Anatomy & Kinesiology

Understanding human movement is crucial for massage therapists, especially those specializing in pain and injury. This scientific study of movement, known as kinesiology, forms the foundation of orthopedics, the medical field dedicated to addressing issues within the body’s movement system. In school, your kinesiology study may have focused on memorizing muscle actions. The value of … Read more

Updated 01-24-24 While massage therapists may focus on muscles to treat pain and injuries, tendons and ligaments, and other vital soft tissues, significantly contribute to musculoskeletal disorders. Understanding tendon and ligament anatomy, their mechanics, and how they are injured is crucial for devising effective treatments. In this issue, we explore the essential aspects of tendon … Read more

Joint motion is usually described as a movement between two articulating bones. That is an accurate description of joint mechanics at most skeletal joints in the body. Spinal motion however is more complicated, as it involves multiple joints. It also includes many soft-tissues spanning those joints. In this issue we look at the complexities of … Read more

If you’ve ever worked with competitive runners or others with active lifestyles, you’ve likely encountered the term overpronation (also called hyperpronation). Overpronation can be a challenging biomechanical pattern leading to multiple lower extremity disorders. It can also be an incidental finding that exists, but is not causing a person’s current pain complaint. The trick for clinical practitioners is … Read more

An explanation of the Axis of Rotation pertaining to the body and how it enhances understanding of muscle action in our clinical practices. Each day we move our limbs through thousands of movement patterns without considering the fascinating mechanics that make this movement even possible. Our movement is accomplished via muscle contraction, which, by way … Read more

An overview of the structural and mechanical issues often causing anterior knee pain, and how to identify and address these issues with massage. Introduction How many times have you heard someone say “Oh my aching knees?” It happens with frequency among athletic populations, but just as frequently plagues individuals who are not highly active. Unfortunately, … Read more

A look at the hallux valgus deformity, also known as the bunion, as well as the key biomechanical causes and potential treatment strategies. What is hallux valgus? No doubt you’ve seen one, or perhaps many, clients with hallux valgus. Some may not know this common postural deformity by its technical name, but instead refer to as … Read more

A look at Cruciate Ligaments, common issues that arise, as well as treatment strategies and the role of massage. Introduction The knee is the largest joint in the human body. And it is also a common location for injury, usually due to ligament damage. The reason for this is that the lower extremity skeletal structure … Read more

The sacroiliac (SI) joint is one of the most biomechanically complex joints in the body. It is close to the body’s center of gravity and is acted on by lever forces from three directions (spine and each lower extremity). Pain may occur in the SI joint from joint pathology, such as misalignment of the rough … Read more