(Note from MR: Patrick Ward is someone that I haven’t met, but I’ve followed for quite some time online. He’s a pragmatic and rational coach/therapist, and that’s why I knew he’d deliver a great piece of content to the site. Enjoy!)
A Day with Anatomy Trains Author Tom Myers - Mike Reinold A couple of months ago I was lucky enough to spend a morning with Tom Myers, author of the amazing book Anatomy Trains.
———-
Thomas Myers, a former student of Ida Rolf (the founder of Rolfing), has done a wonderful job of bringing the concepts of fascia and movement into the mainstream strength and conditioning world.
The superficial back line has probably been the most talked about line from Myers’ Anatomy Trains text – a book that details the fascial continuity of several lines or “trains” in the body – with trainers constantly showing the importance of this line to clients by having them roll the bottom of their foot with a tennis ball. The “trick” goes like this:
- Reach down and try and touch your toes.
- Roll the bottom of each foot for about sixty seconds.
- Reach down and try and touch your toes again to see if you improved your range of motion.
The goal of rolling the foot was to address the plantar fascia, since the plantar fascia starts this line, which in turn would have a positive effect on the entire superficial back line creating greater extensibility and allowing you to bend over further.
It seems that whenever a trainer talks about Thomas Myers or Anatomy Trains, the only thing they talk about is the superficial back line and how interesting it is that it connects the plantar fascia to the scalp and how rolling the bottom of the foot improves the toe touch.
While I wont discount the importance of the superficial back line, I think that trainers can learn a lot from digging deeper into some of the other lines. The deep front line, in my opinion, is really where all the action takes place!
Deep Front Line
Before understanding the implications of this line, we should first understand the path it takes from lower extremity, through the torso, and up into the cervical region:
Posterior tibialis > interosseuos membrane > Knee capsule > adductor hiatus > intermuscular septum > femoral triangle > psoas > anterior longitudinal ligament > diaphragm > pericardium > mediastinum > parietal pleura > fascia prevertebralis > scalenes
I have bolded some of the major players in this line. These muscles seem to come up frequently when we talk about training our clients, and the importance of these four structures is why I feel that the deep front line is where the action takes place.
It All Starts With A Breath
Breathing is essential to keep us alive, but breathing well is essential to good movement!
While this line starts at the lower leg with the posterior tibialis and moves upwards, Myers states that this line really starts on the front of the spine, as the deeper line parallels our ontogenesis (development of an organisms) to a greater extent and does not follow our bodies outer geometry as the more superficial lines.
While improper breathing patterns can create a variety of physiological problems (reduced availability to oxygen, respiratory alkalosis, “anxiety breathing”, headaches, and general fatigue, etc.), these poor patterns can also have biomechanical implications as well.
Poor thoracic spine movement, increased forward head posture as accessory breathing muscles (SCM, scalanes, Upper traps) take over, altered shoulder function and scapular position/mechanics, increased tone of the erector spinae muscles and decreased pelvic floor strength leading to potential instability at the lumbar spine.
Do those issues describe a lot of your clients?
Poor Breathing and Implications to the Deep Front Line
Looking at the deep front line alone, poor breathing will have a negative effect on the entire line and especially on the four muscles I highlighted earlier – Posterior tibialis, Psoas, Diaphragm, and Scalenes.
When the diaphragm does not function properly and the client is an upper chest breather, the scalenes are one of the accessory muscles that take over to assist in normal respiration. These muscles can become hypertonic and develop trigger points that can refer symptoms similar to thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as aches/pains in the upper back (near the medial border of the scapula).
In an upper chest breathing pattern, the diaphragm does not move downward (think belly breathing), casuing the erector spinae to become hypertonic. This will often cause the client to become hyperlordotic, as there is increased tone at the thoracolumbar junction and the lower ribs are pointing upwards rather than remaining in a more caudad position.
Hyperlordosis is a common pattern we see in clients, and the increased tone in the erector spinae muscles will often lead to increased tension in the lower back, as well as an anterior pelvic tilt, which Janda termed Lower-crossed Syndrome. In lower-crossed syndrome there is decreased room for the diaphragm to move downward during proper breathing (diaphragmatic or belly breathing) as well as hypertonic hip flexors and weak/inhibited glutes.
The Diaphragm, Psoas, and Quadratus lumborum (QL) share a fascial connection at the lumbar vertebrae. When proper diaphragmatic breathing is not observed, these muscles are prone to disuse, weakness and trigger point development – all of which can play a role in back and hip pain.
It is also interesting to note that in the deep front line as Myers approaches the Psoas, he gives the option to take this line in a more medial direction upwards (as I laid out earlier in the article), or you can go from the psoas, to the iliacus, to the QL, which then takes us to the 12th vertebrae/rib and moves us upwards medially from there. So, the QL can be part of the deep front line as well.
Finally, in the a hyperlodtic posture, the anterior tilt of the pelvis will have an effect on the entire lower-extremity, as increased anterior tilt will often lead to greater pronation of the foot, causing the client to present with flat feet.
In over-pronation, the posterior tibialis is being put on a greater stretch (as the posterior tibialis helps to supinate the foot and is an antagonist to the peroneals, which pronate the foot). This flat foot posture could create trigger points to develop in the posterior tibialis as well as other foot and lower leg issues such as plantar fascitis (although over-supination has been shown to create this problem as well) and shin splints or medial tibial stress syndrome.
Additionally, an anterior pelvic tilt and forward head posture, as common in those with an upper chest breathing pattern, will create an anterior weight shift to the entire body. This causes the plantar flexors – gastrocnemius and soleus – to become tight, as they need to work overtime, pushing into the ground, to ensure that we don’t fall over forward. Hypertonic plantar flexors can inhibit ankle dorsiflexion, which will cause the individual to turn their foot outward (externally rotate) and pronate to a greater extent in order to obtain the needed dorsiflexion (or fake dorsiflexion) for gait.
What Do We Do?!?!
Teaching clients to breath properly should be a component of every training program and now that we have all the nerdy stuff out of the way, here are a few ways to assess diaphragmatic breathing, re-teach it, and (if you are licensed to perform manual therapy) some soft tissue techniques for the diaphragm, psoas, and iliacus.
Breathing Assessment
Breathing Corrections Part 1
Breathing Corrections Part 2
Diaphragm Soft Tissue Techniques
Psoas & Iliacus Soft Tissue Techniques
Conclusions
The deep front line plays a major role in unlocking our overall ability to move properly. The diaphragm is a large component of the deep front line and should not be overlooked in our client assessment and training programs.
Much like rolling the plantar fascia to improve function of the superficial back line; ensuring that the client is observing proper breathing patterns can be helpful in improving the function of the deep front line, decreasing the tone of hypertonic muscles, and increasing core strength and stability.
Hopefully you find the assessments and techniques in this article useful for observing and improving your clients breathing patterns and function.
Author Bio
Patrick Ward holds a Masters Degree in Exercise Science and is the founder of Optimum Sports Performance. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) through National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and a USA Weightlifting-Certified Club Coach.
In addition, Patrick holds a diploma in massage therapy and is currently licensed in the state of Arizona (LMT #12232). He specializes in clinical, therapeutic and sports massage, is certified In Neuromuscular Therapy, and has taken courses in Active Release Technique.
Patrick’s professional experience working with a diverse clientele ranges from training for general health, to rehabilitation, to athletes who want to take their abilities to the next level. Patrick has served as a strength and conditioning consultant for various athletes of all ages and status.
Download Book Anatomy Trains Myofascial Meridians For Manual And Movement Therapists in PDF format. You can Read Online Anatomy Trains Myofascial Meridians For Manual And Movement Therapists here in PDF, EPUB, Mobi or Docx formats.Anatomy Trains E Book
Author :Thomas W. MyersISBN :9780702055638
Genre :Medical
File Size : 44.40 MB
Format :PDF, ePub
Download :752
Read :177
The new edition of this hugely successful book continues to present a unique understanding of the role of fascia in healthy movement and postural distortion which is of vital importance to bodyworkers and movement therapists worldwide. Fully updated throughout and now with accompanying website (www.myersmyofascialmeridians.com), Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists will be ideal for all those professionals who have an interest in human movement: massage therapists, structural integration practitioners, craniosacral therapists, yoga teachers, osteopaths, manual therapists, physiotherapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, dance and movement teachers, chiropractors and acupuncturists. Provides a revolutionary approach to the study of human anatomy which has been shown to improve the outcomes of physical therapies traditionally used to manage pain and other musculoskeletal disorders Describes a theory which is applicable to all common types of movement, posture analysis and physical treatment modalities Layout designed to allow the reader to gather the concept quickly or gain a more detailed understanding of any given area according to need Design icons direct readers to their own specialist areas of interest, e.g. manual therapy, movement therapy, visual assessment, kinaesthetic education or supplementary video material Appendices discuss the relevance of the Anatomy Trains concept to the work of Dr Louis Schultz (Meridians of Latitude), Ada Rolf (Structural Integration) and the practice of Oriental Medicine Accompanying website (www.myersmyofascialmeridians.com) presents multi-media exploration of the concepts described in the book - film clips from Kinesis DVDs, computer graphic representations of the Anatomy Trains, supplementary dissection photographs and video clips, webinars, and some extra client photos for visual assessment practice Text updated in relation to the most up-to-date research originally published at the International Fascia Research Congress, Vancouver, 2012 Includes the latest evidence for the scientific basis of common clinical findings, including preliminary evidence from human fascial dissections Explores the role of fascia as our largest sensory organ Contains updates arising out of continual teaching and practice – for example, the role of the fascia and its interconnectivity in the generation of pain and/or force transmission New chapter discusses the role of Anatomy Trains theory in the analysis of gait Video clips on an associated website (www.myersmyofascialmeridians.com) present examples of the concepts explored in the book Podcasts on the website explore the therapeutic techniques involved Website addresses and references fully updated throughout
Anatomy Trains
Author :Thomas W. MyersISBN :9780443102837
Genre :Medical
File Size : 85.53 MB
Format :PDF, Mobi
Download :107
Read :818
An accessible comprehensive approach to the anatomy and function of the fascial system in the body combined with a holistic.
Anatomy Trains
Author :Thomas W. MyersISBN :0443063516
Genre :Medical
File Size : 22.98 MB
Format :PDF, Docs
Download :735
Read :387
'This book presents a unique 'whole systems' view of myofascial/locomotor anatomy in which the bodywide connections among the muscles within the fascial net are described in detail for the first time. Using the metaphor of railway or train lines, Myers explains how patterns of strain communicate through the myofascial 'webbing', contributing to postural compensation and movement stability.' - back cover.
Anatomy Trains Posters
Author :Thomas W. MyersISBN :0443102937
Genre :Medical
File Size : 52.55 MB
Format :PDF, Docs
Download :517
Read :1150
These 8 posters illustrate the bones, muscles and joints described in the book The Anatomy Trains on the basis of 'train' lines, tracks and stations. Each poster focuses on one 'train' line and features full-colour illustrations, line drawings to clarify and tables summarising the tracks and stations for each line. 8 colour posters Clarifies and reinforces the teaching approach of the Anatomy Trains book Larger illustration size allows for them to be used as teaching aids in classroom or clinic Useful also for student revision Presentation in a tube for easy mailing, transport
E Book Teaching Pilates For Postural Faults Illness And Injury
Author :Jane PatersonISBN :9780702033056
Genre :Medical
File Size : 57.36 MB
Format :PDF, ePub, Docs
Download :934
Read :159
Pilates is a particularly safe and effective exercise system which aims to strengthen the body in a balanced way by specifically improving the function of the weaker muscle groups. Emphasis is placed on strengthening the muscles of the trunk so that support of the spine increases plus posture and shape improve. The exercises enhance overall flexibility and fitness, improving co-ordination and balance. Muscles are gently stretched and lengthened as the exercises progress and overall body strength improves. describes the underlying principles of the exercises in physical terms describes the treatment of common medical conditions provides a manual for those in the remedial health care professions
Kinesiology
Author :Joseph E. MuscolinoISBN :9780323399357
Genre :Medical
File Size : 45.41 MB
Format :PDF, Docs
Download :701
Read :935
Learn how to apply kinesiology concepts and treat dysfunction with Muscolino’s Kinesiology: The Skeletal System and Muscle Function, 3rd Edition! With more than 1,200 full-color illustrations, this highly visual text offers a vividly illustrated look at the skeletal system and how muscles function as movers, antagonists, and stabilizers in the body. Part One covers the fundamentals of structure and motion, including essential terminology that is used in kinesiology. Part Two covers the skeletal system including the makeup of skeletal and fascial tissues. Part Three contains a detailed study of the joints of the body. And lastly, Part Four examines how muscles function. This new edition also boasts an all-new chapter on biomechanics, more than 100 online video clips, and an interactive muscle program. If you want a thorough understanding of muscle function and how to apply that knowledge on the job, then there’s no better guide than Muscolino! Coverage of strengthening exercises and stretching emphasizes the purposes and benefits of stretching and how to perform various stretching techniques. The most up-to-date information on posture and the gait cycle features high-quality art. Comprehensive chapter on muscle action and attachments includes illustrations of all of the muscles of the human body organized by function. Clinical applications throughout the book are directly related to kinesiology concepts and challenge you to apply what you’ve learned to clinical practice. Complete atlas of bones, bony landmarks, and joints includes more than 100 full-color photographs of every bone in the human body, giving you comprehensive coverage of bones not found in other kinesiology books. Clear, simple explanations of kinesiology concepts cover muscle contraction(s), coordination of muscles with movement, core stabilization, posture, exercise, reflexes, and how the nervous system controls and directs the muscular system. Approximately 1,200 four-color illustrations help you visualize important concepts. A wide variety of user resources include a comprehensive glossary of terms from the book, radiographs, answers to the review questions at the end of each chapter in the book, an interactive muscle program, and videos featuring joint actions and palpation techniques. NEW! A new chapter on biomechanics helps you understand how the body moves under normal circumstances and what may impair its movement in pathology. NEW! Improved illustrations in The Skeletal Muscles of the Human Body offer a vivid muscle atlas within the text. NEW! Expanded resources on Evolve companion site include a new collection of video clips and an interactive muscle program which help you identify the necessary skills for professional success.
The Biomechanics Method For Corrective Exercise
Author :Price, JustinISBN :9781492545668
Genre :Health & Fitness
File Size : 63.8 MB
Format :PDF
Download :685
Read :1176
The BioMechanics Method for Corrective Exercise enables health and fitness professionals to identify common musculoskeletal imbalances in their clients and apply appropriate corrective exercises to swiftly eliminate muscle and joint pain and improve physical function.
Clinical Application Of Neuromuscular Techniques Volume 2 E Book
Author :Leon ChaitowISBN :9780702050947
Genre :Medical
File Size : 84.68 MB
Format :PDF
Download :659
Read :860
Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques, Volume 2 - The Lower Body discusses the theory and practice of the manual treatment of chronic pain, especially with regards to the soft tissues of the lower body. Authored by experts of international renown, this highly successful book provides a structural review of each region, including ligaments and functional anatomy, and includes step-by-step protocols that address each muscle of a region. The volume now comes with an EVOLVE site for instructors who can download the full text and images for teaching purposes. Provides a comprehensive ‘one-stop’ volume on the treatment of somatic pain and dysfunction Designed and written to meet the needs of those working with neuromuscular dysfunction in a variety of professions All muscles covered from the perspective of assessment and treatment of myofascial pain Describes normal anatomy and physiology as well as the associated dysfunction Gives indications for treatments and guidance on making the appropriate treatment choice for each patient Combines NMT, MET, PR and much more to give a variety of treatment options for each case Describes the different NMT techniques in relation to the joint anatomy involved Practical step-by-step descriptions provided to make usage easy Includes acupuncture, hydrotherapies and nutritional support as well as guidance for the patient in the use of self-help approaches Contains up-to-date evidence based content Presents the latest research findings underpinning the practice of NMT methodology from differing areas of practice Presents the increasingly refined ways of using the variety of MET methods to allow the reader to safely apply them in a variety of settings
The Science And Clinical Application Of Manual Therapy E Book
Author :Hollis H. KingISBN :9780702049958
Genre :Medical
File Size : 77.83 MB
Format :PDF, ePub
Download :808
Read :1145
The Science and Clinical Application of Manual Therapy is a multi-disciplinary, international reference book based on work by the top basic science researchers and clinical researchers in the area of Manual Therapy and Manual Medicine (MT/MM). The first book to bring together research on the benefits of MT/MM beyond the known effects on musculoskeletal disorders, it presents evidence of the benefit of MT/MM in treating systemic disorders such as asthma, heart rate dysfunction and GI disturbance. Authored by the leading multidisciplinary basic science and clinical researchers from throughout the world Describes research confirming benefit of MT for musculoskeletal disorders (which helps provide a rational for greater utilization of manual therapy and reimbursement for this healthcare service) Presents the latest findings on the beneficial effect of MT on systemic disorders including asthma, pneumonia, otitis media, heart rate dysfunction and GI disturbance Critically assesses longstanding theoretical models of MT/MM mechanisms with respect to the current understanding of physiological and neurophysiological function Explores the influences of psychological and cortical processes on the effects of MT/MM, including the effect of placebo Uniquely presents research findings from all the manual therapy professions and scientists making the case for the benefits of MT The symposium from which the book was derived was supported by the NIH National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
The Complementary Therapist S Guide To Conventional Medicine E Book
Author :Clare StephensonISBN :9780080982557
Genre :Medical
File Size : 79.87 MB
Format :PDF, ePub, Mobi
Download :190
Read :1064
The Complementary Therapist's Guide to Conventional Medicine is a unique textbook for students and practitioners of complementary medicine, offering a systematic comparative approach to Western and Eastern medicine. Practitioners of complementary medicine increasingly find themselves working alongside conventionally trained doctors and nurses and it is vital for them to develop a core understanding of conventional medical language and philosophy. The book is designed as a guide to understanding conventional medical diagnoses, symptoms and treatments, whilst also encouraging the reader to reflect on and translate how these diagnoses may be interpreted from a more holistic medical perspective. Throughout the text the practitioner/student is encouraged to see that conventional and more holistic interpretations are not necessarily contradictory, but instead are simply two different approaches to interpreting the same truth, that truth being the patient's symptoms. After introductory sections on physiology, pathology and pharmacology, there follow sections devoted to each of the physiological systems of the body. In these, the physiology of each system is explored together with the medical investigation, symptoms and treatments of the important diseases which might affect that system. As each disease is described, the reader is encouraged to consider the corresponding Chinese medical perspective. The textbook concludes with chapters relating specifically to dealing with patients in practice. In particular these focus on warning signs of serious disease, supporting patients on medication and ethical issues which may arise from management of patients which is shared with conventional practitioners. The book also offers a detailed summary of 'Red Flag symptoms' which are those which should be referred for 'Western' medical investigation or emergency medical treatment, and also a guide to how patients can be safely supported in withdrawing from conventional medication, when this is clinically appropriate. Those wishing to use the text for systematic study can make use of the question and problem-solving approach offered on the accompanying CD to which references to self study exercises appear at regular stages throughout the book. This means that the text can be easily adapted to form the basis of a study course in clinical medicine for students of complementary medicine. In addition to the self-testing questions and answers, the supporting CD also contains checklists for revision and full-colour illustrations. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Clare Stephenson is a qualified medical practitioner who worked in hospital medicine, general practice and public health medicine for a number of years before training in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture. Over the course of a decade she developed and taught an undergraduate course for students of Chinese medicine on Western medicine and how it relates to TCM. She is particularly committed to encouraging communication and understanding between practitioners of different health disciplines. She currently works as a GP in Oxfordshire.