284. What Is Neuroplasticity (And Why It Matters in MS)

From The MSing Link by Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS

May 13, 2026 · 16 min · Season 1

About this episode

This episode explores the concept of neuroplasticity and its significance for individuals with multiple sclerosis.

What if the key to walking better, feeling stronger, and moving with more confidence isn't just in your muscles… but in your brain? In this episode, I'm diving into one of my favorite topics as a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist and physical therapist: neuroplasticity and what it really means for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). If you've ever wondered why generic exercise programs haven't worked for you, or why "just doing more reps" hasn't moved the needle, this conversation is going to connect a lot of dots. What you'll learn in this episode: What neuroplasticity actually is, in plain language (think of it as the wifi connection between your brain and your muscles) Why neuroplasticity is especially important for people with MS, and how it relates to demyelination, lesions, and rebuilding neural pathways The difference between standard exercise and MS-specific, neuroplasticity-based functional exercise — and why that distinction matters for real progress How repetition, intention, and specificity train your brain to communicate better with your body Practical, MS-specific exercise strategies you can start using to support strength, walking, balance, coordination, and…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Gretchen Hawley

Topics covered

neuroplasticity
multiple sclerosis
exercise
brain health
functional exercise
mental resilience

Keywords

neuroplasticity
multiple sclerosis
exercise strategies
brain communication
demyelination
functional exercise
mental resilience

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist, MS