3️⃣More Feet

Hey there!

Neuroplasticity is a word that you have most likely heard me or someone in the medical community use. But, there is a word that I would couple that with it. That word is persistence. Neuroplasticity is the reason that those with MS actually can see improvements in their walking, balance, strength, and mobility which is a beautiful thing! However, given that it is not something that we can see with our own two eyes it can be difficult to "keep the faith" when doing your functional exercises over, and over. 

There's a story about the California gold rush that tells of two brothers who sold all they had and went prospecting for gold. They discovered a vein of the shining ore, staked a claim, and proceeded to get down to the serious business of getting the gold ore out of the mine. All went well at first, but then a strange thing happened. The vein of gold ore disappeared! They had come to the end of the rainbow, and the pot of gold was no longer there. The brothers continued to pick away, but without succes. Finally, they gave up in disgust.

They sold their equipment and claim rights for a few hundred dollars, and took the train back home. Now the man who bought the claim hired an engineer to examine the rock strata of the mine. The engineer advised him to continue digging in the same spot where the former owners had left off. And three feet deeper, the new owner struck gold.

A little more persistence and the two brothers would have been millionaires themselves.  Do you need to dig 3 feet farther?

Do you need to do 3 more repetitions for that new pathway to connect to your muscle group? 

Even though it may seem to be taking too long, or that it will never happen...never give up! Continue being persistent in what you want to achieve, and you never know what wonderful things are just a few more "feet" away🧡

Best, 

Dr. Gretchen, PT

P.S.

1. Connect with me on YouTube - Subscribe to my Dr. Gretchen YouTube page where you will be able to find MS specific exercises, research updates, guest speakers, and MORE!

2. Join The MSing Link Community - The MSing Link is my online MS wellness program where you'll find video demonstrations and explanations of MS-specific exercises for strengthening, walking, balance, and flexibility. There are also videos for activity-specific movements such as getting into/out of bed or a car, standing up from the ground, sitting down with more control, stair climbing, etc. Since this program focuses on the whole person and not just exercise, we have monthly live guest speakers (ie: neurologists, podiatrists, nutritionists, etc.) and research updates.

3. Work with me privately - I offer wellness consults via Zoom. This is an opportunity for you to share your story with MS and your goals. I'm able to educate you on MS-specific exercises for walking, general mobility, transfers, and day-to-day activities (ie: getting into/out of a car, stair climbing, etc.). You can schedule a one-time call or you can schedule recurring calls - your choice. Oftentimes, people will schedule one of these calls prior to joining The MSing Link and/or one call every couple of months. Schedule here