Monday 27 January at 4pm
Join us for the first information session of 2025 with Dr Gretchen Hawley, where we’ll explore the powerful concepts of neuroplasticity and remyelination – two key factors in managing and slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS).
This session will provide practical strategies and the latest research to help you improve movement, enhance strength, and stay informed on management approaches.
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to rewire and create new pathways, allowing it to adapt and compensate for damage caused by MS. Dr Hawley will explain how specific exercises tailored for MS can encourage this rewiring, helping you regain strength, balance, and mobility in areas affected by demyelination. Even if a movement seems impossible now, consistent effort sends signals to the brain that promote new pathway creation. Over time, this process can lead to noticeable improvements. You’ll also learn about Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein critical for brain health, and explore the evidence demonstrating the brain’s response to exercise.
The session will review the crucial process of remyelination, which is the repair of damaged myelin sheaths that protect nerve fibres by the scaring process. Dr Hawley will provide a clear understanding of how remyelination works, why it’s vital for slowing MS progression, and how lifestyle choices and therapies can support this process.
Additionally, she’ll discuss exciting new treatments in development, including Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) Inhibitors, a groundbreaking class of Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs). These therapies show promise in targeting harmful immune cells while preserving healthy ones, potentially repairing myelin and protecting nerve fibres from further damage.
The session will conclude with a live question and answer, giving you the chance to ask Dr Hawley your questions about neuroplasticity, remyelination and understanding their role in MS management. Whether you’re looking to enhance your current exercise routine or learn about the future of MS therapies, this is an opportunity to gain expert insights.
If you’re unable to attend live, don’t worry, register to access to the session recording and watch at your convenience.
We look forward to seeing you there! Register now to secure your spot in this must-see event.
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
