Anatomy Angel

Dooley Noted: 10/4/2017 The External Abdominal Oblique (EAO) is an extrinsic core muscle that is meant to take intrinsic force (from structures like diaphragm and innermost abdominal muscles) and send it to the limbs. This muscle starts at rib 5, where it interdigitates with the Serratus Anterior muscle at ribs 5-9 laterally. These two muscles work together to send out force through the scapula, during activities like the initiation phase of gait, lunging, and throw … Read more

Dooley Noted: 6/15/2017 Cesarian (C) Section is the surgical removal (typically of a child or mass) via abdominal incision. No matter how old the scar, C-Section scars must be analyzed regarding a patient’s ability to build intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), particularly in the lower abdomen. C-section can be carried out with two major methods. One is a vertical cut through the linea alba. The more commonly used in modern C-section surgeries is the transverse cut, through … Read more

Dooley Noted: 11/23/2016 The scalenes are often a misunderstood and mistreated group of muscles with hugely impactful clinical importance. The anterior scalene starts its course where its synergist, the longus colli, ends: at the anterior tubercles of transverse processes (TPs) of C4-C6. This muscle then anchors itself to the first rib. The middle and posterior scalene often blend in fibers as one large mass of muscle, posterior to the middle scalene. If the bellies are … Read more

Dooley Noted: 10/7/2016   TFL is a gorgeous power generator of the hip and pelvic stabilizer.   Understanding its functional anatomy can be crucial in helping a patient or client with pelvic and hip issues.   TFL originates on the anterior part of the ilium, just below the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).   It takes a very long pathway down the femur, just to bypass attaching to it. Via the iliotibial tract, the TFL … Read more

Dooley Noted: 7/5/2016   In a recent NKT study group, we discussed MSE testing in the vein of the SFMA by Gray Cook.    However, we broke the segments apart to look for ideals in load sharing between extension segments, as we pointed out common compensators in this basic movement pattern.    In a load-shared movement system, the MSE would have a balance of the following: 1. Feet that approach dorsiflexion, with weight shifting anteriorly … Read more

Dooley Noted: 6/21/2016    Multi-segmental flexion (MSF), otherwise known as a toe touch, is a commonly misunderstood movement pattern that can prove to be quite useful for the study of sagittal plane movement.   Just because someone reaches the toes – it doesn’t make the toe touch ideal.    Within Gray Cook’s SFMA system, one analyzes the MSF in all of its parts:   1. Feet stay planted and approach plantar flexion    2. Knees … Read more

Dooley Noted: 6/7/16   Four common movement compensators have an attachment to the coracoid process of the scapula: 1. Pectoralis Minor (PMin)   2. Coracobrachialis (CB)    3. Short Head, Biceps Brachii (SHBB)   4. Occasionally, a tendinous slip from subclavius (Subc) These muscles have a typical axis of dominance, even though they exhibit multiplanar capabilities on the joints they cross. Look for these clinically dysfunctions and their primary coracoid presentations:    1. PM: primarily … Read more

Dooley Noted: 5/18/2016   The Longissimus Capitis (LCap) is a muscle that is often forgotten about but has huge clinical implications. LCap is the most superior attachment of the erector spinae’s middle portion to the mastoid process. It shares the mastoid attachment with Splenius Capitis and Sternocleidomastoid (SCM). LCap travels mostly from transverse processes of vertebrae to other transverse processes, except where it attaches to the skull.  The LCap is covered on its posterior surface … Read more

Dooley Noted: 4/26/2016   The long head of biceps brachii (LHBB) muscle is a longitudinal elbow and shoulder flexor.     Due to its proximity to the skin’s surface, one can easily visualize this muscle at its joint belly with short head of biceps brachii (SHBB).    LHBB’s superior tendon is different than the SHBB, since its tendon sits in a deep groove between two bony lips at the humerus. At this location, the tendon is … Read more