an inspiring discussion designed to empower you on your MS journey and boost your quality of life! Resources mentioned in the episode: Cadence Sneakers - cadence.com, promo code DRGRETCHEN10 for 10% OFF The Free Five Day Challenge: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/5-day-ms-strength-challenge Total Strength Challenge: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/offers/kt2X9MgT/checkout 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 ★ 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
Summary