Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to walk confidently again without constantly worrying about tripping, falling, or dragging your foot?
Living with mobility challenges, whether due to multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, cerebral palsy, or other conditions, can be incredibly difficult. For many, walking is not just a physical activity but a deeply personal and emotional experience tied to independence and quality of life.
But first, let me introduce myself! Hi, I’m Dr. Gretchen, a physical therapist and MS-certified specialist. For years, I’ve been helping people with MS manage symptoms like tremors through exercises, education, and an encouraging community. Thousands of people have used these research-backed strategies to improve their daily lives, gaining confidence and a renewed sense of control.
Without any further introduction, I’m thrilled to talk about the Cionic Neural Sleeve, a new device designed to help people walk more confidently and comfortably. But can it really deliver on its promises? Let’s break it down.
The Cionic Neural Sleeve is a wearable device that looks like a sleek compression sleeve for your leg. It’s lightweight, made of Lycra (a really flexible fabric), and comes with a small control unit about the size of a cell phone. This device isn’t just about appearances—it’s packed with advanced technology aimed at improving how you walk.
The sleeve uses sensors to monitor muscle activity and limb positioning in real-time. Based on this data, it delivers small electrical stimulation to key muscles in your leg to help them contract at the right moments during walking. Think of it as having a personal trainer for your muscles, guiding them to move more effectively.
The Neural Sleeve continuously tracks two main signals to help with walking:
Using this information, the device applies gentle electrical stimulation to activate muscles like the quadriceps (for knee stability), hamstrings (for knee flexion), dorsiflexors (to lift the foot), and calf muscles (to push off).
This coordination helps address issues like foot drop, knee hyperextension, or difficulty bending and straightening the knee—all common challenges for those with mobility impairments.
The sleeve is FDA-cleared to improve gait and facilitate muscle re-education in individuals with upper motor neuron conditions such as:
Depending on personal preference, it’s designed to be discreet enough to wear under clothing or stylish enough to wear openly. The team behind the device prioritized making it user-friendly and empowering for individuals who do not feel confident using traditional mobility aids in everyday life.
As an MS specialist and physical therapist, it makes me proud to see cutting-edge technology empower those with MS, allowing them to take on activities with confidence.
One of the standout features of the Cionic Neural Sleeve is its ability to provide immediate benefits. Many users report an “orthotic effect” right away—improved foot clearance during walking and better balance. Over time, as users incorporate exercises built into the device’s program, they may experience additional gains in strength, stamina, and confidence.
Stories of the Cionic Neural Sleeve’s Impact include:
Beyond physical improvements, many users have reported better overall quality of life, including reduced anxiety, depression, and pain. These emotional benefits likely stem from increased mobility and independence.
Yes! The sleeve is designed for ease of use and to fit within your everyday life:
To make things even more accessible, users can set up the device through a telehealth appointment with a technician who helps customize its settings remotely. Several resources are allowing the Cionic Neural Sleeve to be adapted to your specific needs.
The Cionic Neural Sleeve is currently priced at $260 per month for the first 12 months, with the option to return it at any time if it doesn’t work for you. While insurance coverage is limited since it’s considered experimental by many payers, some users have successfully worked with their doctors to secure reimbursement through letters of medical necessity.
This flexible pricing model ensures that you’re only paying if the device truly benefits you—a refreshing approach in the world of medical devices.
I’m thrilled to share my discount code if you’re interested in trying the Cionic Neural Sleeve for yourself. If you use code, DRGRETCHEN between now and the end of April, you will get a $200 discount at checkout!
While the Neural Sleeve shows great promise, there are some limitations:
1. It doesn’t currently target hip flexors or glutes.
2. Certain conditions like pacemakers or pregnancy may require extra caution or consultation with a doctor before use.
3. Currently, the device is only available in the U.S. but plans for international expansion are underway.
4. It needs to be paired with an exercise plan aimed at strengthening muscles and promoting overall physical health.
While the Cionic Neural Sleeve offers immediate support for walking and mobility, pairing it with a targeted exercise program can amplify its benefits. The sleeve helps activate key muscles during movement, but consistent exercise strengthens those muscles and improves neural pathways over time, creating lasting improvements in strength, balance, and coordination.
For individuals with MS, my Total Strength Program is an excellent complement to the Neural Sleeve. This program is specifically designed to address the unique challenges of MS by combining science-backed exercises with practical guidance. Imagine walking longer distances without fatigue, standing up from low surfaces with ease, or confidently moving through your day—all achievable with a tailored exercise routine.
By combining the Neural Sleeve’s real-time muscle activation with MS-specific exercises, you can work toward greater mobility and independence. Together, they provide a comprehensive approach to improving not just how you move but how you live.
To try out my Total Strength Program for yourself, use code YOUVEGOTTHIS for 30% off!
The Cionic Neural Sleeve represents an exciting step forward in mobility technology. For individuals living with MS or other neurological conditions that make walking difficult, this device offers hope—not just for better movement but also for improved confidence and quality of life.
While it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution (and progressive conditions like MS may still require ongoing support), its combination of immediate orthotic effects and potential long-term training benefits makes it worth exploring. If you’re interested in trying it out, you can pre-order or sign up for trials through Cionic’s website.
Ultimately, devices like this remind us that innovation can—and should—be driven by compassion and understanding of real-world challenges. Whether you’re navigating life with MS or supporting someone who is, tools like the Cionic Neural Sleeve offer more than just improved mobility—they offer renewed possibilities for independence and connection.
Do you have any further questions on how the Cionic Neural Sleeve or other mobility technology can fit into your life? Please feel free to DM me on Instagram @doctor.gretchen.
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to walk confidently again without constantly worrying about tripping, falling, or dragging your foot? Enter the Cionic Neural Sleeve! Read about my perspective on the Cionic Neural Sleeve as a physical therapist here!
Have you ever wondered how the food you eat could impact your MS symptoms and overall well-being? It absolutely can! Read dietary approaches that focus on reducing inflammation and supporting overall health when it comes to MS here!
Dr. Gretchen Hawley's The MSing Link offers a comprehensive guide to taking control of your MS symptoms and improving your mobility through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
6000+ copies sold in over 13 countries!
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As a physical therapist & Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist, I have spent the last 10 years teaching people with MS how to feel more confident & empowered through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
If you want support and encouragement, plus a healthy dose of tough love, come follow me on Instagram (@doctor.gretchen) or on YouTube @DoctorGretchenHawley. It's where I share daily tips, tricks, and information about new offers — plus, you’re bound to feel more empowered, hopeful, & motivated after watching each post and video!
Questions? Email me at Hello@DoctorGretchenHawley.com