Christina Applegate MS Journey | How The MSing Link Can Help

If you’ve ever searched for anything related to MS, I can almost guarantee the name Christina Applegate is written in the same sentence (or one very close by). Known for her brilliant acting work and time in Hollywood, Christina made headlines a few years ago for something completely different - her bravery. As a woman experiencing MS, she’s changed the game for talking about this condition with a realistic perspective and a sense of brutal honesty for how hard some days can be. 

Hey there, I’m Dr. Gretchen Hawley - physical therapist and MS-certified specialist. Let’s not sugar coat it. Living with MS can be incredibly overwhelming and frustrating. I understand the constant struggle of searching for therapies that actually make a difference and coming up short each time. That’s why I’ve dedicated my career to understanding how MS works and what we, as physical therapists and specialists, can do differently to help people see real, lasting progress.

My mission is to educate and equip those living with MS to take control of their health by providing knowledge and tools specially designed to help them regain mobility, balance, and independence — no matter where they’re starting from. While each journey is unique, progress is always possible. I'm excited for you to join our compassionate community and am honored you’re here!

Today, I want to discuss one of the largest influences the MS community has ever seen: Christina Applegate. Her openness to share her experience with MS has provided support unlike anything I’ve seen before as a physical therapist and MS specialist, inspiring many to take their life back into their own hands. I get chills just thinking about it!

Dead To Me Star Barefoot On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

 I’ve seen some form of this headline endless times since Christina accepted an achievement that beautifully awards her career on the screen. With this short snippet and no other context, the reporting does not do justice to Christina’s experience with MS.

With her diagnosis in August 2021, Christina had only experienced minor symptoms of MS and was able to continue life without much change. With the rise of Dead To Me during this time, it was a surprise to many seeing a woman in seemingly perfect health work through such difficult symptoms in her personal life. 

…But Why Was She Barefoot?

 In November 2022, Christina was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and she made news not just for her brilliant acting, but for her courage to accept her award in-person in the midst of navigating her physical symptoms of MS. Like so many people experiencing MS - she often experiences pain in her feet, has trouble standing for long periods of time, and struggles to maintain her balance to walk comfortably and confidently.

Christina decided to ditch her shoes altogether and let her bare feet and cane be a symbol of courage. As a physical therapist helping people with MS embrace their strengths over weakness, I was in awe of her bravery and impact on the MS community.

Why People With MS Experience Pain In Their Feet

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is often referred to as the "snowflake disease" because the symptoms experienced are unique to each individual, much like no two snowflakes are alike. 

Those with MS may encounter a range of symptoms that vary daily in intensity, necessitating tailored exercises and approaches to managing symptoms, especially on days when they are more pronounced. Symptoms of MS can manifest visibly, for instance, as a limp when walking, or remain unseen, such as experiencing fatigue and pain.

Here’s what we know:

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) targets the myelin sheath, which serves as a protective layer for the brain, spinal cord, and entire nervous system. When the myelin sheath comes under attack, and plaques and lesions affect the nervous system, issues begin to emerge. This can lead to experiencing pain in the feet, legs, and throughout the body.

How We Work Together To Build Strength 

Just as Christina demonstrates, I encourage my clients to safely lean into the movements that are causing pain, not shy away from them. If there is something in particular causing difficulty, such as bending down, during the current stage of MS you’re experiencing, the goal is to acknowledge that symptom and strengthen your movement, not remove it from your life altogether. 

At the very beginning of working with any PT clients, I make it clear the goal of our time together is to allow you to be in control of your MS and not the other way around. Each session we step closer to building strength through exercises and techniques that will improve daily life. Let me be clear, this is a marathon, not a sprint, but it’s much easier when you have a roadmap and exercises designed for you.

In the case of Christina walking to accept her star, some movements during this process were difficult. Her solution? Ditch the shoes and work through it! Putting in the work to maintain your strength as MS progresses is an essential piece of the puzzle to avoid missing out on life’s precious moments.

Christina Applegate’s Influence In The MS Community

Although I primarily work with my clients to maintain and grow their strength in order to manage physical symptoms, their emotional symptoms still require attention. With such an accomplished woman not just managing, but embracing her experience with MS, it created waves of support I haven’t ever seen before. 

Christina’s influence within the MS community has provided an awareness that’s been needed for decades. Although this chronic condition is physically manageable with the right treatment and support system, it can take a huge toll on someone’s overall well-being. As Christina’s experience with MS progresses, she continues to advocate for awareness and resilience that so many people dream of having in their normal lives.

Are You Experiencing Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms? I Want To Help. 

Navigating MS is a journey that's deeply personal and absolutely valid, no matter where you are in that process. As an MS Specialist, what I can tell you is that managing your physical symptoms is most effective when you dedicate time to your physical strength with MS-specific exercises. And I’d love to help you do just that. To make this as accessible as possible, I’ve created a completely free 5-Day MS Strength Challenge. You can sign up and receive this one week training program to kickstart your journey to feeling stronger.

Now, if you're looking at my challenge and thinking, "Oh, another fitness program that probably won't make a difference,"...trust me, I hear you.

But here’s another truth - it's not about you not trying hard enough. It's often because the advice out there doesn't always match what people with MS actually need to help strengthen their muscles and neural connections all at once.

If you're craving a bit of encouragement and want to see some real progress, I’d love to invite you to join my free 5-Day MS Strength Challenge.

Got any questions about starting to strengthen both your mind and body while managing MS symptoms? Just hit up the link here to get in touch.