Kathy Dooley

Anatomy Angel: Soleus

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Dooley Noted: 2/20/2015 Yesterday, I helped reflect 8 soleus muscles. This thick, gorgeous leg muscle gets its name from its solefish-like appearance. Failing to cross the knee, it joins the knee-crossing gastrocnemius at the tendocalcaneus (Achilles tendon) to insert into the heel. Students are rightly nervous when reflecting this muscle. They know that precious anatomy lays deep to its surface. Soleus attaches to both leg bones, just inferior to the knee joint. It serves as … Read more

Strength Dissatisfaction

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Dooley Noted: 2/19/2015 I firmly believe that dissatisfaction drives contentment. I’m perfectly happy knowing I never quite have enough knowledge. It drives me to get more. The same goes for strength. Earlier this week, I had a barbell training session with my StrongFirst colleague and Catalyst SPORT trainer, Long Duong. Long has a very special presence and skill set. Since he is a former Marine, I assumed he might choose to yell at me like … Read more

Reynaud’s Phenomenon

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Dooley Noted: 2/18/2015 It’s the season for bitter cold weather. Many of us are uncomfortable in the cold. But a particular group of people are extremely uncomfortable in the hands and even in the feet. These people suffer from Reynaud’s phenomenon. Reynaud’s involves decreased perfusion of the distal digits, resulting in discomfort and color changes. (See below.) The phenomenon is rarely an indicator of serious disease. The mechanism of circulation loss is poorly understood My … Read more

The Boundaries of Truth

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Dooley Noted: 2/17/2015 Sunday, I had a fascinating flying experience that reminded me about the boundaries of truth. Toronto was literally the coldest place on Earth that day. Flights were being canceled. Also, flights from the previous day were being rebooked onto Sunday, so the airport was full of disgruntled travelers. When everyone around me is disgruntled, my body and mind automatically do the reverse. As my flight was delayed, I tried to get on … Read more

People Who’ve Changed Me: Part 13

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Dooley Noted: 2/16/2015 The Person: Dr. Monica Chadha Profession: chiropractor, kinesiologist, owner of Bodability How I know her: I had the honor of assistant teaching Monica during her three semesters of gross anatomy at New York Chiropractic College. During very late nights of dissecting and collecting thesis data, Monica kept company with this lonely masters candidate. How she’s changed me: Monica has tenacity like no one I’ve ever met. Life has attempted to kick her … Read more

Too Much Information

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Dooley Noted: 2/14/15 I’m passionate about providing an education with my treatments. After all, doctor means teacher. But the problem is this. Most of my patients have several doctors. Their orthopedists say one thing. Their podiatrist says another. Their general practitioner day something entirely different. Then, add me. We get four experts with four different opinions. My patients express their frustration with the lack of congruency. Who do they believe? Who’s right? My job is … Read more

Scars

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Dooley Noted: 2/13/2015 Last week, I helped dissect many rotator cuffs. Our approach is typically a posterior one, since three of the four muscles are located in the back of the shoulder. As these muscles cuff themselves around the head of the humerus (aka: arm bone), they prevent anterior and inferior dislocation. If they become damaged, scar tissue may infiltrate the joint capsule, as well as the muscles themselves. I observed a glorious cadaver with … Read more

People Who’ve Changed Me: Part 12

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Dooley Noted: 2/11/2015 The Person: Brian Kotoka Profession: strength coach and owner of Thrive Fit in Toronto How I know him: I briefly met Brian at Craig Liebenson’s amazing Rehab of the Athlete seminar in fall 2011. Our paths kept crossing, and we became fast friends and trusted colleagues. How he’s changed me: Brian helped me form the way I run my business. Our collaborations with clinical skills and strength training have helped several people … Read more

Leaving Kids Alone

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Dooley Noted: 2/10/2015 I saw something disturbing at the airport. I watched as a young toddler was sprinting from her mother like an absolute Olympian. She was as fast as lightning. She squealed in absolute joy. She ran right up to me to share her smile of contentment. Then, she was off. I watched as she sprinted – because kids never jog. I watched her explore. I watched her fall. Kids aren’t afraid of failure, … Read more

The Look of Fitness

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Dooley Noted: 2/9/2015 Yesterday, my mother and I were looking through decades of old photographs. I found these two pictures of me, seen below. I was 21. Do I look fit to you? I was a size 4, weighing in at 120 pounds. This is considered a healthy weight, if not slightly below average. I have warm, rosy cheeks and shiny, curly hair. I have muscles on a lean frame. I have a wide smile … Read more