287. Let’s Talk About MS Spasticity: Causes, Triggers, and Support

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

June 3, 2026 · 39 min · Season 1

About this episode

Dr. Gretchen Hawley discusses MS spasticity, its causes, triggers, and management strategies in this solo episode.

In this solo episode, I'm getting into one of the most common (and most misunderstood) multiple sclerosis symptoms… MS spasticity. If your legs feel heavy, your muscles lock up, or you've been told it's "just tightness"… this one is for you. I'll walk you through what spasticity actually is, what's happening in your body when it shows up, and why it can have such a big impact on your daily life and mobility.    We'll cover: → The Modified Ashworth Scale (and what those numbers really mean)  → The difference between spasms, cramps, and true spasticity  → Common triggers like fatigue, infection, heat, and stress  → What actually helps… including physical therapy-based strategies, stretching, medications, and the latest research on cannabis and electrical stimulation   Press play and let's get into it.   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…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Gretchen Hawley

Topics covered

MS spasticity
multiple sclerosis symptoms
physical therapy
muscle tightness
triggers of spasticity
cannabis research
electrical stimulation

Keywords

MS spasticity
muscle spasms
Modified Ashworth Scale
fatigue triggers
cannabis
physical therapy strategies
mobility impact

287. Let’s Talk About MS Spasticity: Causes, Triggers, and Support

About this episode

People in this episode

Topics covered

Keywords

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