Anatomy for Massage Therapists
Trail Guide to the Body Review: Locating Bones & Muscles
An anatomy and physiology program designed specifically for massage therapists to accurately identify and find anatomical landmarks no matter body size or type.
Massage therapists greatly benefit from the study of anatomy but need to learn body structures in a way that is unique to bodywork professions. Trail Guide to the Body by Andrew Biel includes a textbook, DVD series, flashcards and teacher resources designed to specifically help massage therapists learn anatomical landmarks of the body through palpation. Therapists, whether students or experienced bodyworkers, will benefit from the many diagrams and explanations as well as the fact that models and photos are presented in several common positions used by clients of massage therapy.
Anatomy Palpation for the Massage Therapist
One of the best features of this book compared to other anatomy texts available for massage therapists is that the muscles, bony landmarks and other anatomical points are given with an explanation for palpating the structures. Massage therapists have to not only be able to point out the hamstring muscle group on a paper diagram of a perfect anatomical model, but also be able to work that muscle regardless of whether the client is a well-tone athlete, an overweight elderly man or skinny young woman. Learning the palpation techniques will give the massage therapist more confidence during a massage session and can even increase the effectiveness of their bodywork.
Seeing Anatomy Differences Between Clients
The Trail Guide to the Body DVDs do a great job of preparing the massage therapist for the wide differences in client body types and sizes that are likely to be encountered in a massage practice. Beginning massage therapists aren't always prepared for the differences between clients and can find it confusing at first. The video series expertly shows several body types and how to locate certain muscle groups or body landmarks regardless of the particular client.
Muscle Origins, Insertions, Actions and Nerve Innervations
Each muscle is presented with not only step-by-step tips for locating and palpating the muscle, but also information on the origin and insertion of the muscle as well as what the muscle does and how the muscle is innervated. Being familiar with this information is invaluable for the massage therapist since often clients come in with specific complaints of discomfort, “It hurts when I move my arm like this.” A good massage therapist can recognize what muscles are involved in that motion and have a good idea of where to begin working from there. An understanding of anatomy is necessary for good, safe deep tissue massage work.
Take-Away Value for Massage Therapists
Anatomy courses are definitely not something that can be taken once and remembered. Most experienced massage therapists find themselves flipping back to an anatomy text through their careers, especially when dealing with particularly challenging clients. Trail Guide to the Body is organized nicely according to muscle group with several sections detailing motions of the body or muscle synergist listings plus an easy-to-use index in the back, making it simple to use as a reference throughout a therapist's career.
For more information on using Trail Guide to the Body in your massage school, or to enhance your solo learning, visit the Books of Discovery Website.
