Anatomy for Massage and Bodywork

Anatomy for Massage and Bodywork is a collection of posts with illustrations that focus on relationships that interest the massage and bodywork practitioner.

Understanding the relationship between muscles and their local joints is critical in effective Integrative Bodywork. Each muscle has illustrations that highlight the bones of attachments, and the bones trapped between the attachments. Consequently, this highlights the local joints, which can be used to release trigger points. You can read more in this post about these illustrations.

I’ve tried to keep the notes on attachments simple. I’ve tried to keep the list of functions down commonly described functions and information supported by electromyographical studies. I have also often included notable anomalies and discrepancies between cadaver studies. I also note common errors that I have found in descriptions and illustrations. There is also a grid of posts, such as pain patterns, therapy notes, and treatment protocols

.For specific posts on anatomical structures, click on one of these regional categories:

• Craniosacral
• Head
• TMJ
• Neck
• Torso
• Upper Extremity
• Lower Extremity

Besides those regional categories, there are also these posts about anatomy:

An Overview of Cranial Bone Anatomy

Anatomy for Massage and Bodywork

Anterior Suboccipital Muscles – Functional Anatomy

Assessment of Pain in Yoga

Biceps Brachii – Functional Anatomy

Biceps Femoris – Functional Anatomy

Coracobrachialis – Functional Anatomy

Craniosacral – The Sphenobasilar (SBS) Mechanism, Axes & Quadrants

Craniosacral Motility

Craniosacral System Overview

Deltoid – Functional Anatomy

Erector Spinae – Longissumus – Functional Anatomy

Extrinsic Back Muscles – Functional Anatomy

Extrinsic Chest Muscles – Functional Anatomy

Gluteal and Lateral Hip Rotator Muscles – Functional Anatomy

Gluteus Maximus – Functional Anatomy

Gluteus Medius- Functional Anatomy

Gluteus Minimus – Functional Anatomy

Gracilis – Functional Anatomy

Iliacus – Functional Anatomy

Iliocostalis – Functional Anatomy

Iliolumbar Ligament

Iliopsoas Complex – Functional Anatomy

Iliotibial Tract and Fascia Lata – Functional Anatomy

Infraspinatus – Functional Anatomy

Latissimus Dorsi- Functional Anatomy

Levator Scapula – Functional Anatomy

Mandible – Functional Anatomy

Masseter – Functional Anatomy

Musculoskeletal Illustrations

Musculoskeletal Illustrations Video

Obturator Externus – Functional Anatomy

Occipitalis – Functional Anatomy

Pectoralis Major – Functional Anatomy

Pectoralis Minor – Functional Anatomy

Pelvic Ligaments – Functional Anatomy

Peroneus Longus – Functional Anatomy

Piriformis – Functional Anatomy

Psoas Major – Functional Anatomy

Psoas Minor – Functional Anatomy

Quadratus Femoris – Functional Anatomy

Quadratus Lumborum – Functional Anatomy

Quadriceps Femoris- Functional Anatomy

Rectus Abdominis- Functional Anatomy

Rectus Femoris – Functional Anatomy

Rhomboid Major and Minor Muscles – Functional Anatomy

Rotator Cuff Muscles – Functional Anatomy

Rotatores and Multifidi – Functional Anatomy

Sacroiliac Joint – Functional Anatomy

Sacroiliac Ligament – Functional Anatomy

Cranio Cradle Cup

This mug has classic, colorful illustrations of the craniosacral system and vault hold #3. It makes a great gift and conversation piece.

Tony Preston has a practice in Atlanta, Georgia, where he sees clients. He has written materials and instructed classes since the mid-90s. This includes anatomy, trigger points, cranial, and neuromuscular.

Question? Comment? Typo?
integrativeworks@gmail.com

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*This site is undergoing significant changes. We are reformatting and expanding the posts to make them easier to read. The result will also be more accessible and include more patterns with better self-care. Meanwhile, there may be formatting, content presentation, and readability inconsistencies. Until we get older posts updated, please excuse our mess.