Strength training – improving strength for your MS
Monday 16 September 2024 at 4pm
In our next information session from Dr Gretchen Hawley we will be looking specifically at strength training and how to improve it through a focused approach for MS.
Strength is one of the key components for being physically active and staying healthy. Strength training is not simply about lifting weights to get stronger, but it is a key component to help improve issues such as balance, flexibility, walking and reduce the risk of falling. Other benefits include increased muscle mass, so although we might not be aiming for a world record in the Clean and Jerk, increasing muscle mass essentially means there are more muscle fibres to recruit leading to increased strength for a specific movement. We know that neuroplasticity takes place in the brain with exercise, increasing neural connections, so why not focus on increasing connections at the other end of the system to?!
Dr Gretchen will first discuss how a tailored physiotherapy approach can help tackle muscle weakness and transfer these improvements into performing daily tasks such as sit to stand and mobilising with reduced effort.
We will then look at how a “regular” physiotherapy approach differs from a “MS specific” strength programme and how this will influence the type of exercise practised. Dr Gretchen will provide exercises for different problem areas to allow you to tailor your exercise practice, including a review of exercise parameters (e.g. how many reps/sets/holds). We will then finish the session with 20 minutes of Q and A at the end.
To join this session, please login or register in our Portal area. The session is free to join if you have a monthly or year subscription. You do not need a subscription to join, as you can register and provide a donation for the class. The suggested amount for the class is £5. If you unable to make a donation, please contact us to see how you can access the online classes via register@ms-uk.org.
Shortly after the class has finished, the recording will be made available and a blue button will be visible at the bottom of the screen for everyone who purchases a ticket either in advance of the live class are after it has been held.
If you would like to know more or you are having trouble registering, please contact us at register@ms-uk.org.
A Doctor of Physical Therapy, with years of clinical practice experience, Gretchen is a Physical Therapist and Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist through the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centres based in the USA.
She has a special interest in the management and wellness of MS patients, and presents as the Keynote Speaker at numerous MS events including Living Well with MS events sponsored by the MS Society in addition to MS Views & News. Other collaborations include national MS organisations, including the National MS Society, MS Association of America, and MS Foundation. Additionally, Dr Gretchen shares her expertise to MS support groups, podcasts, and on her own YouTube and social media channels.
If you would like to know more about Dr Hawley please visit our website to see Dr Hawley’s previous blog or visit Dr Hawley’s website The MSing Link https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com
