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#DrGretchen highlights health and wellness content, featuring informative tips, lifestyle advice, mental health discussions, empowering messages, engaging challenges, scientific insights, and inspiring transformations, fostering a supportive community on TikTok.

If you have MS and think you’re scuffing your foot because of leg weakness, you might be wrong! Here’s why 👇 A lot of my clients with MS assume they’re scuffing their foot when they walk because their legs are weak, but that’s not always the case. 💥 Sometimes, it all comes down to balance. 💥 Here’s what to know: 1️⃣ If it takes you 3 seconds to lift your leg and bring it forward, but you can only balance on the opposite leg for 1 second, you’re going to feel off-balance and put your foot down too quickly. 2️⃣ When that happens, your toe tends to hit the ground first, causing foot scuffing or tripping. 3️⃣ The longer you can stand on one leg (with or without a mobility aid), the more time you’ll have to bring your opposite leg forward. This can help you reduce foot drop, scuffing, and that off-balance feeling! 💡 Leg weakness can also play a role, but balance is often the missing piece we overlook. This is exactly the kind of de-bunking we do in The MSing Link to help you move with more confidence and control 🙌 → chrck out the 🔗 in my bio if you want more details on the program! Will you practice any single-leg balance exercises this week? 💬 Comment below! #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior #footdrop

If you have MS and think you’re scuffing your foot because of leg weakness, you might be wrong! Here’s why 👇 A lot of my clients with MS assume they’re scuffing their foot when they walk because their legs are weak, but that’s not always the case. 💥 Sometimes, it all comes down to balance. 💥 Here’s what to know: 1️⃣ If it takes you 3 seconds to lift your leg and bring it forward, but you can only balance on the opposite leg for 1 second, you’re going to feel off-balance and put your foot down too quickly. 2️⃣ When that happens, your toe tends to hit the ground first, causing foot scuffing or tripping. 3️⃣ The longer you can stand on one leg (with or without a mobility aid), the more time you’ll have to bring your opposite leg forward. This can help you reduce foot drop, scuffing, and that off-balance feeling! 💡 Leg weakness can also play a role, but balance is often the missing piece we overlook. This is exactly the kind of de-bunking we do in The MSing Link to help you move with more confidence and control 🙌 → chrck out the 🔗 in my bio if you want more details on the program! Will you practice any single-leg balance exercises this week? 💬 Comment below! #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior #footdrop

🚨 This MS medication could promote myelin repair! Here’s what to know 👇 Myelin (aka the protective coating around your nerves) gets damaged in MS, leading to all kinds of frustrating symptoms. Most MS medications focus on slowing relapses, but this new research shows that Teriflunomide could actually help restore our damaged myelin!! 🙌 Here’s how it works 🧠: 1️⃣ Teriflunomide supports the mature cells that are responsible for rebuilding myelin. 2️⃣ It boosts mitochondrial health in these cells, giving them the energy they need to repair and regrow. 3️⃣ Whether taken in pulses or continuously, Teriflunomide improved myelin repair in a research model. So, what does this mean for you? Functional myelin repair could: ✅ Protect your nerves from further damage ✅ Improve nerve function ✅ Reduce long-term disability As an MS-specialized physical therapist, I’m excited about this research because it focuses on remyelination, not just immune system suppression. 👩‍⚕️ I’ll keep you posted as more info comes out, but this is an amazing step toward combining repair with symptom management. Want to read the full article? Comment “ARTICLE” and I’ll send you the link! 💬 #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #msresearch #mswarrior

🚨 This MS medication could promote myelin repair! Here’s what to know 👇 Myelin (aka the protective coating around your nerves) gets damaged in MS, leading to all kinds of frustrating symptoms. Most MS medications focus on slowing relapses, but this new research shows that Teriflunomide could actually help restore our damaged myelin!! 🙌 Here’s how it works 🧠: 1️⃣ Teriflunomide supports the mature cells that are responsible for rebuilding myelin. 2️⃣ It boosts mitochondrial health in these cells, giving them the energy they need to repair and regrow. 3️⃣ Whether taken in pulses or continuously, Teriflunomide improved myelin repair in a research model. So, what does this mean for you? Functional myelin repair could: ✅ Protect your nerves from further damage ✅ Improve nerve function ✅ Reduce long-term disability As an MS-specialized physical therapist, I’m excited about this research because it focuses on remyelination, not just immune system suppression. 👩‍⚕️ I’ll keep you posted as more info comes out, but this is an amazing step toward combining repair with symptom management. Want to read the full article? Comment “ARTICLE” and I’ll send you the link! 💬 #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #msresearch #mswarrior

Does your MS make standing up straight feel impossible some days? 🤔 Whether you’re brushing your teeth or chatting with a friend, standing tall can be harder when you have MS—and there are usually two reasons why: 1️⃣ Tight hip flexors that pull you forward, making you hinge at the hips. 2️⃣ Weak glutes and hamstrings – Without enough strength, it’s tough to push your hips underneath you and stand up straight. So, how do we fix this? Simply practicing standing is a great exercise because it works so many muscles at once! 💪 But to make it easier and stop that hinge, try these: 💥 Standing Hip Flexor Stretch 💥 - Step one foot back into a staggered stance. - Tuck your hips underneath you and lean slightly forward until you feel a gentle stretch at the front of your hip. - Hold for 20-30 seconds per side. 💥 Seated Clamshells for Glute Strength 💥 - Sit on a chair with your feet flat and knees slightly apart. - Place a resistance band (or your hands) around your knees. - Press your knees out to the side while keeping your feet still. - Hold for a second, then slowly return. Try doing 10-15 reps! Standing up straight IS possible with the right stretches and strength-building moves. 🚶‍♀️ Start small, and you’ll see a difference! Let me know in the comments—is standing up straight hard for you? Check out the 🔗 in my bio for all the details on my online program🥰 #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior

Does your MS make standing up straight feel impossible some days? 🤔 Whether you’re brushing your teeth or chatting with a friend, standing tall can be harder when you have MS—and there are usually two reasons why: 1️⃣ Tight hip flexors that pull you forward, making you hinge at the hips. 2️⃣ Weak glutes and hamstrings – Without enough strength, it’s tough to push your hips underneath you and stand up straight. So, how do we fix this? Simply practicing standing is a great exercise because it works so many muscles at once! 💪 But to make it easier and stop that hinge, try these: 💥 Standing Hip Flexor Stretch 💥 - Step one foot back into a staggered stance. - Tuck your hips underneath you and lean slightly forward until you feel a gentle stretch at the front of your hip. - Hold for 20-30 seconds per side. 💥 Seated Clamshells for Glute Strength 💥 - Sit on a chair with your feet flat and knees slightly apart. - Place a resistance band (or your hands) around your knees. - Press your knees out to the side while keeping your feet still. - Hold for a second, then slowly return. Try doing 10-15 reps! Standing up straight IS possible with the right stretches and strength-building moves. 🚶‍♀️ Start small, and you’ll see a difference! Let me know in the comments—is standing up straight hard for you? Check out the 🔗 in my bio for all the details on my online program🥰 #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior

If you have MS and want to walk better, this type of exercise bike can help 🚴‍♀️👇 Exercising with MS comes with challenges, and choosing the right tools can make a BIG difference in your strength and mobility. It can be tricky to find exercise equipment that feels safe, fits your needs, & helps you reach your goals. 💪 Unsure which exercise bike to try? Here are 4 things to keep in mind: 1️⃣ Stationary Bikes Are More Functional If your goal is to improve your walking, the stationary bike is a more functional choice because it mimics the upright position we use when walking. 🚶‍♀️ 2️⃣ Recumbent Bikes Are a Great Starting Point Many of my clients with MS find the recumbent bike easier to use! Its slightly reclined position can make it a great stepping stone if a stationary bike feels too challenging right now. 3️⃣ Both Build Strength Both options are fantastic for building leg strength and getting some cardio in! 💥 Just remember: if improved walking is your goal, you’ll also need to practice functional walking exercises to help carry over that strength. 4️⃣ The Safest Option Wins Ultimately, the best exercise bike for you is the one that feels safest and most doable. You know your body best, so choose the bike you feel more confident that you’ll be consistent with! Which one do you like better? Comment below and tell me why! 💬 #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior #msawareness

If you have MS and want to walk better, this type of exercise bike can help 🚴‍♀️👇 Exercising with MS comes with challenges, and choosing the right tools can make a BIG difference in your strength and mobility. It can be tricky to find exercise equipment that feels safe, fits your needs, & helps you reach your goals. 💪 Unsure which exercise bike to try? Here are 4 things to keep in mind: 1️⃣ Stationary Bikes Are More Functional If your goal is to improve your walking, the stationary bike is a more functional choice because it mimics the upright position we use when walking. 🚶‍♀️ 2️⃣ Recumbent Bikes Are a Great Starting Point Many of my clients with MS find the recumbent bike easier to use! Its slightly reclined position can make it a great stepping stone if a stationary bike feels too challenging right now. 3️⃣ Both Build Strength Both options are fantastic for building leg strength and getting some cardio in! 💥 Just remember: if improved walking is your goal, you’ll also need to practice functional walking exercises to help carry over that strength. 4️⃣ The Safest Option Wins Ultimately, the best exercise bike for you is the one that feels safest and most doable. You know your body best, so choose the bike you feel more confident that you’ll be consistent with! Which one do you like better? Comment below and tell me why! 💬 #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior #msawareness

Multiple Sclerosis scientists from Harvard engineered "designer" gut bacteria that could change MS treatment as we know it. 🚨 👩‍⚕️ As an MS-certified physical therapist, I'm excited to break down this groundbreaking research for you... Traditional MS treatments face 2 major challenges: 1️⃣ They can't effectively cross the blood-brain barrier. 2️⃣ Their effectiveness fluctuates throughout the day. But here’s how this NEW approach is different: 👉 Researchers identified that dendritic cells (immune cells) have a built-in "brake system" that can stop autoimmune attacks. They then engineered probiotics to activate this brake. Here’s why it’s so fascinating for those of us who work with people with MS: ✅ The bacteria never leave the gut ✅ Yet they reduced MS symptoms in the brain ✅ This confirms the gut-brain connection we've been studying in MS!! From my clinical perspective, this research is particularly exciting because: 💥 It offers a more targeted approach to inflammation 💥 The bacterial strain is already tested in humans 💥 It could provide consistent treatment levels, unlike current medications Of course, while this research (in mouse models) is promising, we'll need human trials to confirm these effects. But as someone who works with patients who have MS daily, I'm encouraged by this innovative approach to targeting the gut-brain axis. ⚠️ Note: While I stay current on MS research to better serve my clients, always consult with your healthcare team about treatment options. Want to read the full article? Check out the 🔗 in my bio for the full article🥰 #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #msresearch

Multiple Sclerosis scientists from Harvard engineered "designer" gut bacteria that could change MS treatment as we know it. 🚨 👩‍⚕️ As an MS-certified physical therapist, I'm excited to break down this groundbreaking research for you... Traditional MS treatments face 2 major challenges: 1️⃣ They can't effectively cross the blood-brain barrier. 2️⃣ Their effectiveness fluctuates throughout the day. But here’s how this NEW approach is different: 👉 Researchers identified that dendritic cells (immune cells) have a built-in "brake system" that can stop autoimmune attacks. They then engineered probiotics to activate this brake. Here’s why it’s so fascinating for those of us who work with people with MS: ✅ The bacteria never leave the gut ✅ Yet they reduced MS symptoms in the brain ✅ This confirms the gut-brain connection we've been studying in MS!! From my clinical perspective, this research is particularly exciting because: 💥 It offers a more targeted approach to inflammation 💥 The bacterial strain is already tested in humans 💥 It could provide consistent treatment levels, unlike current medications Of course, while this research (in mouse models) is promising, we'll need human trials to confirm these effects. But as someone who works with patients who have MS daily, I'm encouraged by this innovative approach to targeting the gut-brain axis. ⚠️ Note: While I stay current on MS research to better serve my clients, always consult with your healthcare team about treatment options. Want to read the full article? Check out the 🔗 in my bio for the full article🥰 #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #msresearch

Walking down stairs with MS doesn’t have to be scary🚶‍♀️ I know walking downward can feel like a tricky balancing act sometimes, but breaking down the movements can really help. It takes leg strength, balance, AND weight shifting—and that’s a lot! 😳 💥 My clients with MS have had a lot of success breaking down the movements and working on them one at a time. Let’s look at each step of walking down stairs: 1️⃣ Hinge your hips back. 2️⃣ Pick up one leg by either bending your knee or marching. 3️⃣ Reach for the lower step. 4️⃣ Pick up the other leg by either bending your knee or marching. In this video, I’m focusing on the 3rd step: reaching for the lower step. 👟 Nervous about facing forward? Try practicing this sideways while holding onto the railing for extra support. ⚠️ Don’t forget, keep your weight in your heels — if it shifts forward into your toes, it can make you feel like you’re falling forward, which we definitely don’t want! Which of these 4 steps do you have the toughest time with? Comment below 💬 #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior #msawareness

Walking down stairs with MS doesn’t have to be scary🚶‍♀️ I know walking downward can feel like a tricky balancing act sometimes, but breaking down the movements can really help. It takes leg strength, balance, AND weight shifting—and that’s a lot! 😳 💥 My clients with MS have had a lot of success breaking down the movements and working on them one at a time. Let’s look at each step of walking down stairs: 1️⃣ Hinge your hips back. 2️⃣ Pick up one leg by either bending your knee or marching. 3️⃣ Reach for the lower step. 4️⃣ Pick up the other leg by either bending your knee or marching. In this video, I’m focusing on the 3rd step: reaching for the lower step. 👟 Nervous about facing forward? Try practicing this sideways while holding onto the railing for extra support. ⚠️ Don’t forget, keep your weight in your heels — if it shifts forward into your toes, it can make you feel like you’re falling forward, which we definitely don’t want! Which of these 4 steps do you have the toughest time with? Comment below 💬 #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior #msawareness

Getting a good night’s sleep can feel like a huge challenge when you have MS—but it’s not impossible! 💤💥 The first step is getting really clear on WHY sleep is hard for you… 💭 Is it spasticity keeping you up? 💭 Waking up to pee? 💭 Your mind won’t stop racing? Once you pinpoint the issue, you can address it! Here’s what I mean: 1️⃣ If it’s spasticity, take 5 minutes to stretch the specific muscles that feel tight before bed. 2️⃣ If it’s bladder urgency, consider working with a pelvic floor physical therapist. 3️⃣ If it’s a racing mind, prioritize sleep hygiene and a consistent sleep schedule. Getting enough sleep is super important both for your energy levels and managing your MS symptoms. Instead of accepting that getting quality sleep just won’t happen, address the root cause that’s keeping you up and tackle it head-on. 🙌 💬 Do you have trouble staying asleep at night? Comment below and let’s talk about it! #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior #sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep can feel like a huge challenge when you have MS—but it’s not impossible! 💤💥 The first step is getting really clear on WHY sleep is hard for you… 💭 Is it spasticity keeping you up? 💭 Waking up to pee? 💭 Your mind won’t stop racing? Once you pinpoint the issue, you can address it! Here’s what I mean: 1️⃣ If it’s spasticity, take 5 minutes to stretch the specific muscles that feel tight before bed. 2️⃣ If it’s bladder urgency, consider working with a pelvic floor physical therapist. 3️⃣ If it’s a racing mind, prioritize sleep hygiene and a consistent sleep schedule. Getting enough sleep is super important both for your energy levels and managing your MS symptoms. Instead of accepting that getting quality sleep just won’t happen, address the root cause that’s keeping you up and tackle it head-on. 🙌 💬 Do you have trouble staying asleep at night? Comment below and let’s talk about it! #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior #sleep

When you have MS, the smallest tools can make a BIG difference 💡 One of my favorites? Toilet armrests 🚽 I know, it’s not the most glamorous topic, but let’s be real… Feeling safe, balanced, and in control when getting up and down from the toilet is important 🙌 Here’s why I recommend toilet armrests to my clients with MS: ✅ They’re sturdy and reliable when you need extra support. ✅ On good days, you can simply swivel them out of the way! Once they’re installed, they’re there for you when you need them—without being a hassle when you don’t 🤗 MS can make everyday activities feel harder than they should, but tools like this can make life just a little bit easier. What tools help make life with MS easier for you? Drop your favorites in the comments👇 Want to try the armrests I’m using in this video? Check out the 🔗 in my bio for the details🤩 #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior #assistivedevice

When you have MS, the smallest tools can make a BIG difference 💡 One of my favorites? Toilet armrests 🚽 I know, it’s not the most glamorous topic, but let’s be real… Feeling safe, balanced, and in control when getting up and down from the toilet is important 🙌 Here’s why I recommend toilet armrests to my clients with MS: ✅ They’re sturdy and reliable when you need extra support. ✅ On good days, you can simply swivel them out of the way! Once they’re installed, they’re there for you when you need them—without being a hassle when you don’t 🤗 MS can make everyday activities feel harder than they should, but tools like this can make life just a little bit easier. What tools help make life with MS easier for you? Drop your favorites in the comments👇 Want to try the armrests I’m using in this video? Check out the 🔗 in my bio for the details🤩 #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior #assistivedevice

My MSing Link member struggled with going downstairs, until she tried THIS ⬇️ After trying a task-specific exercise I shared with her, she now navigates stairs with more balance, ease, and confidence! 🎉 Improving daily activities like this doesn’t always require months of strengthening exercises. Sometimes, it’s about fine-tuning your technique—that’s the magic of functional exercise! 💥 When you break down an activity into smaller steps and work on each part, you build the strength, coordination, and balance to put it all together. For example, here’s what’s involved in going downstairs: 👉 Shift your body weight forward 👉 Bend your knee to step down 👉 Lift your ankle and leg 👉 Place your foot on the next step Each of these actions can feel hard with MS—but when you focus on improving one piece at a time, the full movement gets so much easier. 🤗 💬 Does going downstairs feel challenging for you? Let me know in the comments! #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior #msawareness

My MSing Link member struggled with going downstairs, until she tried THIS ⬇️ After trying a task-specific exercise I shared with her, she now navigates stairs with more balance, ease, and confidence! 🎉 Improving daily activities like this doesn’t always require months of strengthening exercises. Sometimes, it’s about fine-tuning your technique—that’s the magic of functional exercise! 💥 When you break down an activity into smaller steps and work on each part, you build the strength, coordination, and balance to put it all together. For example, here’s what’s involved in going downstairs: 👉 Shift your body weight forward 👉 Bend your knee to step down 👉 Lift your ankle and leg 👉 Place your foot on the next step Each of these actions can feel hard with MS—but when you focus on improving one piece at a time, the full movement gets so much easier. 🤗 💬 Does going downstairs feel challenging for you? Let me know in the comments! #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior #msawareness

There’s a reason they call you a chronic illness WARRIOR 💪🧡 Life with a chronic illness like MS comes with so many layers of challenges that aren’t visible to the outside world. Sure, there are the physical symptoms… 😓 …but there’s also the emotional weight, the constant adjustments, and the strength it takes to face each day. It’s easy to feel like no one truly gets it, but it’s so important to remember that you are not alone. ✨ I see you, I hear you, and your experience matters. In The MSing Link community, you’re among people on similar journeys who get it and are all rooting for one another. 🙌 💬 Which of these slides resonates the most right now? Comment below! #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior #msawareness

There’s a reason they call you a chronic illness WARRIOR 💪🧡 Life with a chronic illness like MS comes with so many layers of challenges that aren’t visible to the outside world. Sure, there are the physical symptoms… 😓 …but there’s also the emotional weight, the constant adjustments, and the strength it takes to face each day. It’s easy to feel like no one truly gets it, but it’s so important to remember that you are not alone. ✨ I see you, I hear you, and your experience matters. In The MSing Link community, you’re among people on similar journeys who get it and are all rooting for one another. 🙌 💬 Which of these slides resonates the most right now? Comment below! #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior #msawareness

When will it be socially acceptable to view “exercise” as ANY form of movement 🤷🏼‍♀️?! ESPECIALLY for people with chronic illness who may not be able to exercise the way the used to? I had a conversation with a MSing Link member about 2 years ago that unknowingly to them, was a defining moment in my life 😳. She shared her disappointment in herself for not getting her exercises in that day because her daughter was sick 😷 and she had to take care of her. I asked what taking care of her daughter entailed and she said: 🗣 her daughter was staying upstairs, so she went up & down the stairs a TON of times to bring her meals, tissues, water, and just to check in on her. It broke my heart that she was disappointed in herself that day 💔, because what she didn’t realize was that she: 1. Was running around the house grabbing things 2. Pulled together some snacks/meals 🍴 3. Climbing up and down stairs NUMEROUS times 4. Got dressed 👚 5. Repeatedly stood up & sat down 🛋 …just to name a few. Do you know how many muscles you need to activate to do those things?? 🤯 A LOT! Let’s start accepting that MOVEMENT 👏🏻 COUNTS 👏🏻 AS 👏🏻 EXERCISE!!! And… think about your EMOTIONS when you feel disappointed for not exercising 😣 (sad, defeated, discouraged) VS. when you feel happy you did your exercises 💪🏻 (proud, accomplished, empowered). Which would you rather feel 🤷🏼‍♀️. Don’t discount all the movements you’re doing throughout the day. Comment below with at least one movement you’ve done today. #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior #msawareness

When will it be socially acceptable to view “exercise” as ANY form of movement 🤷🏼‍♀️?! ESPECIALLY for people with chronic illness who may not be able to exercise the way the used to? I had a conversation with a MSing Link member about 2 years ago that unknowingly to them, was a defining moment in my life 😳. She shared her disappointment in herself for not getting her exercises in that day because her daughter was sick 😷 and she had to take care of her. I asked what taking care of her daughter entailed and she said: 🗣 her daughter was staying upstairs, so she went up & down the stairs a TON of times to bring her meals, tissues, water, and just to check in on her. It broke my heart that she was disappointed in herself that day 💔, because what she didn’t realize was that she: 1. Was running around the house grabbing things 2. Pulled together some snacks/meals 🍴 3. Climbing up and down stairs NUMEROUS times 4. Got dressed 👚 5. Repeatedly stood up & sat down 🛋 …just to name a few. Do you know how many muscles you need to activate to do those things?? 🤯 A LOT! Let’s start accepting that MOVEMENT 👏🏻 COUNTS 👏🏻 AS 👏🏻 EXERCISE!!! And… think about your EMOTIONS when you feel disappointed for not exercising 😣 (sad, defeated, discouraged) VS. when you feel happy you did your exercises 💪🏻 (proud, accomplished, empowered). Which would you rather feel 🤷🏼‍♀️. Don’t discount all the movements you’re doing throughout the day. Comment below with at least one movement you’ve done today. #drgretchen #multiplesclerosis #msspecificphysicaltherapy #mswarrior #msawareness

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