Why learn this information?
You could search in Internet, read blogs, and watch lots of online videos, OR you can take a short cut and get some very good anatomy education right here. We have done a LOT of leg work to put this valuable information in one place. PLUS, this information comes from many years of getting results for thousands of clients.
The "Nerve Box" - This is a list of nerves that run through or next to some of the muscles we work on. We will teach you how to "trouble shoot" a situation your clients may experience. When you have this "cause and effect" understanding, you'll know which muscles to loosen in the area of these important nerves. Remember, we don't diagnose, and we only work on the muscles, but we can help a client's area of concern IF we have a good understanding of these principles.
You will see:
(a) The nerve name and picture,
(b) We will teach some of the muscles next to the nerve,
(c) A "nickname" you can you use in your progress notes.
(d) Why is this important section. Information to help you provide better results for your client.
Note: Even though this course is "basic anatomy", it is the building block of both your ability to perform our therapy style, AND your ability to communicate what you are doing.
1. Sciatic nerve - back and hip & video below
Source: Laboratoires Servier, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Location
From lumbar vertebrae (and the sacrum) through the hip, and down the leg. It does branch off in the leg and calf.
Important muscles
The primary muscles you'll work on are the low back (esp. spinal erectors and quadratus lumborum), hip area (esp. gluteus maximus and pirformis), and the hamstrings. As you work on your client, you can feel and communicate to identify other tight muscles.
Nickname for chart
"sciatic" - and you can add location information (i.e. if the client indicates a certain part of their back/hip/leg).
Video
Here is a video explaining more about the sciatic nerve and how it relates to what we do with our style of therapy.
2. Sciatic nerve - whole leg & video below
Location:
Rear of leg all the way to the foot
Important muscles
Well, lots of muscles! Once you evaluate your client, you have a better idea of where to start and how to identify some the smaller muscles in the hip/hamstring/calf area. We have a lot more information in the Tool Box training section.
Name for chart
When working the rear of the hip/legs, you'll put names including location, any specific muscle that is tight, and lateral, medial. We will also teach you different body positions in the Tool Box training
Video
Here is a video explaining some of the evaluation techniques that will help you provide relief for your clients.
3. Femoral nerve & video below
Source: Kitkat0816, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Location
Under the abdomen on the front of the body. To palpate the muscles we press just above the pelvis.
Important muscles
Your target muscles are the psoas and iliacus (hip flexors). You can continue therapy in the pectinus and quad muscles.
Nickname for chart
While this is sometimes called the iliopsoas, we just write "psoas"
Video
Here is a video showing the action of the hip flexors, some common ways to notice a tight psoas, and where you might press to release the tightness.
4. Brachial plexus (Neck & Shoulder) & video below
Location
Cervical vertebrae (C5 to T 1). Several nerves come together in the shoulder area and then split down the arm and to the hand.
Important muscles
Well, a LOT of muscles in the neck, shoulders (front and back) can effect this nerve group in the shoulder and arm. We'll have plenty of training in the Tool Box (basic training) and on the "Secret Sauce" (advanced training) page.
Nickname for chart
We usually note the specific location/muscle tightness, and also some of the specific Tool Box names after we work on the client.
Video explanation
Here is some basic information about this important nerve group:
5. Arm nerves & video below
Location
The Brachial Plexus splits into several nerves going down the arm. If you understand the location of the radial and ulnar nerves, it will help you work the correct muscles. The Radial nerve is the top of the forearm (thumb side); the Ulnar nerve is on the back of the forearm (little finger side).
Important muscles
Of course there are several key muscles in the upper and lower arm. We will teach you how to evaluate your client's situation so that you can be confident you are working on the correct muscles.
Nickname for chart
As you evaluate and work on your client, you'll know which location/muscle name to put in the chart.
Video explanation
Here is some basic information about the arm nerves:
6. Other nerves & video below
Location(s)
Remember, we ONLY work on muscles, but as you work on a client so are likely to find a "sensitive" area. Now you are using science AND creativity.
Important muscles (to help the nerves)
How many muscles are there? (More than 600!) As you work on your client and communicate with them, you should be able to identify tight muscles that contribute to nerve concerns around the body. Hopefully this evaluation process will be fun and fulfilling for you!
Nickname for chart
Your chart notes will probably be a blend of naming specific tight muscles and noting an
"area" of tightness. You'll also write down several descriptions from the Tool Box.
Video explanation
Video explaining basic concepts in evaluating tight muscles around the body. We have more details in the Tool Box and Secret Sauce sections.
Next, visit the Tool Box
The Tool Box was the inspiration for Online Massage Training. It is a list of the massage "moves" and protocols we learned during 30+ years of working with clients. Remember, most of our clients describe our therapy style like this: "This therapy is different!"