anatomy

Functionally, the spinalis and other erector spinae muscles provide broader stabilization and movement than the deeper transversospinalis group. Together, the erector spinae and transversospinalis groups maintain upright posture of the spine against gravity.

Individual muscles should be explored for what makes them distinct and extraordinary, in addition to their relationship to the kinematic function of the body.

FR:EIA, the first of her kind, is changing how we look at fascia. Studying FR:EIA’s dynamic fascial system helps us better understand its organization, fluidity, and strength, and offers clinical insights for how we touch and treat as therapists.

Learning the specifics of the intrinsic muscles of the hand is knowledge that may not be used often, but for those clients who present with issues in their hands, it can prove invaluable.

Massaging the masseter—the main player in biting, chewing, and teeth grinding—can contribute to alleviating headaches.

Recognizing different tissue textures and densities upgrades your palpation skills.

No matter how many textbooks and photos massage therapists sift through, no experience can equate to seeing bodies and tissues in the dissection lab.

Learning about the core beyond the muscles can promote new ways of thinking about your hands-on work.

Massage therapy alone can’t fix bony misalignments, but it can help manage soft-tissue disorders and symptoms associated with valgus and varus alignments.

Our bodies comprise four tissue types: epithelial, muscle, nervous, and connective. Your massage strokes touch all of these.