Have you ever wondered if the damage caused by Multiple Sclerosis to your myelin sheath can actually be undone?
This question is one of the most common—and hopeful—topics for people living with MS. While there isn’t a definitive solution yet, the concept of remyelination (repairing the myelin sheath) is a growing area of research that holds incredible promise.
By the way, have we met? I’m Dr. Gretchen, a physical therapist and MS-certified specialist who’s spent nearly a decade working exclusively with people living with MS. Through my work, I’ve developed a unique approach to MS strength and conditioning that blends science, practical exercises, and a dash of encouragement to help you feel stronger, more confident, and ready to tackle life head-on. Thousands of individuals with MS have found renewed hope and real progress using these strategies—and you can too.
Today, I want to walk through what remyelination is, why it’s so important, and what scientists are learning about how to make it possible. Hopefully, you’ll have a clear understanding of where the current research stands and what steps you can take today to support your health while we wait for future breakthroughs.
Think of the myelin sheath as insulation for your nerves. It wraps around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, helping electrical signals travel smoothly from your brain to your muscles. This allows you to move, think, and feel without interruption.
In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks this protective coating, causing it to deteriorate—a process known as demyelination. Without enough myelin, nerve signals slow down or stop altogether, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and fatigue.
Remyelination is the body’s natural process of repairing damaged myelin. In healthy individuals or during the early stages of MS, this repair can happen on its own with the help of special cells called oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). These cells mature into oligodendrocytes, which produce new myelin.
However, in MS, this process often stalls. Over time, the body’s ability to repair myelin diminishes due to inflammation, scarring (lesions), and a less supportive environment in the central nervous system (CNS). Researchers are now exploring ways to jumpstart this process and create therapies that could restore lost myelin.
If you’re interested in reading more specifics about remyelination and how it works, check out my post: Remyelination for MS: What Does This New Treatment Mean for MS Recovery?
If successful, remyelination could:
The idea of repairing myelin is no longer just wishful thinking—it’s an active area of research. Scientists have already made progress in animal studies and early clinical trials. Here are some promising developments:
While these advancements are encouraging, it’s important to remember that most therapies are still in experimental stages and not yet FDA-approved for human use.
While we wait for breakthroughs in remyelination therapies, there are steps you can take today to support your health:
Exercise isn’t just good for your overall health—it may also play a role in supporting remyelination. Even low-impact activities like walking or seated exercises can help mobilize cells that produce myelin.
If you’re interested in getting started on learning how to exercise correctly with MS, my exercise program—The MSing Link —is created specifically for you. It combines MS-specific exercises with easy-to-understand education on managing your symptoms, building strength, and improving mobility. Let’s take back control of your symptoms and make daily life feel easier, together.
Reducing inflammation in your body through diet or disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) may help create a more favorable environment for future remyelination therapies.
As a physical therapist and MS specialist, neuroplasticity is one of my favorite topics to discuss with my clients! Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself—can help improve function even when damage has occurred. Consistent practice of targeted exercises can strengthen neural pathways over time.
To learn all about how this concept can help take back control of your everyday life, check out my post: Neuroplasticity In MS: How To Rewire Your Brain To Conquer Symptoms.
Keep an eye on emerging research about remyelination therapies by staying connected with your neurologist or trusted MS organizations.
One of the most promising developments in current trials is PIPE-307. This medication has shown exceptional potential for supporting remyelination, though it’s still undergoing testing and isn’t available for general use yet.
Another drug to keep an eye on is ABA-01. This new therapy is also in the trial phase and could offer significant benefits for those with MS, although its full effects are still being studied.
It's likely that the future of MS treatment won’t rely on a single therapy. Instead, patients may need a combination of medications to promote remyelination, manage inflammation, and create a healthy environment for nerve healing.
While there’s no cure for MS yet, the progress being made in remyelination research is a source of hope for many. Scientists are working tirelessly to unlock new ways to repair the damage caused by MS—offering the possibility of restored function and improved quality of life in the future.
In the meantime, remember that every small step you take—whether it’s exercising regularly or managing stress—can make a big difference in how you feel today and how prepared your body will be for future advancements.
You’re not alone on this journey. If you have questions or want support along the way, reach out to your healthcare team or connect with an MS community online or locally. Together, we can face these challenges with resilience and optimism.
Do you have any further questions about the myelin sheath and how it relates to MS? Please feel free to DM me on Instagram @doctor.gretchen.
Have you ever woken up to blurry vision, double vision, or an unexplained ache behind your eyes and wondered, what’s happening to me? There are ways to understand, manage, and even improve these vision issues - read the causes of MS-related vision changes andexplore practical ways to manage it 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