Anatomy Trains Dvd

[Glendora Spink]

AnatomyTrains in Motion has been developed by Karin Gurtner specifically for movement professionals who want to broaden their professional horizon and skills in anatomy and structural integration through movement.

The integral anatomy of the myofascial meridians is explained in interactive lectures and experienced through body-minded movement applications. For a clear comprehension of the structural and functional aspects, anatomical structures are discussed individually and as part of a myofascial meridian that shapes posture, movement and how we feel about the body.

To further connect anatomy and function, science-informed fascial qualities are exemplified and embodied with deliberate exercise examples throughout the course. In a unique way, Anatomy Trains in Motion directly links the anatomy of the myofascial meridians with the essential events of walking and body-minded movement training.

Because we want to foster independent thinking and individualized learning, we encourage an inquisitive mind and facilitate understanding through movement explorations.

Concluding the course, you will have a clear understanding of why the myofascial meridians are defined the way they are and why the Anatomy Trains concept is of immense value for all body-minded movement methods that aim for structural integrity.

An amazing course! I enjoyed every moment and mostly it opened my mind and organized a lot of vague things. I recommend the course to any mover or therapist, anatomy lover or anyone who is interested in him/herself and his/her body- a true springboard!

The Anatomy Trains Myofascial Meridians concept by Tom Myers is quite popular amongst manual and movement therapists. However there has been little scientific evidence to support this concept until recently. Jan Wilke and researchers from Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany searched for the evidence on the existence of six myofascial meridians, as proposed by Tom Myers in 1997. The study was published in the March 2016 issue of Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

The researchers in this metastudy (a metastudy is a study that reviews a body of previous studies) looked for relevant human anatomical dissection articles published between 1900 and December 2014 in scientific publication databases. The authors appraised peer-reviewed anatomical dissection studies that reported morphological continuity between the muscular components of the myofascial meridians. Also, papers on general anatomy of the corresponding body region were also searched. A continuity between two muscles was only documented if two independent investigators agreed that it was clearly reported. Also, two independent investigators rated methodological quality of included studies. The review identified 6589 articles. Of these, only 62 papers met the inclusion criteria.

The review suggests strong evidence for the existence of three myofascial meridians: the Superficial Back Line (all three transitions verified, based on 14 studies), the Back Functional Line (all three transitions verified, eight studies) and the Front Functional Line (both transitions verified, six studies).

For the Spiral Line, continuity between rhomboids and serratus anterior, serratus anterior and external abdominal oblique, and external abdominal oblique and internal abdominal oblique were found. However, no continuity was found below the pelvis.

No evidence exists for the Superficial Front Line (no verified transition, seven studies). There is no reported structural connection between the rectus femoris muscle and rectus abdominis. Also, sternalis, which is suggested to be the cranial continuation of rectus abdominis, exists only in a small percentage of the population. Even if present, it does not fuse consistently with the rectus abdominis.

I recently published another metastudy review of myofascial meridians. Even though there was certainly some consistency between these two studies, it is interesting to see how one study compared to another can differ. As a general rule, differing results in studies on the same subject can point to not only the inconsistency that can occur from how one study to another is carried out, but also to how a metastudy review can differ from another metastudy review based on how the previous studies are considered (inclusion criteria, etc.). And there is always some subjective judgment both in the conclusion of any one study as well as the manner in which studies are reviewed in a metastudy.

In the particular case of these two studies, they were both done by the same group of researchers. The first study looked at continuity within myofascial meridians while the second study looked at force transmission. What is interesting here is that there can be no force transmission if there is no continuity, right? So evidence of force transmission can be reasonable extrapolated as evidence of continuity (and vice versa).

The authors suggested that the practical relevance is twofold. First, the existence of the myofascial meridians might help to explain the phenomenon of referred pain. For example, myofascial trigger points in the calf have been shown to elicit pain that radiates to the sole of the foot and the posterior thigh.

A second aspect relates to therapy and training of the musculoskeletal system. Treatment according to myofascial meridians could be effective in reducing back pain. Several studies have shown that low back pain patients display reduced hamstring flexibility. Overload injuries in competitive sports represent another entity of pathologies, which possibly occur due to the presence of myofascial meridians. Recent studies indicate that tightness of the gastrocnemius and the hamstrings are associated with plantar fasciitis. Groin pain or athletic pubalgia is suggested to be provoked by a tight adductor longus and a weak rectus abdominis. Strain transmission along meridians would both open a new frontier for the understanding of referred pain and provide a rationale for the development of more body-wide holistic treatment approaches.

There are many ways to assess clients prior to a soft tissue therapy session -- posture, range of motion (active and passive), manual muscle testing, etc -- however, it is my opinion that evaluating movement is an often overlooked component to assessment for the majority of massage therapists out there. With this article, I will attempt to blend the concepts of two great teachers, Gray Cook and Thomas Myers, and draw correlations between Myers' Anatomy Trains and Cook's Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) patterns as a means of establishing a battery of tests and setting up a treatment approach.SFMAFor those that are unfamiliar, the SFMA, consists of seven top tier tests which evaluate basic fundamental patterns that display an individuals ability to either complete the movement perfectly without pain (Functional/Nonpainful -- FN), complete the movement but have pain (Functional/Painful -- FP), unable to complete the movement without pain (Dysfunctional/Nonpainful -- DN), or unable to complete the movement with pain (Dysfunctional/Painful -- DP).Any of these seven patterns, once found to be either dysfunctional and/or painful, can be further broken down into "breakout" tests for a more specific evaluation. In the effort to keep things simple, I will use only the seven top tier tests to compare their relationship to Myers' Anatomy Trains. The seven top tier tests are: Cervical spine patterns -- Flexion (touch the chin to chest), Extension (look back at the ceiling), and Rotation with flexion (touch the chin to each collar bone) Upper extremity patterns-- Abduction with external rotation (reaching the arm around the head attempting to touch the superior angle of the opposite scapula) and Adduction with internal rotation (reaching the arm around the back attempting to touch the inferior angle of the scapula) Multi-segmental Flexion -- Reach down and touch your toes Multi-segmental Extension -- Reach overhead and extend back as far as you can Multi-segmental rotation -- Rotate your body as far as you can to each side, keeping the feet flat on the floor Single leg stance-- Stand on one leg with the other leg to at least 90 degrees of hip flexion for at least 10sec Overhead deep squat -- Hands overhead feet about shoulder width apart and squat down as deep as you can while keeping the feet on the floorAnatomy TrainsThe Anatomy Trains, according to Myers, are the groups of myofascial meridians that run through the entire body. With these "trains" Myers not only shows us the unique whole body connections we posses but also offers concepts for soft tissue therapy whereby treating one area along or within one of these myofascial trains can have profound influence not only locally where treatment is taking place, but globally, along that entire chain.The five trains according to Myers are:The Superficial Back LinePlantar Fascia > Gastroc > Hamstrings > Sacrotuberous ligament > Thoracolumbarfascia > Erector Spinae > Nuchal Ligament > scalp fasciaThe Superficial Front LineAnterior compartment and periostium of the tibia > rectus femoris > rectus abdominus > Pectoralis/Sternalis fascia > SCMThe Lateral LinePeroneal muscles > ITB > TFL/Glute max > External/Internal Oblique & deep QL > Internal/External intercostals > Splenius cervicis/iliocostalis cervis/SCM/ScalenesThe Spiral LineSplenius Capitis > Rhomboids (opposite side to splenius capitis) > serratus anterior > External/internal oblique > TFL (opposite side of obliques) > ITB > Anterior tibialis > Peroneus longus > biceps femoris >sacrotuberous ligament > sacral fascia > erector spinaeThe Deep Front LinePosterior tibialis > interosseuos membrane > Knee capsule > adductor hiatus > intermuscular septum > femoral triangle > psoas > anterior longitudinal ligament > diaphragm > pericardium > mediastium > parietal pleura > fascia prevertebralis > scalenesBack of the Arm Lines1st tractTrapezius > Deltoid > lateral intermuscular septum > common extensor tendon2nd tractRhomboids > Infraspinatus > Triceps > Periostium of ulna to the small finger3rd tract (stabilization)Latissimus Dorsi > Thoracolumbar fascia > sacral fascia (opposite side of thoracolumbar fascia) > glute max (opposite side of thoracolumbar fascia) > vastus lateralisFront of the Arm Lines1st tractlatissimus dorsi/teres major/pectoralis major > medial intermuscular septum > medial epicondyle > common flexor tendon > palmar side of hand and fingers2nd tractPec minor > biceps (short head)/coracobrachialis > radius > flexor compartment > thumb3rd tract (stabilization)Pec major > external oblique > adductor longus (opposite side of external oblique) > gracilis > pes anserine > tibial periostiumPutting them togetherThe SFMA can be used as a guide for us to go deeper into the assessment of an anatomy train line when we find one of the top tier tests to be dysfunctional or painful. Additionally, the SFMA can (and should) serve as a means to re-check our work either during and/or following treatment to ensure that we are moving in the right direction and to allow the client to feel improvement or freedom of movement (and pain free movement) that was not present at the start of the session.I find that the multi-segmental flexion, extension, and rotation patterns lend themselves well to the Anatomy Trains system, as they are very global movements and general movements. The cervical spine will fall into either of these three patterns as its movement assessments (flexion, extension, and flexion with rotation) will have influence over these more global patterns, so please keep that in mind as we look deeper into these three assessments.Multi-segmental flexionDuring multi-segmental flexion (toe touch) the primary line that we are asking to be lengthened is the Superficial Back Line, which basically stems from the plantar fascia at the bottom of the foot all the way up to the scalp. The idea of treating one part of this line and seeing a change in the entire line is evident when one attempts to touch their toes and is unable to do it. The individual then rolls a tennis ball on the bottoms of the feet (the plantar fascia) for approximately 60sec per foot and then retests and shows an immediate improvement in range of motion, some instantly being able to touch their toes.The Superficial Back LinePlantar Fascia > Gastroc > Hamstrings > Sacrotuberous ligament > Thoracolumbarfascia > Erector Spinae > Nuchal Ligament > scalp fasciaUpon evaluating multi-segmental flexion, if we find it to be restricted and dysfunctional, we can choose to treat any of the structures that create this line. Another way to breakdown the line, if the movement pattern is dysfunctional, would be to use visual observation of posture and palpation of structures along the line to get a sense for areas of restriction or fibrotic and thickened tissue. Addressing these areas and then re-checking the movement can be a simple way to use both these two concepts together.Oftentimes, it is not uncommon to find the main areas of restriction along this line being tight or toned gastrocnemius, lumbar erectors, or suboccipital muscles -- all of which would be consistent with Dr. Janda's upper and lower crossed postures. It is important to remember that the idea of multi-segemental flexion also means that the cervical spine should flex, and this is where the cervical pattern from the SFMA would fall into our treatment of this pattern.Multi-segmental extensionMulti-segmental extension, which is basically a back bend with the arms overhead and keeping the feet flat on the floor, has influence over two major lines, as it is asking both the superficial and deep front lines to stretch and show adequate mobility.The Superficial Front LineAnterior compartment and periostium of the tibia > rectus femoris > rectus abdominus > Pectoralis/Sternalis fascia > SCMThe Deep Front LinePosterior tibialis > interosseuos membrane > Knee capsule > adductor hiatus > intermuscular septum > femoral triangle > psoas > anterior longitudinal ligament > diaphragm > pericardium > mediastium > parietal pleura > fascia prevertebralis > scalenesI have written a bit about the Deep Front Line last year in a piece for Mike Robertson's blog.Again, by assessing the movement first, we can choose to further evaluate and when necessary treat components of these lines in an attempt to effect and improve whole body movement. An example of this would be by treating the diaphragm and working on improving breathing can rapidly decrease tone in the hip flexor and quadriceps muscularture as well as the scalenes and SCM (which are both accessory respiratory muscles).Again, evaluate for some of the key areas of restriction along the line, treat one or two areas, and see what sort of improvement have been made and then continue on. Also remember that from the cervical spine patterns, cervical spine extension will feed into this movement.Multi-segmental RotationMulti-segmental rotation is an interesting movement as many lines influence it. While the two main lines that make up rotation are the lateral line and the spiral line, it is important to keep in mind that all of the lines discussed previously above can impact this movement, as flexion and extension are necessary components of good rotation.The Lateral LinePeroneal muscles > ITB > TFL/Glute max > External/Internal Oblique & deep QL > Internal/External intercostals > Splenius cervicis/iliocostalis cervis/SCM/ScalenesThe Spiral LineSplenius Capitis > Rhomboids (opposite side to splenius capitis) > serratus anterior > External/internal oblique > TFL (opposite side of obliques) > ITB > Anterior tibialis > Peroneus longus > biceps femoris >sacrotuberous ligament > sacral fascia > erector spinaeLooking at these two lines and thinking about multi-segmental rotation can be a bit overwhelming as there are many considerations (especially when you take into account the other lines discussed above). My recommendation would be to first determine which rotation is limited -- left or right -- and then consider the actions of the muscles in these lines. If I rotate to the left, which muscles are internally rotating and which are externally rotating? If I rotate to the right, which muscles are internally rotating and which are externally rotating? Again, treat one or two areas that you have found to be major restrictions and then re-evaluate to see what kind of improvements in function have been made.Keep in mind that our flexion with rotation range of motion test from the cervical spine pattern can also influence this line, so treating the appropriate musculature at the neck will be a necessary component to a full session if that movement is found to be restricted.Single Leg Stance, Overhead Squat, and Upper Extremity PatternsOur upper extremity patterns -- Abduction/External Rotation and Adduction/Internal Rotation -- can be addressed by treating the front of the arm lines and back of the arm lines, both of these lines having three tracts (see above). In addition, all of the muscles in the arm lines, and especially when you look at the 3rd tract of the front and back arm lines, the stabilization tract, have in integral connection into many muscles that then plug into and influence the other lines of the body, making the treatment of these structures very comprehensive. Following the movement assessment, a closer evaluation with palpation and visual observation, will help lead you toward a treatment of a few key structures which would then be followed up with a re-assessment of the dysfunctional movement.The single leg stance and overhead squat patterns are rather complex as they take some of the more basic/fundamental movements like flexion, extension, and rotation, and put them all into play with a global pattern that requires higher levels of both stability and mobility. These patterns require communication from all lines simultaneously. Therefore, prior to considering these two patterns, it would make sense to improve and exhaust the possibilities of the previous patterns. Occasionally, in doing so these two patterns will often improve because of the enhanced function of the more fundamental movements.An Additional ConsiderationWhile I attempted to lay this concept out simply, it is important to remember that we are not only evaluating the line which is being asked to lengthen during these tests, but also, we are evaluating the opposite line of this movement and its ability to shorten, or contract. For example, when looking at multi-segmental flexion, while we are thinking about the superficial back line, its ability to lengthen, and its areas of restriction, we must also remember that both the superficial and deep front lines are being asked to shorten. Restrictions in the superficial front line may also limit this sort of movement and may warrant treatment in order to restore full function to the movement pattern.ConclusionThere are many ways of assessing individuals prior to treating the soft tissue. This is just one concept, combining two great teachers of human movement, which can be utilized, to help drive our assessment and treatment process.As I reiterated throughout this article, it is important to test, treat, and then re-test, as this is the only way to know if you are on the right path. Treat a few structures, re-test, and then treat a few more, always keeping in mind that we must think about the lines that are being asked to lengthen and the lines that are being asked to shorten, and the interplay between them.BioIn 2006 Patrick created Optimum Sports Performance LLC and opened his training facility in the summer of 2009 in Tempe, AZ. He runs the popular blog site: OptimumSportsPerformance, and is also co-host of the Reality Based Fitness Podcast.Patrick has been working in the field of strength and conditioning field for over 8 years. He is also a licensed massage therapist in the State of Arizona, specializing in clinical, therapeutic, orthopedic and sports massage. He is certified in Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Active Release Techniques (ART) for the Upper Extremity and Functional Movement Screen (FMS).His professional experience working with a diverse clientele includes training and massage therapy for optimal health, injury or post-surgery rehabilitation, injury prevention and optimal athletic performance. He has served as a strength and conditioning consultant for various athletes of all ages and status. Prior to starting Optimum Sports Performance, Patrick was a top-level fitness and human performance coach in New York City, where he also presented seminars and clinics for other fitness professionals.Patrick hold a Masters Degree in Exercise Science, and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Fitness Instructor, Certified Personal Trainer and Performance Enhancement Specialist through National Academy of Sports Medicine, and a USA Weightlifting-Certified Coach. 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