Dooley Noted: 1/22/2014
I’ve learned in my short time of clinical practice that patients tell you everything you need to know – if you are listening.
A patient granted me permission to discuss a story she told me.
Patient: My dog went nuts, trying to drag me with him on the street.
Dooley: Did it bother your shoulder?
Patient: At first. But I remember what you said about the elbow staying close to the body. I pulled him close, and my shoulder didn’t hurt anymore.
My patient was craving stability. Had I just started rubbing on sore muscles, I would have done her a disservice.
We spent the next hour putting motion in her thoracic spine, where she needed it, and limiting shoulder and low back excessive movement.
Did she feel great afterwards? Yes.
Was she more stable and mobile in the right places? Yes.
It’s not enough to rub on sore things. Some things are just pulling like reins, keeping you from falling over.
My patient’s shoulder is a solid example.
Another is your hamstrings. People LOVE to stretch those. But what if they are simply the reins, pulling tight to keep you from falling over?
It doesn’t make sense to stretch out something trying to protect you!
Get assessed for your tightness and discomfort. I urge you not to accept the “tight” diagnosis.
Figure out why things get tight and sore.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley