Resources

When I was diagnosed with HSP and learned that there is no cure, my focus became finding out how to minimize the symptoms to live a “normal” life. I really don’t care about the in-depth medical reasons that cause HSP. It is hereditary and there is nothing that I could have done to prevent the condition. I have it and want to move forward.

This might sound strange and possibly frowned upon by the “smartest people in the room”, but I have found more information and strategies in dealing with my HSP diagnosis from YouTube than from any other sources.

Though there are others, I highly recommend the following YouTube channels:

Combating Spasticity.

The content creator, Shelton, is a former athlete and he provides easy-to-follow exercise routines and motivation for outworking the condition.

Rehab IQ.

Formerly Orlando Neuro Therapy, this site was created by Dr. Tara Tobias, who has her doctorate in physical therapy and is a board certified neurologic physical therapist. Her channel explains the how & why of mobility conditions and demonstrates treatments for a range of motion challenges (stroke, MS, etc.). It is excellent. She also has a website (https://www.rehab-hq.com).

HT Physio-Over Fifties Specialist Physio.

Will Harlow, physiotherapy clinic owner and author of Thriving Beyond Fifty, offers a variety of solutions to regain mobility, balance, and maintain independence. He has a friendly, helpful delivery…and a cool British accent.

Dr. Gretchen Hawley, PT, DPT, MSCS.

Dr. Hawley is a physical therapist and MS-certified specialist. Her channel teaches science-backed exercises that rebuild and rewire neurological pathways while increasing muscular strength. The exercises shown are designed for MS patients but are very helpful for anyone with motion and mobility challenges such as HSP. Her website is https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com.

There is also a non-profit organization that provides information on hereditary spastic paraparesis and primary lateral sclerosis—The Spastic Paraplegia Foundation, Inc.

Their website is https://www.sp-foundation.org.

For those active on Facebook, please visit my page—Bumps, Potholes & Opportunities.

 

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About 1 ½ years ago, I fell and broke my ankle due to balance issues I am experiencing. My initial goal was to rehab it and get things back to as normal as possible. To do this, I joined a local YMCA so I could take advantage of their indoor pool to work on my leg flexibility and overall range of motion. I had no idea that I would receive more than a place to exercise.

 

The entire staff was friendly, encouraging, and motivating and treated me—the middle-aged cane carrying “gimpy guy” with a swollen right ankle—like I was a family member.

 

There was a sign in the men’s locker room that really hit home with me and summed up how I can overcome this temporary setback. I saw it every time I entered and exited the facility, and it moved me so much that I have a picture of it on my phone that I look at daily.

The sign simply stated:
I feed my spirit.
I train my body.
I focus my mind.
This is my time.

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