Dooley Noted: 9/20/14 I was helping a patient break down her kettlebell swing, which was reproducing discomfort in her low back and neck. As we analyzed the technique, she saw her way out of low back pain and neck pain. She made some important realizations. Patient: Wow, there is a lot of detail to know about this. Dooley: You won’t always have to think about it so much. Your brain is learning. Patient: We just … Read more
Dooley Noted: 9/19/2014 You learn by studying. Observation and action are also a form of study. So, your surroundings matter. What you observe and study matters. I surround myself with anatomists, and I integrate every sound bite of brilliance I can catch. “People don’t know anatomy as well as they could. All doctors need to know more to understand more.” – Dr. Ralph Ger, surgeon and anatomist When you think you know enough, you don’t. … Read more
Dooley Noted: 9/18/2014 Yesterday, I stopped by a local deli to grab some water. In a rush as usual, I bolted to the shortest line. A lady was paying for drink. The cashier noted that her purchase didn’t meet the minimum for a credit purchase. She was distressed, as she had no cash on her. I didn’t even think as I noted, “Put hers on mine.” This must not happen much in New York, because … Read more
Dooley Noted: 9/17/2014 After a recent SI joint injury, I decided to deadlift again. I worked my way up to 185 pounds with no pain. This may seem light, but it’s exciting to lift without pain once you’ve had it! Since I wanted to avoid any potential injury, I asked my amazing Catalyst SPORT colleague Joe Gonzalez to make sure I was safe in technique at 205. The pull went up fine. But Joe took … Read more
Dooley Noted: 9/16/14 Yesterday, I was almost hit by a car. The sun was blazing in my eyes, and I simply didn’t see the car. As the car screeched to a halt, I felt the bumper brush my fibula. It was THAT close. I apologized profusely, then I walked in a haze to the lab. My life did not flash in front of me. I wasn’t overwhelmed with gratitude, either. I thought about how careless … Read more
Dooley Noted: 9/14/2014 Joan Rivers may not be the picture that came to mind when one thought of fitness. Just days before her death at 81, she was noting to reporters how thankful she was for her good health. She was a great role model to me for fitness and perseverance for many years. Her mind was sharp as a tack, and she had no known ailments. She walked a minimum of three miles per … Read more
Dooley Noted: 9/13/14 Yesterday, I went to my neighborhood pharmacy to purchase a greeting card. As the cashier rang my purchase, she failed to offer me gum or another type of appropriate impulse sale – like a stamp Instead, she offered to sell me a flu shot. To me, this is coming dangerously close to offering medical advice. I didn’t even buy anything medically oriented, and yet I am offered a flu vaccine. What an … Read more
Dooley Noted: 9/12/2014 I completely understand the frustration with trying to get an appointment with a doctor that has a tight schedule. I once had an appointment with a neurologist, in which I had to wait 3 months for an open slot. But it was worth it. I had a patient tell me a few days ago that scheduling with me was a “nightmare.” So, I feel compelled to tell you why it’s so hard … Read more
Dooley Noted: 9/11/2014 Therapists have to be very careful about language. We are considered experts by our patients, so every uttered word can become a doctrine. When someone asks a question about therapies, I discuss many available options. I am very clear that the decision must be made by the informed patient. I can’t say all therapists give options to their patients, possibly to avoid a discussion being misconstrued as a recommendation. The therapist brought … Read more
Dooley Noted: 9/10/2014 In 2007, I graduated chiropractic school. I went straight into my anatomy masters program. In 2010, I finished my fellowship and completed another year of full time teaching. So, I am in my third full year of clinical practice. I worked as an associate for 6 months under one practitioner and 1 year with another successful practice. It only took 1.5 years for me to realize I can only do things well … Read more