Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS, Rochester, NY (2026)

Creator of The MSing Link® program. Learn what actually works for MS.

03/06/2026

Big MS research news just dropped on a drug we’ve been watching for YEARS — and I want to help you understand what it actually means for you 🧡

A new BTK-inhibitor medication being studied for multiple sclerosis — called Fenebrutinib — just showed promising results in a large research study in people w/ relapsing MS.

In the trial, people taking Fenebrutinib had 51% fewer relapses compared to people taking another MS medication called teriflunomide/Aubagio.

Researchers are excited about this drug because it works in a slightly different way than many current MS treatments… It’s designed to reach the brain & spinal cord and target immune cells involved in MS activity.

Even more interesting: the medication is being studied for both relapsing MS & primary progressive MS, which is something researchers are always working hard to improve treatment options for!

That said — there’s still more to learn.

Researchers are continuing to review safety data, and the full study results will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) conference in 2026 before any decisions are made about approval.

Research updates like this are super exciting.
But what matters most is understanding what they actually mean — and what they don’t.

If you’d like a simple breakdown of:
🔸 what this type of medication does
🔸 what “relapse reduction” really means
🔸 how this compares to current MS treatments

Comment “BTK” and I’ll send it to you. 🤍

This is for educational purposes only. Your MS journey is unique - always loop in your care team before making any treatment decisions.

MSAwareness

03/05/2026

Do you have MS and feel hesitant to using a mobility aid? Let’s talk about it for a minute...

So many people tell me:

“I don’t want to give in.”
“I feel like I’m failing.”
“If I start using one, it means I’m getting worse.”
“”If I use one now, I’ll need one forever””

Let me say this clearly:

Using a mobility aid does NOT mean you’re failing.
It does NOT mean you’re weak.
It does NOT mean you’ve stopped trying.
It does NOT mean you’ll need one for the rest of your life.

If a brace, cane, walker, cooling device, or other tool helps you move more safely or with more energy…

That’s strategy. Not surrender.

As an MS-specialized physical therapist, I often recommend tools alongside neuroplasticity-based training.

Why?

Because mobility aids & tools can:

✨ Improve safety
✨ Reduce fatigue
✨ Increase confidence
✨ Help you conserve energy
✨ Allow you to do more of what you love

And pairing them with MS-specific exercises are often the magic sauce that helps you get stronger & move more confidently... faster.

And conserving energy matters with MS.

You deserve support.

You deserve options.

You deserve to move through your life with less fear and more freedom. 💪🧡

If you’re curious what tools I actually recommend (and how to use them strategically), comment GUIDE ⬇️ below

I’ll send you my MS Mobility Equipment Guide with my favorite mobility & energy-saving tools.

Because support isn’t weakness.

It’s smart.

03/03/2026

MS can mess w/ our bladder... leading to a struggle with constipation, urinary retention, &/or pelvic discomfort.

If this is you... take a minute to read this 👇

Bladder and bowel changes are some of the least talked about symptoms of MS - but they’re incredibly common.

And no, it’s not “just something you have to live with.”

Here’s a simple movement that can help if your bladder/bowel symptoms are related to tight muscles 👇:

✨ While sitting on the toilet, if you’re having a hard time initiating a urinary or bowel movement (or fully emptying)...

✨ Notice if you’re unconsciously lifting your feet onto your tippy-toes (many people do this when straining without even realizing it)

✨ If you are... try lowering your heels off the ground

That’s it.

💡 Why this works:

When you’re up on your tippy-toes (heels lifted), you create tension through your lower body - including your pelvic floor - which makes it harder to fully relax and release.

When you lower your heels flat to the ground, you allow those muscles to relax... making it easier to initiate and fully empty your bladder or bowels.

This simple position change can help break that tension pattern and allow your body to do what it needs to do 💪

As an MS-specialized physical therapist, I always remind my patients & my MSing Link members:

Tiny adjustments can create meaningful change.

Try it next time and see how it feels.

Have you experienced bladder or bowel changes with your MS? ⬇️ Comment below!

02/24/2026

If you’ve been doing exercises… but your walking still doesn’t feel better — you’re not alone. 💛

This is one of the most common things I hear from people with MS:
“I’m stronger… but I’m still tripping.”
“I’m working hard… but walking still feels unpredictable.”

And here’s the truth:
Walking challenges in MS aren’t only about strength.
They’re often about the connection between your brain and your muscles — and that requires MS-specific training.

✨ That’s exactly what we’re doing in this Live MS-Specific Walking Workshop.

We’ll cover:
✅ the 3 most common walking challenges (foot drop, walking quality, stamina)
✅ 5 targeted exercises you can do at home
✅ how to structure reps/sets/rest in an MS-friendly way
✅ live Q&A so you can ask your personal questions

If better walking would mean more freedom, more confidence, and less fear… I’d love to have you there.

👇 Comment WORKSHOP and we’ll send you the link.

msexercise mswalk footdrop balanceexercises neuroplasticity physicaltherapy msrehab chronicillnesssupport invisibleillness themsinglink

02/23/2026

If MS is making walking harder, you need to hear this.

In a recent MSing Link Podcast episode, I shared the story of a 1:1 client who saw meaningful walking changes in just a few weeks - and experienced something that initially felt discouraging… but was actually a sign of progress.

Here’s what stood out 👇

🗣️ “In two weeks, her 2,000 steps went from taking five hours… to about two to two and a half hours.”

🗣️ “Instead of walking about 100 steps before resting, she was able to walk 500–600 steps at a time.”

🗣️ “When you start using your muscles in a new way, you often uncover other areas of weakness - and that’s not a bad thing.”

💡 Seeing a new challenge pop up doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.
Often, it means your body is finally strong enough to reveal what needs support next.

In this episode, I also explain:
✅ why targeted, MS-specific exercise matters
✅ how consistency (not intensity) drives change
✅ why balance changes can show up after strength improves
✅ and how neuroplasticity plays a role in walking progress

🎧 If walking feels harder than it used to - or you’re unsure how to move forward safely - this episode could be a really helpful next step.

👇 Comment “140” and I’ll send you the episode so you can listen when it fits into your day. 🧡

Progress is possible - and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

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Address

Rochester, NY
146XX (14604=DOWNTOWN)

Website

http://www.DoctorGretchenHawley.com/

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