Before my 12-hr patient load yesterday, I wanted to get warm and ready by doing the snatch test with the 12 kilo. After it was over, I thought, “I wish I were 123 lbs. That was significantly easier than the 16.” Feel free to reprimand me from afar. What a terrible attitude that was! I wish I were smaller? NO. I work hard. I feel awesome. I’m in this skin, and I love this lady … Read more
A colleague requested I list how I Doolinate a typical day in the life. I’m always stating I can’t imagine how sharing my life would help others. But, it turns out nearly 1,000 posts later that people actually get something out of Dooley Noted: They get inspiration. That is reason enough to write one a day for the rest of my life. Now, each of my days are different. I teach anatomy for multiple schools, … Read more
While home in Indiana, I saw the same clothesline of my childhood. I remember the years passing, as I tried to pull my weight up to the bar. I never made it – for 34 years. Then, RKC and StrongFirst came into my life. Mobility/stability/strength training got married, and the trifecta altered my movement. See the video – and watch me break the 34-year streak of not doing something I always wished I could do. … Read more
Let’s face it: people sit. Sometimes, they have no choice. So, we can build daily physical rehabilitative drills into a drive to work or ride on the subway. If you have to be seated, make it work for you and not against you! Dr. Kathy Dooley
While waiting to use the airplane restroom, I was stopped by a curious gentleman. Flight guy: Are those shoes comfortable? Dooley: Vibrams? Unbelievably so, yes. Flight guy: I can’t wear anything that flat – it will flare up my plantar fasciitis. Dooley: Actually sir, wearing those tennis shoes with a full inch lift in the back are making your plantar fasciitis worse in the long run. Little did the curious flight guy know his quick … Read more
As I sat across from my father, I saw him look at me the same way he always has. It’s the same way I assume a father always looks at his baby girl. Until I was 31, I was up on my high horse, telling my dad he “should” do this and that to be healthier. Thus, we did not get along for most of my life. Then, one day 3 years ago – I … Read more
Buy this supplement. Take this exercise class. Buy this DVD. Cut out this food. Take this medicine. You’ll have to excuse me – but what a load of bull. If I’ve learned one thing on my journey to health, it was NOT to consume more things and do more things. I’m not medicine deficient, nor spin-class deficient. When I started taking away, I felt a weight lifted off me. I simultaneously felt more weight physically … Read more
My friend and mentor Dr. Randy Menser likes to say the following: “There are only two sources of frustration in this life: unfulfilled expectation and undelivered communication.” I tried to swallow that jagged pill for a while. And I’ve found in every situation – he is right. This past weekend, I was tagging a practical exam for students. My favorite song came on the shuffle, and for a moment, I had a heart pang. I … Read more
In herbology class yesterday, the great Dr. Pai was discussing how people get frustrated and put a smile on their face. They hold it in, creating internal pathology as movement stagnates. I’ve seen many patients the last few weeks that were like pressure cookers. They put on a brave face, but they create internal pain by not venting the pressure. I find this pattern consistent with every patient that perceives pain. Most people don’t explode … Read more
Yesterday, I spent 8 hours assessing and correcting clients with 4 juggernaut trainers of Integrated Exercise Therapy. While the 5 of us assessed with SFMA, FMS, and NKT, I marveled at their abilities to see what they see – the “eye.” This got me thinking: I have a different background than these folks, yet we often see the same patterns. So, can the “eye” be coached? I believe the answer must be an emphatic YES. … Read more