Studying Anatomy- what is most relevant?

[SneakersPeepers]

So....

I'm about 200 hours into my training, and in my State I'm able to get licensed and begin working now. I recently accepted a position one day a week at a chiropractic wellness center, and am interviewing with another chiropractor on the 30th. My problem is, I've only had about 25 hours of A & P, and though I've been studying and reading a lot on my own, I don't feel confident enough with my anatomy to do corrective work.

Although I know the names and locations of a majority of the muscles, I haven't memorized origins, insertions or actions. My school isn't currently offering any anatomy classes so I'm devising my own study plan. I know it will be important to learn all of the muscles eventually, but I'm looking for some help coming up with a list of what muscles I should learn first.

Here's what I've been focusing on so far:

Gluteal muscles
Rotator cuff muscles
Psoas
QL
Pectoral muscles
SCM
Scalenes
Levator Scapula

Can anyone think of other muscles I should add to my priority study list?

Thanks for the help, and happy holidays!

 

[n i n j a - c o o k i e]

It seems to me that trapezius, latissimus dorsi and the erectors would take precedence over the rotator cuff muscles and glutes for chiropractic care, but the chiropractor will probably give you some training in the specific work s/he will want you to do.

If I were taking the job, and since chiro care primarily involves aligning the spine, it is the myriad of muscles along it that I would first study.

 

[Billy Ray Joe Bob]

Thanks!

Thank you! I will add those muscles to my list. The chiropractor who hired me specified I know how to work with the Glutes for clients with lower back issues, and that I have good techniques for the SCM. I'm definitely hoping for more direction from her, and thinking I will learn a lot.

 

[wild bill]

You have a good list there jellyfish. Cicerone has some good additions. Another set you should be mindful of are the Lateral Rotators beneath the glutes, specifically the piriformis.

 

[Bella&BO]

Hi there. I work with a chiro on many pre and post patients. The muscles you listed are great. I find alot of issues with the scapular area as well as the occiput thru the trapezius area (neck). I also focus on glutes (for low back) and sometimes pecs for shoulder/scap issues. I believe it is more important to have a working knowledge of each muscles function, rather than memorizing name, o. and ins. for each. Tha can be overwhelming in the beginning! Also, I work with each patient and ask questions as to where and what they are feeling at each visit. It helps them to become more aware of their bodies and is a great help to me in their corrective care - less guesswork! Good luck!

 

[Old Fat Bald Guy]

A thorough understanding of anatomy will lead you past the specific origin and insertion of muscles. In my work (MFR), the influence that shortened fascia plays upon the entire body is immense. Often, specific areas of "involvement" that others have identified play only a partial role in finding the true problem. Fascia not only surrounds and invests all muscles, but also connects one muscle to another as well as to all others structures. One can easily be deceived if you are trying to treat only a single muscle. Given your freshness on the MT scene, allow yourself time to use the muscle as a starting point, but pay attention to the influences that the connective tissue can play on the larger picture. Grounding yourself with anatomical knowledge is always a fine place to start, but let the experience that takes place under your hands guide you to deeper understanding of how the body, as well as injury, can take place. Good luck!

 

[YA!]

knowing anatomy really has little to do with doing corrective work. What you need to know is how to do corrective work. How is it that you didn't learn more anatomy in massage school?


Here is a list of muscles and charts of muscles that you learn in massage school.

http://thebodyworker.com/anatomy-for-massage-therapists.htm

I am also redoing the whole site to be everything you learn in basic massage school so bear with me as the template and navigation system are changing.

Julie

 

[Donald F]

knowing anatomy really has little to do with doing corrective work. What you need to know is how to do corrective work. How is it that you didn't learn more anatomy in massage school?

I somewhat disagree. Corrective work should start with a strong understanding of anatomy and physiology. That understanding is what will permit the MT to properly comprehend methods of corrective work, which to use and in what combination.

I completely agree that massage schools should place emphasis on anatomy and physiology as part of the core curriculum.

Here is a list of muscles and charts of muscles that you learn in massage school.

http://thebodyworker.com/anatomy-for-massage-therapists.htm

I am also redoing the whole site to be everything you learn in basic massage school so bear with me as the template and navigation system are changing.

Nice of you to make information available for review. I am curious about your selection and presentation of Toldt's Anatomy. Is it because the material may no longer be covered by copyright? If so, please make sure the material now falls into public domain. CYA!! Will you be writing and posting any detailed discussion of that material to place it in a bodywork-specific context?

 

[amber]

Yes it is public domain as far as I know. You can actually download the whole book from google books in a pdf file.

I don't know what you mean as far as
'Will you be writing and posting any detailed discussion of that material to place it in a bodywork-specific context?"

Of the toldt material? What would I write about?

Julie

 

[bluasakura]

Thanks!

I really appreciate everyone's suggestions and comments, especially the specific muscle recommendations from Shannah, Hands and Spirit, and Cicerone. Thanks!

As a new massage therapist, it's great to have access on MassagePlanetL to such a variety of perspectives from experienced therapists.

Waltfritz, I was glad to read your comment. I've learned a little about MFR and think it is my favorite technique so far. I've been reading Jobs Body and the chapter on connective tissue really helped me understand the way fascia works and how important it is. After a workshop, I practiced on a friend and saw a dramatic change in his posture after only a few minutes. I'm not sure how, but I'd really like to deepen my knowledge of MFR in the future and perhaps use it in my practice.

Julie, thanks for the link to the anatomy resource! In answer to your question, I'm only part way through massage school so will be taking more A&P classes as they become available. Though I've satisfied my local requirements to start working I'm eventually going to take the nationals and move back to my homestate of Washington. I'll be studying quite a bit - both in and out of school - so will take advaneforum.xxxe of the website you posted : )

Again, thank you all for your help.

Jessica

 

[nicepuddin]

The multifidi and the suboccipitals - the 2 most important muscle groups in the body.

 

[JaPac]

Learn the major muscles as that is what you work on. learn the kinesiology of those muscles which is the movements of them which require origins, insertions and action. anatomy and physiology really not needed for massage. the muscles and kinesiology is needed as that is what you use to evaluate and assets the client's problem.

if you want to be good at massage. get the book Anatomy of movement by Blandine Calais-Germain. Great illustrations. it will teach you the kinesiology (which is study of muscle movement) from dancer perspective. better than the books massage school use in my opinion.

here's a great resource for everyone. they should get these books as reference in their office and they are great to refer to and show clients and review since they have the Origin, insertion and action and detail pictures. all in a handy size small book. better than those large posters. I refer to this little book instead of the lousy anatomy book my school suggested. this and the anatomy of movement is all the reference you need on learning them muscles. very organized they are. http://www.simran.com/muscles.html
he also have a clinical pathology book too.

 

[Cyphier]

And if you are really a muscle nerd. check out this chart. no pictures though. http://gme.chm.msu.edu/musclenervedb.htm

 

[Brack_871]

On the right track

Jellyfish, you're definitely asking the right question. In my experience, anatomy is the area of most difficulty for new therapists...in some schools over 50% fail their NCBTMB / MBLEx exams and the not knowing anatomy is the most important reason. There are lots of good exam review sites out there, most are fairly cheap. Massage Prep is supposed to be good for passing your massage exam and they say they cover both formats. Just a thought. http://www.massageprep.com

 

[lil g]

Studying Anatomy- what is most relevant?

We are frequently complimented on how well-trained our MTs are. No surprise - that's part of the interview process. But today it seemed like EVERY client commented on their therapist's level of knowledge! :grin:

The best compliment we got today, however, was from an MD. She stated over and over that her MT was "by far the best-trained massage therapist" she's ever had. She was very impressed that she could name a muscle related to her complaint and Kelly would know what it was, where it attached, its actions, how it related to surrounding tissues, and how the original injury and subsequent healing process may have contributed to the current problem.

Today Kelly referred her to me for some specialized work, and she trusts in my ability because she trusts Kelly's expertise. She's coming for a 90-minute session... not bad for a new client that started with 30 minutes just last week. If Kelly had not known her stuff the first time this client came, we might never have seen her again. Instead, she's getting 3 sessions in 3 weeks.

Know your A&P. It really pays, in many ways.