Dooley Noted: 10/26/14 During my junior year of high school, I had to wear a corset as part of a period costume. This was nearly 20 years ago, but I distinctly remember one feeling: I could not breathe. My shoulders – and décolletage – ended up in my ears. I felt very anxious. My low back was killing me – and I was a teenager! As I took off the corset, my back felt even … Read more
Dooley Noted: 10/25/2014 Students and patients can be demanding. In the quest for knowledge and help, they can forget to provide respect to their colleagues and educators. A few days ago, I was particularly floored by a brilliant student. During midterm time, stress is at a zenith. And these students know stress. They have a demanding 12 hour school day and study before and after school. Expectations are high. And failure isn’t an option. No … Read more
Dooley Noted: 10/24/2014 This has been one intense week of hearing excuses. Some sounded like this: “I’m not an anatomist. I can’t be expected to know this stuff.” “He’s a trainer. It’s his job to be fit.” I just hope these people know how completely ridiculous they sound to others. They are making excuses for what they have not prioritized. They can just be honest. I am an anatomist and a gym owner because I … Read more
Dooley Noted: 10/23/14 Last night, I had the honor of assessing a female with a near perfect movement assessment. She’s 60. I had spent many, many hours earlier that day assessing people – many that were younger than her. I heard many excuses for faulty movement and pain. One of the top excuses was age. As I marveled at this woman’s movement, I pointed out some ways I could get her out of pain. I … Read more
Dooley Noted: 10/22/14 I started posting Dooley Noted on Jan 1, 2011. It was a New Year’s Resolution to be consistent about posting my observations as a clinician, teacher, and student. It was a commitment to myself. That resolution changed the way I approach my life. Posting Dooley Noted comes even before teeth-brushing for me on most days. It’s a hard-wired commitment. As of today, Dooley Noted has been posted 1,391 times. Some were popular. … Read more
Dooley Noted: 10/21/2014 Patient: I hurt most of the day. Dooley: Do you get any relief? Patient: Not really. Dooley: Do you feel it when you’re performing? Patient: No. Of course not. I’m focusing on performing. Later that night, I feel it. That fact did not fascinate her as it fascinated me. In all its complications, pain has this truth behind it: The only pain you have is the pain your brain allows you to … Read more
Dooley Noted: 10/19/2014 A few days ago, a new patient recounted his lengthy history of shoulder pain and subsequent surgeries. After reviewing a formidable history, he stated something poignant. He said, “It’s years later, and I still have shoulder pain. I’ve started to think I may have never needed those surgeries in the first place.” Here’s the truth. I would never state to a patient that he didn’t need a surgery. We truly have no … Read more
Dooley Noted: 10/18/14 On most days, I hear patients state the following: “I have bursitis.” “I have a torn rotator cuff.” “I have a disc herniation.” Your brain learns from hearing you state this. You don’t “have” these diagnoses. They have you. A mindset change is needed to not let labels overwhelm you. You don’t “have” bursitis. You lost proper muscle sequencing to protect your joint. You don’t “have” a torn rotator cuff. You overworked … Read more
Dooley Noted: 10/16/14 If you have to sit for work, you may think that slouching is not a great idea. For people with low back instability and disc compromise, you’d be right. You may think that sitting up straight is the answer. Unfortunately, sitting completely upright for long periods creates a tendency to jam the back’s facet joints, creating compression – and often – pain. So, which way should you sit? It depends. If you … Read more
Dooley Noted: 10/15/14 I had the honor of meeting a tremendous NYC Muay Thai fighting coach named Jamie Crowder, who gave his permission to discuss his visit. This man is more of an athlete than I’m likely to become, yet he humbled himself to allow me to assess his movement. He was relieved to hear me state I saw no major dysfunction creating his pain. He was not surprised that I found little movement quirks … Read more