Meet Functional Medicine & Family Practice Physician, Dr. Cathy Kim
Beyond Managing Chronic Pain: Fascia’s Powerful Influence On Pelvic Pain, TMJ/Vertigo, Heel Pain & More
Photography: Nhung Tran
Dr. Cathy Kim is a Board Certified Family Medicine physician who is incorporating fascia and biomechanics into her innovative functional medicine practice. As a Body Function Specialist, she connects the dots between modern day-to-day biomechanics and persistent pain and dysfunctions. From TMJ and vertigo to sciatica, pelvic pain, and plantar fasciitis. Dr. Kim is successfully helping her patients reclaim their vitality with mindful movement that makes gravity our friend, instead of our foe.
When did you know you wanted to become a doctor and why?
That is a very interesting question for a child of an immigrant family, since the list of “acceptable” options is rather short, lol, but I would say that my fundamental interest in fixing things and ability to offer emotional insights led me to choose to become a doctor and Family Medicine as a specialty. While of course, I diagnosed my share of illnesses, I was always driven by offering meaningful advice around parenting, nutrition, emotional health, etc. so that my patient’s lifestyles could support good health.
What is functional medicine and what inspired your shift into this specialty?
About 10 years ago, when I broke my wrist, I had never heard of functional medicine. After my cast was removed, I started to struggle with a lot of muscle and nerve pain, but not in my wrist! I concentrated on stretching more with “common sense” logic – I massaged and stretched whatever felt tight. When this didn’t help, I finally sought assistance in acupuncture, chiropractic, myofascial physical therapy, and myofascial massage.
Through my experience, I learned the truth of Ida Rolf’s words (the founder of Structural Integration) about the source of pain, “Where you think it is – it ain't.” At the same time, I started incorporating this information into my primary care practice. More and more, I could not bear to prescribe medication for what I could so clearly see was a mechanical problem, any more than I could pour “green goo” on my tires and expect them to become balanced. As my success with straightforward pain grew, I gradually took on more complex problems such as chest pain, vomiting, vertigo, and even syncope.
During this time, I still didn’t know how to describe this style of medicine, much less how to find like-minded physician colleagues. Fortunately, in 2017, a nurse colleague explained that I was practicing “functional medicine” because I was ultimately trying to solve the “root cause.” This led me to attend my first Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) conference that same year. By the next year, I had encountered so many patients who needed my help, that I decided to leave primary care and open my own practice.
How would you describe the work you do with patients and how does it differ from standard medicine practices?
In conventional practice, patients are trained to present an edited list of health concerns, to accommodate the short visit length and facilitate the targeted treatment, testing, and referrals. The standard appointment leaves very little time for any meaningful education.
Now, in my functional and integrative medicine practice, I have longer appointments so that I can gather all the health history, like a “lifetime detective”. I then correlate the timeline of symptoms with physical findings and observed postural habits. Unlike standard medical practices, I spend a lot of time on education about lifestyle and diet. While I do perform myofascial release work, unlike chiropractor or massage appointments, I spend most of the time teaching ergonomics or self-release work. Because of my unique style, I often direct new patients to my YouTube video on Heel Pain, so they can observe my approach and decide if it resonates with them.
As needed, I may also evaluate the inflammatory impact of foods and toxins in their diet, and if I think it is contributing to their symptoms, I will make suggestions there as well.
Do you have a favorite patient success story?
The one story I would choose is from several years ago because it was one of the first times I had utilized fascia work on a chronic problem that was not pain.
This patient had been suffering from vomiting after eating or drinking ever since having had abdominal surgery a few months prior. Unable to find a cause for this, her surgeon was going to remove her gallbladder. Since her symptoms didn’t sound like gallstones, I suggested that she come in for evaluation.
From my conventional medical training and experience, I had no idea what could be causing her vomiting, especially since it had started immediately upon awakening from the initial surgery. But my prior successes with fascia-based work had already been exceptional – decreasing pain, aborting vertigo, and accelerating wound healing, so I was very curious if structure could be affecting her symptoms.
She was a new patient to me and I listened to her symptoms and then looked for “poker tells” in her posture. We agreed that I would attempt very light myofascial “releases” in a few areas which I hypothesized could be affecting her postprandial nausea and vomiting. If it helped, then it might mean we were on the right track.
You can’t imagine the thrill when she returned for her one-week follow-up and explained that for the first time in months, she had not vomited and was able to eat and drink normally after that treatment. Even her child had commented that “Mommy was not throwing up.” Although the effect had not lasted for more than a couple of days, we proceeded with more confidence. With weekly myofascial release work and ergonomic homework, her vomiting ceased altogether in a few more weeks.
Photography: Nhung Tran
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
One of the qualities of a Family Medicine practice is that the days have a lot of variety between taking care of adult patients with chronic diseases to seeing newborns to performing procedures.
I found that diversity has continued into my specialty work in fascia because, in addition to my clinical hours of seeing patients, I am also reading, writing, or even working on a YouTube video. For two days a week, I see patients the whole day, but the rest of the week, it is a little bit of everything.
Why do you think so many women struggle with pelvic pain and recurrent UTI/yeast/BV infections?
I have a unique long view that considers structure and body chemistry, and the cumulative toll that modern living takes on our fascia and metabolism.
While modern innovations and technology make our life “easier,” it decreases variety in our daily physicality which ultimately stiffens our muscles and fascia. For instance, backup cameras in cars are eliminating the need to twist around to look. At the same time, the expanded intake of processed foods with additives, toxins, and even over-the-counter medications is disrupting the body’s natural chemistry, which allows invading pathogens to flourish and cause infections.
According to joint hypermobility research, affected women outnumber men by a ratio of 5:1; and this number is likely an underestimation as a UK study found that only 1 in 20 individuals with generalized joint hypermobility were being correctly identified in rheumatology clinics.
I believe that fascia serves as the mechanistic link between female joint hypermobility and pelvic pain/dysfunction, and many other problems with female predominance.
What are some lifestyle changes women can make to improve their pelvic pain?
In addition to incorporating the diverse movements of yoga or Tai Chi classes into their lives, I have some suggestions that are a little off the beaten path.
Consider foam rolling. I have found that most women with pelvic pain are especially tight along the inner thigh and so rolling this area is especially important. In my YouTube video, I demonstrate a dynamic technique that is much more effective at breaking up accumulated adhesions in the myofascial layers.
If you are using a standing desk, make sure to soften your knees, and switch regularly between sitting and standing. Standing shortens and stiffens our thigh and glute musculature while sitting stretches. Think shrunken jeans after the dryer – squatting is what stretches them, not standing.
Avoid crossing your legs or sitting cross-legged. Crossing the legs tightens the inner line of the leg, and then switching to the Indian style creates tension on the pelvic structures as gravity pulls the knees down. I recommend using a yoga ball chair with a stand (so that your feet don’t have to grip to stabilize).
For diet, I suggest looking into an anti-inflammatory diet and staying committed to adopting high-leverage changes for the long term. For instance, there is the Dirty Dozen list of heavily pesticides crops. Put this list in your phone so that you won’t be tempted to buy them even when the produce looks delicious. Since I have found that most people do not understand the term “inflammation,” I explain this in a YouTube lecture and suggest using the name “anti-injury” diet because it is more relatable and descriptive. I also wrote an article, Think of Mud, not Money, in which I explain why anti-inflammatory nutrition does not work like an instant antidote to eating “bad foods.”
Photography: Nhung Tran
Do you have a favorite, go-to anti-inflammatory meal or snack?
Wow, has that answer changed a lot over the years since my first IFM conference in 2017!
Right now, my current favorite anti-inflammatory meal is a red cabbage slaw/salad.
The base is chopped red cabbage with a little diced red onion and celery, and then I add dill, oregano, arugula, or shredded beets to change the flavor. For protein and healthy fat, I’ll mix in grass-fed ground beef, sardines, avocado, and/or egg. I finish it with some organic mayo or salad dressing, adding extra EVOO as needed.
For my side or snack, I love roasted brussels sprouts or baked sweet potato slices because they are done in 30 minutes in my toaster oven. Then I dip them in homemade Sriracha mayo – a great French fry substitute!
What is a book you read recently and loved?
I really enjoyed Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. In addition to the engaging characters and intriguing plot, I really savored the details about Asian American identity and the artistic pieces she conceived of and described!
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is helping people get their life back.
What advice would you give to women currently struggling with unresolved health issues?
There is no simple formula for achieving Health. For serious conditions like cancer or dementia, the list of contributing factors is more than thirty items long. For example, one study found that only 5-10% of cancers are purely genetic, and the other 90-95% are caused by environmental and lifestyle factors (tobacco, diet, infection, physical activity, stress, pollutants, etc.)
By the time a woman (even a young girl) is struggling with unresolved health issues, it has become a multifactorial behemoth in her life, and it requires a supportive team to find a healing path, not a single magic-bullet medication or massage maneuver.
Many patients tell me that they know a friend or relative who is “big into” natural health and diet, so I encourage them to get tips from them so they don’t have to start from ground zero looking for books and resources.
Research local functional medicine practitioners. They can be physicians, naturopaths, chiropractors, nutritionists, etc. I coach patients that they may have to “kiss a lot of frogs” in order to put together a caring panel of practitioners who can help them achieve more well-being.
I want to also mention that many patients struggle with “medical trauma” after years of medical procedures and gaslighting (from normal lab and imaging results). It is important to recognize this and seek out a good therapist to help heal this dimension as well.
[Dr. Kim with Petey]
What do you do for fun?
Even though I have no horse experience, I love watching the videos (no really, hours and hours) from Steve Young Horsemanship in Wales. With respect and compassion, he is transforming and saving lives as he uses his expertise to help the most challenged horses and their owners. I identify a lot with his philosophy of going back to fundamentals in order to achieve the critical changes that have been missing.
Everyone knows how much I adore and dote on my strong-minded rescue bunny! It is a real joy to earn his trust and affection. I also enjoy playing tennis and cooking for friends and family.
[Dr. Kim with Petey pictured right.]
Finally, although I will out myself as the ultimate nerd for saying it, my work is also my fun. :) □
Article Credits
Dr. Kim’s Email: cathy@drcathykim.com
Dr. Kim’s Instagram: @drcathykim.md
Dr. Kim’s Twitter: @drcathykim
Dr. Kim’s Facebook: @drcathykim
Dr. Kim’s Website: www.drcathykim.com
Photography by: Nhung Tran
