Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists, 3e
As we seek solutions to the frequently complex biomechanical puzzles posed by those who consult us, Tom Myers' insight into the fascial networks of the body can often point to practical therapeutic options. The Anatomy Trains metaphor is a revelation; a way of seeing the body's interconnectedness more clearly, offering new physiological and anatomical perspectives, and therefore different clinical choices. Quite simply the content of this book is revolutionary. Leon Chaitow ND DO, Honorary Fellow, University of Westminster, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies Any body of work that demonstrates the interconnectedness of the body and fosters appreciation of the whole over the sum of available parts is a must in today's health and fitness market. Anatomy Trains champions a wider scope of the body and its movement systems.Gray Cook MSPT, OSPT, CSCS, Developer of the Functional Movement ScreenTom Myers' masterful second edition of Anatomy Trains incorporates the most recent scientific concepts into a framework for understanding and practicing deep tissue work. Readers will gain insight into both basic and clinical research issues, how the science could influence clinical practice, and vice versa. Completely redone illustrations show anatomy from the cellular to the whole body level, describing both structure and function. Clinicians, researchers and educators alike will find this an invaluable text, which leads to new insights on each reading.Thomas Findley MD PhD, Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Editor-in Chief, International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education and PracticeUsing Tom Myers' Anatomy Trains concepts and techniques in my chiropractic practice has improved my ability to see the source of my patient's problem and more efficiently target the soft tissue structures involved. As a result, injuries resolve more quickly, chronic problems respond well, and my adjustments are more effective because they are supported by the soft tissue. I highly recommend Anatomy Trains as a valuable asset for chiropractors and other practitioners using manipulation in their practices.Dr Andrea Coates Vinson, D.C.Anatomy Trains has become required reading for the advanced Structural Integration and Myofascial Therapy programs of the CORE Institute. Myers has discovered the critical interconnections of the myofascial web and communicates his vision in a language that honors both the art and science of somatic therapies.George P. Kousaleos, LMT, Founder & President, CORE InstituteFor everyone interested in integrative medicine and functional anatomy, this artistic book is recommended. It even makes studying functional anatomy enjoyable.Dr Andry Vleeming, Professor of Clinical Anatomy, co-editor of Movement, Stability and Lumbopelvic PainThe beauty of Tom Myers' work is that it is useful for a wide range of bodyworkers, from movement or energy therapists to manipulative manual specialists, and does more than simply demonstrating rote techniques, Anatomy Trains provides a deep understanding of strain patterns in the body to enable creative and effective solutions for the issues we encounter in a bodywork practice.Art Riggs, Certified Advanced RolferOur field is fortunate to have the talent and skill of Tom Myers and his ability to articulate his findings. His study, discoveries and syntheses are clearly defined and easily applicable for anyone who works with the body. His documentation of the body's structure and function containing spiral pathways inspire people to rethink the idea of 'straight line' movement.Judith Aston, M.F.A. Somatic Pioneer teaching bodywork, movement, and fitness for over 40 years.Anatomy Trains will help physicians, therapists and bodyworkers of all backgrounds break away from the prevalent traditional, mechanistic view of how the body works and is to be treated and will then push you headfirst into a logical, systems oriented view that has helped expand my diagnostic and treatment paradigms as well as my personal practice enormously.Chris Frederick, Physical Therapist, Certified Flexibility Specialist, Professional Structural Integrator, Director Stretch to Win Institute.Training optimal movement patterns requires an understanding of how the body regions connect and work in synergy. Anatomy Trains is an essential guide for understanding key myofascial lines which, when in tensegrity, facilitate optimal movement and postural patterns. Keep the train rolling, Tom. All aboard everyone!Diane Lee BSR MCPA FCAMT, physiotherapist and author of The Pelvic GirdlePerfection improved? Guess so.The Anatomy Trains' ZenMaster once again demonstrates how excellence evolves with greater mastery as we journey the road less traveled. An anatomical playwright, Tom's newest offering captures our curiosity with incomparable biomechanical prose and delights our visual senses via breathtaking graphic designs. Kudos, Captain Myers.Erik Dalton, Ph.D. Author of Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques®Anatomy Trains revolutionizes the teaching and learning of Pilates.Elizabeth Larkam, Director, Pilates & Beyond, San FranciscoIn Russia, this book turns a new page in rehabilitation, osteopathy, orthopaedics, sport medicine and sports. It opens a new horizon in understanding the basics of movement patterns and posture and gives a unique chance to gain awareness of formation of scoliosis and movement stereotypes. Anatomy Trains will allow you to make quality changes in your medical and sports practices to achieve amazing results very rapidly. I am recommending this book to friends and colleagues and keep using the concepts of Anatomy Trains in my everyday practice with great success.Dmitriy Merkulov, D.O.There is no doubt that this beautiful and inspiring book will contribute many important insights to the scientific understanding of musculoskeletal function. Helene M. Langevin MD, Research Associate Professor, Departments of Neurology, Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of VermontTom's Anatomy Trains book and in depth practical studies represent/reveal an invaluable and vivid insight/understanding into how the body has pre-organized its movement functions via the flexible fabric (cut on the bias) from within. The story and strategies of the body's movement and the related posture is visually introduced with a wealth of "functional" information. This body of work profoundly contributes to the foundation of my teachings. It is the manual/handbook for any serious teacher or student of movement. Marie-Jose Blom Lawrence, Master Teacher of Pilates, Director Long Beach Dance Conditioning, Creator of Smart Spine Back Support SystemAnatomy Trains is a resource that gives inspiration for anyone who works with the human organism, for practitioners of various manual fields, for movement teachers and for educators in a larger sense. This book is written in a way, that it leads directly into practical application.Peter Schwind, Ph.D. Author of Fascial and Membrane TechniqueAn excellent teaching/study aid for all bodyworkers. An unusually interesting guide to living anatomy - an excellent way to visualize the anatomy of movement. Highly recommended!Rosemary Feitis DO. Author of The Endless WebAs a movement professional it is essential to study the brilliance of anatomist Tom Myers in Anatomy Trains. When you actually see the connectedness and order of the body you begin to understand how one action can move through and effect so many others areas. Bravo! Yamuna Zake, founder of BodyRolling®Thomas Myers is one of the pre-eminent practitioners and teachers of connective tissue matters. Originally trained as a Rolfer, Tom has taken his research to a completely new level, presenting current material about connective tissue that continues to pour out of clinical studies at an ever-increasing pace. Anatomy Trains is the magnum compendium of his experience, thinking and teaching. Here you will find a wealth of information about the nature of fascia, its treatment, and its relationships to many other somatic systems. This book is a must-own, must-read for any serious practitioner of bodywork. Anatomy Trains will deepen your knowledge and practical applications regardless of what your training background has been.Deane Juhan, is a long time teacher of Trager and the author of Job's Body: A Handbook for Bodywork and Touched by the Goddess: The Physical, Psychological and Spiritual Powers of Bodywork