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Introduction vii
Part I E a r l y D e v e l o p m e n t Pre- a n d P o s t - B i r t h
1 E m b r y o l o g y : I n t r o d u c t i o n to C o n n e c t i v e Tissue 3
2 Early E m b r y o l o g i c a l D e v e l o p m e n t 6
3 Factors in the G r o w t h of t h e E m b r y o 11
4 D e v e l o p m e n t of M e s o d e r m a l Tissues 13
5 E m b r y o n i c L i m i t a t i o n s a n d Early Structural
Organization 15
Part I I C o n n e c t i v e Tissue B o d y
6 T h e Effect of t h e Birth Process 21
14 T h e Eye B a n d a n d C h i n B a n d 68
17 Upper Body 85
18 Axial Skeleton 93
19 Pelvis a n d U p p e r Legs 98
20 T h e System of Horizontal a n d Vertical Myofascial
Structures 106
v i T H E E N D L E S S W E B
21 Reciprocity of Movement 109
22 Joints 114
Part V Practical Application
23 Doing Bodywork Based on the Connective
Tissue Concept 119
Evaluation 119
First Intervention 120
How to Go Deeper 123
How to Touch 124
How to Make It Last 126
Illustration Index 127
Subject Index 129
About the Authors 131
Introduction
T h e m u s c l e - b o n e c o n c e p t p r e s e n t e d i n s t a n d a r d a n a t o m i c a l d e s c r i p t i o n gives
a p u r e l y m e c h a n i c a l m o d e l o f m o v e m e n t . I t s e p a r a t e s m o v e m e n t i n t o dis-
crete f u n c t i o n s , failing to give a picture of t h e seamless i n t e g r a t i o n seen in a
living body. W h e n o n e part m o v e s , t h e b o d y as a w h o l e responds. Function-
ally, t h e o n l y t i s s u e t h a t c a n m e d i a t e s u c h r e s p o n s i v e n e s s i s t h e c o n n e c t i v e
tissue. T h i s is t h e heart of t h e c o n c e p t t h a t we are p r o p o s i n g in this b o o k .
Including an u n d e r s t a n d i n g of fascia/connective tissue in t h e evaluation of
m o v e m e n t gives a n m o r e accurate picture o f t h e p h y s i c a l reality o f t h e b o d y .
T h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue c o n c e p t w e discuss a c c o u n t s for m u c h o f t h e success
o f R o l f i n g . T h i s i s a c o n c e p t t h a t w a s o r i g i n a l a n d u n i q u e w i t h Dr. R o l f a t t h e
t i m e she was developing her m e t h o d of working with bodies. She started in
t h e late 1 9 3 0 s . A t t h a t t i m e a n d u p i n t o t h e 1 9 5 0 s , received w i s d o m stated
t h a t soft tissue c o u l d n o t h o l d a c h a n g e . M y o f a s c i a per se was n o t e v e n c o n -
sidered as a d e t e r m i n a n t of structure. B o n e - s e t t i n g (osteopathy, c h i r o p r a c t i c )
was t h e o n l y t r e a t m e n t for structure t h a t was t h e n considered effective.
Today, m a n y f o r m s of b o d y w o r k i n c l u d e a soft tissue t e c h n i q u e .
T h i s i s o n e o f t h e t w o i d e a s a b o u t b o d y w o r k t h a t Dr. R o l f e s t a b l i s h e d
t h r o u g h her work. Her o t h e r seminal idea has to do with t h e c o n c e p t of
g r a v i t y a s i t a c t s o n t h e p h y s i c a l b o d y — t h e stress l i n e s t h r o u g h t h e b o d y
t h a t ideally establish a n d reinforce physical structure. This, t o o , is imple-
m e n t e d t h r o u g h t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue c o m p o n e n t . I n fact, t h e centrality o f
c o n n e c t i v e tissue t o Rolfing a n d our a t t e m p t t o u n d e r s t a n d c o n n e c t i v e tissue
has b e e n t h e impetus for this b o o k .
T h e way bodies c h a n g e during Rolfing is n o t satisfactorily explained by
any of the usual descriptions of physical m a k e u p . Traditional a n a t o m i c a l
attitudes a b o u t c o n n e c t i v e tissue do n o t give us a living picture of t h e
d y n a m i c s i n v o l v e d i n t h e c h a n g e s w e see i n o u r w o r k . W h a t h a s i n t e r e s t e d
us is t h e body's apparently great capacity for structural c h a n g e at a n y age.
W e are c o n f r o n t e d d a i l y w i t h v e r y w i d e d e v i a t i o n s f r o m s t a n d a r d a n a t o m i c a l
description in people w h o function perfectly well. People look very different
e v e n t h o u g h t h e y are m a d e o f t h e s a m e c o m p o n e n t p a r t s . W e h a v e c o m e t o
the working hypothesis that this variability is a function of certain properties
o f t h e c o n n e c t i v e t i s s u e b e s t i l l u s t r a t e d b y its d e v e l o p m e n t f r o m e m b r y o n i c
m e s o d e r m i n t o m a t u r e tissue. Our ideas a n d c o n c e p t s h a v e c o m e directly out
of our experience as Rolfers—a c o m b i n e d total of m o r e t h a n forty-five years.
P e o p l e t e n d t o a p p r o v e a n d d i s a p p r o v e o f t h e i r b o d i e s p i e c e m e a l . It's r a r e
f o r t h e m t o l o o k a t t h e m s e l v e s a n d s a y t h e y ' r e all b a d o r all g o o d . R a t h e r , it's
" M y b e l l y sticks o u t , " " I ' v e a l w a y s h a d k n o c k k n e e s , " " M y l e f t f o o t i s b i g g e r
t h a n m y right f o o t . " O n t h o s e o c c a s i o n s w h e n t h e y are feeling g o o d a b o u t
t h e m s e l v e s , t h e y l i k e t h e s h a p e o f t h e i r h e a d o r t h e set o f t h e i r s h o u l d e r s .
W o m e n s a y t h e y l o o k g o o d i n t h o s e s h o e s , w h i l e m e n say, " T h a t c u t o f
jacket brings out t h e best in my shoulders."
viii THE ENDLESS WEB
N o t o n l y d o t h e y see t h e m s e l v e s t h i s way, t h e y a l s o h a v e t h e s a m e i m p r e s -
s i o n o f o t h e r s . F o r m a n y , c e r t a i n p a r t s o f t h e b o d y are m o r e a t t r a c t i v e : " I ' m
a l e g m a n , " o r " I like m e n w i t h b i g s h o u l d e r s . " I n o u r n a t i o n a l c u l t u r e , i t
s e e m s t o b e a c c e p t e d t h a t o n e ' s business, e c o n o m i c , social, a n d sexual suc-
c e s s e s a r e less i f o n e i s f a t . A m a n fears t h a t i f h i s p e l v i s m o v e s w h e n w a l k -
i n g , r u n n i n g , o r o t h e r k i n d s o f m o v e m e n t , t h e w h o l e w o r l d will q u e s t i o n h i s
s e x u a l p r e f e r e n c e s . A w o m a n ' s b r o a d s h o u l d e r s a r e t a k e n a s a s i g n o f aggres-
sion and masculinity.
M o s t of i n n e r - b o d y awareness is also piecemeal, a n d generally negative:
" I h a v e a n upset s t o m a c h , " " M y k n e e h u r t s , " " M y n e c k i s stiff," " M y n o s e i s
stuffed." M o r e t h a n likely this is a carry-over f r o m t h e Puritan n o t i o n that it
is u n s e e m l y to speak well of oneself. W h e n I brag, I am c o n c e i t e d , w h i c h is
b a d . T h i s g e t s i n t e r n a l i z e d s o t h a t w h e n I feel g o o d a b o u t m y s e l f , g o o d a b o u t
my body, I e n d up feeling guilty.
E v e n w h e n t h e a i m i s t o i m p r o v e t h e p h y s i c a l self, t h e f o c u s i s o n o n e
t h i n g a t a t i m e . A m a n w i l l d o p u s h - u p s a n d lift w e i g h t s t o b r o a d e n h i s
s h o u l d e r s ; a w o m a n w i l l d o l e g lifts t o s l i m d o w n h e r legs a n d h i p s . Yet
t h o s e h i p s o r t h o s e s h o u l d e r s a r e a n e x p r e s s i o n o f e v e r y t h i n g else i n t h a t
b o d y . T h e y ' r e t h e r e s u l t n o t o n l y o f its s t r u c t u r e , b u t a l s o a n d r e c i p r o c a l l y
of h o w e v e r y t h i n g else in t h a t b o d y is used.
This kind of connectedness is easy to understand in impact injuries.
W h e n I s t u b m y t o e , t h e i n j u r y r e s o n a t e s t h r o u g h m y w h o l e b o d y , all t h e
way to my head, whether I notice it or not. The pain in the toe makes me
n o t w a n t t o s t a n d o n it, a n d m y w h o l e b o d y s h i f t s i n o r d e r t o a v o i d f e e l i n g
w e i g h t o n t h e p a i n f u l p a r t . I w a l k l i g h t l y o n t h e side t h a t h u r t s , m o r e h e a v -
ily o n t h e side t h a t d o e s n ' t . I f I ' m n o t a w a r e o f d o i n g t h i s , m y t e n d e n c y i s
t o k e e p t h e s h i f t i n w e i g h t t o o n e side l o n g a f t e r t h e t o e i s n o l o n g e r p a i n f u l .
T h e p a i n f u l side h a s c o n t r a c t e d a w a y f r o m t h e s o u r c e o f p a i n a n d i s s h o r t -
e n e d . This is especially true if t h e toe was b r o k e n , a n d t h e pain has persisted
for a l o n g t i m e . T h e c o m p e n s a t i o n (shortening a n d deviation) b e c o m e s a
p e r m a n e n t part of structure.
A n e v e n m o r e o b v i o u s e x a m p l e i s a b r o k e n a r m o r leg. E v e n a f t e r t h e
cast is r e m o v e d , there is t h e physical habit of allowing for t h e weight a n d
bulkiness of t h e cast, as well as t h e fear of o n c e again freely using t h e part
that was b r o k e n . People t e n d to carry an arm that was o n c e broken half
b e n t , as t h o u g h it w e r e still in a s l i n g or a c a s t .
T h e s e are straightforward responses to straightforward injuries. Our bodies
t e n d t o r e c o r d o u r r e s p o n s e s t o t h e e v e n t s i n o u r life like a c a l c u l a t o r w i t h a
m e m o r y . In our living tissue, t h e record b e c o m e s fixed w i t h c o n s t a n t replay-
ing. Like an orchestra, e a c h part relates to t h e o t h e r segments. In an orches-
tra w h o s e m e m b e r s h a v e m a n y y e a r s o f e x p e r i e n c e p l a y i n g t o g e t h e r , i f o n e
s e c t i o n g o e s o f f k e y o r p l a y s o f f t e m p o , t h e rest o f t h e o r c h e s t r a a t t e m p t s t o
compensate and blend in.
I n t h e h u m a n b o d y , c o m p e n s a t i o n i s life s u p p o r t i v e . I f I w e r e t o g i v e
in c o m p l e t e l y to a b r o k e n leg or a w h i p l a s h e d n e c k , I w o u l d be in bed. I
INTRODUCTION ix
Early Development
Pre- and Post-Birth
ONE
Embryology
Introduction to Connective Tissue
T h e b a s i s f o r all b o d y f o r m i s e m b r y o l o g y . I n A b o n e c a n b e r e m o d e l e d t h r o u g h o u t life
understanding embryology, we understand a s t h e r e l a t i v e stresses o n i t c h a n g e . T h i s i s
h o w the adult structure c a m e to be. Embryol- h o w braces work on the jaw (now being used
ogy doesn't stop at birth; we have that p o t e n - f o r all a g e s ) : c o n s t a n t p r e s s u r e c r e a t e s s o m e
tial f o r c h a n g e all a l o n g . I n a s e n s e , w e a r e change in the b o n e formation and, thereby,
embryos throughout our lifetime. T h e aging in the c o n t o u r of t h e upper a n d lower jaw-
process is also a part of t h e e m b r y o l o g i c a l b o n e s . Research has b e e n published w h i c h
process. D e a t h is a n o r m a l part of develop- describes t h e results of c h a n g i n g a n d increas-
m e n t . D e g e n e r a t i o n is a n o r m a l part of t h e ing t h e pressure on o n e e n d of a b o n e . T h e
life c y c l e o f t i s s u e , w h i c h g r o w s a n d d i e s f r o m b u m p s o n b o n e s are p l a c e s w h e r e m u s c l e t e n -
t h e early m o n t h s o f prenatal life. d o n s a t t a c h . T h e b u m p s are t h e r e f o r e regions
To the embryologist, the term " e m b r y o " of localized rapid g r o w t h of b o n e as a result of
i s a p p l i e d t o d e v e l o p m e n t t h r o u g h t h e first prolonged tension on that spot. If tension is
t r i m e s t e r o f p r e g n a n c y . L a t e r s t a g e s are applied to a different area, t h e n e w area is
t e r m e d "fetal d e v e l o p m e n t . " We are generaliz- stimulated to create an increased a m o u n t of
ing the term, using embryological in a m u c h b o n e , a n o t h e r b u m p . W h a t t h e n appears t o
broader sense, as a time w h e n things develop h a p p e n i s t h a t o n t h e o t h e r side o f t h e b o n e
a n d d i f f e r e n t i a t e . All t i s s u e g o e s t h r o u g h t h i s there is s o m e localized resorption of b o n e ,
state, b o n e s as well as soft tissue. In general, resulting in an i n d e n t a t i o n . It seems that a
t h i s stage m a r k s t h e o r i g i n o f p o t e n t i a l certain v o l u m e of b o n e is needed in the body;
organs. Undifferentiated cells develop i n t o its c o n f i g u r a t i o n a d a p t s t o c h a n g i n g stresses
p o t e n t i a l liver, p o t e n t i a l b o n e , p o t e n t i a l s k i n . over time. This m e a n s that if we hold our-
T h e b o d y is always at p o t e n t i a l — t o c h a n g e , selves i n a b e n t p o s i t i o n , b o n e u l t i m a t e l y
a n d for n e w t h i n g s t o d e v e l o p . a c c o m m o d a t e s its s h a p e t o t h a t p o s i t i o n .
Birth is a c h a n g e in e n v i r o n m e n t , o n e of U n d e r p r o l o n g e d stress t h e b o n e c a n g e t a
m a n y t h a t occurs t h r o u g h o u t life. W e k n o w different configuration, a slightly different
t h a t cells t u r n o v e r w i t h i n o r g a n s — t h a t is, curving. T h e s e c h a n g e s are slight, b u t if t h e y
t h e y live, d i e , r e g e n e r a t e . T h i s i s t r u e o f were plotted over time they would neverthe-
every organ except the brain, a n d even that less p r o b a b l y b e m e a s u r a b l e . W e all see p e o p l e
is b e g i n n i n g to be questioned. E a c h cell has b e c o m e m o r e b e n t with age. T h e b o n e has
a finite lifetime, n o r m a l l y considered seven c h a n g e d its c o n f i g u r a t i o n . I t d o e s n ' t h a p p e n
years. W i t h i n seven years, every cell in an i n o n e m o n t h o r six; i t takes place over m a n y
o r g a n dies a n d i s r e p l a c e d . T h e o r e t i c a l l y t h a t years.
m e a n s t h e r e i s a p o t e n t i a l i n t h e s e cells t o C o n n e c t i v e tissue literally c o n n e c t s a n d
regenerate in a different direction. This m a y supports. It forms t h e structure of t h e body.
b e w h a t h a p p e n s i n a g i n g . I n o u r v i e w , all This is a new concept. We tend to think of
c h a n g e i s t h e first s t e p i n n e w p o s s i b i l i t i e s . structure in terms of muscle a n d b o n e . But in
This is what we m e a n by developmental fact, structure is t h e result of t h e o r g a n i z a t i o n
anatomy. o f m u s c l e a n d b o n e . C o n n e c t i v e tissue, i n
4 THE ENDLESS WEB
Endomysiunr e m b r y o r e s u l t s i n i n c r e a s e d s e c r e t i o n o f fibers
b y t h e c o n n e c t i v e t i s s u e cells a t t h e s t i m u -
l a t e d p l a c e . T h e s e fibers t e n d t o a r r a n g e t h e m -
selves a l o n g t h e line of t h e pull or friction or
t e n s i o n . T h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue t h e n c h a n g e s
Figure 1-1
from a lacelike elasticity to s o m e t h i n g m o r e
This cross section of the arm shows the way in
which muscle tissue is embedded within its con- d e n s e . If a fly g e t s c a u g h t in a s p i d e r w e b ,
nective tissue wrapping. there's a snag, a t i g h t e n i n g of t h e w e b in
EMBRYOLOGY 5
t h e b o n e (Fig. 1-2). T h i s i s t h e n o r m a l f o r m a -
(B) The growth of the bone exerts a directional
tion of ligaments and (where there is muscle pull within the connective tissue bed.
tissue) o f t e n d o n s . T h e d i r e c t i o n o f t h e liga-
m e n t or t e n d o n is determined by t h e direc- (C) Beginning of a more recognizable tendon
tional pull. T h e pattern of m u s c l e a n d t e n d o n shape; note that potential muscle tissue is devel-
oping within the tendonous bed.
a n d l i g a m e n t i s e s t a b l i s h e d v e r y early, i n t h e
first c o u p l e o f m o n t h s o f g e s t a t i o n . I n t h e
(D) Fully formed tendon with muscle developing
later m o n t h s , s t r u c t u r e s b e c o m e m o r e e l a b - along the line of connective tissue tension
o r a t e , m o r e set, a n d larger. between the two bones.
TWO
Early Embryological Development
• t h e e n d o d e r m g i v e s rise t o t h e d i g e s t i v e
system a n d t h e digestive glands
• t h e m e s o d e r m g i v e s rise t o m u s c l e , b o n e ,
Second week
blood, the urogenital system, and con- of pregnancy
n o w b e c o m e s twofold: cell m u l t i p l i c a t i o n b y
division o f existing cells, a n d t h e g e n e r a t i o n
o f n e w cells f r o m t h e primitive streak.
T h e e m b r y o at this stage is r o u g h l y oval
and b e c o m i n g m o r e elongated as it grows.
Having established top and b o t t o m (ectoderm
a n d e n d o d e r m ) as well as a tail (primitive
streak) a n d t h e r e f o r e a h e a d f o r o u r e m b r y o ,
w e c a n n o w k n o w w h i c h a r e its r i g h t a n d l e f t
sides. C e l l s p r o l i f e r a t i n g f r o m t h e p r i m i t i v e
streak are e n l a r g i n g a n d e l o n g a t i n g t h e disk.
Cells i m m e d i a t e l y in front of t h e source (the
p r i m i t i v e s t r e a k ) d e v e l o p i n t o t h e rest o f t h e
body.
Logically, we w o u l d e x p e c t t h a t either
everything is established at the same time in
t h e e m b r y o and grows bigger and m o r e c o m -
p l e x ; or, s i n c e e v e r y t h i n g g r o w s f r o m t h e
p r i m i t i v e s t r e a k ( t a i l ) , t h i s e n d d e v e l o p s first
(initially tail, t h e n t h e pelvis, t h e n chest,
neck, a n d finally t h e head). In fact, neither
is the case. Nature doesn't share our sense of
logic.
T h e primitive streak r e m a i n s primitive
(undifferentiated). T h e n e w cells created f r o m
the primitive streak b e c o m e t h e h e a d a n d
t h e n t h e rest o f t h e b o d y f r o m t h e t o p d o w n .
T h e head is gradually pushed away from t h e
s o u r c e a s t h e rest o f t h e b o d y g r o w s b e t w e e n .
T h e top e n d is pushed farther a n d farther
away from the source.
M u l t i p l i c a t i o n o f cells i s t a k i n g p l a c e
throughout the embryo, not only at the
source, a l t h o u g h t h e greatest generation is
there. The embryo is growing geometrically:
lengthwise, sideways, a n d internally. T h e
s h a p e c h a n g e s f r o m a disk i n t o a r o u n d ,
body-like s h a p e . T h e circular disk was like
a slab of "silly p u t t y " t h a t got pulled l e n g t h -
Figure 2-2
This cross section sequence illustrates stages of
development during the third and early fourth
week of gestation, showing the changes from
early germ layer pattern to recognizable
structures.
8 THE ENDLESS WEB
Ectoderm-
Primitive
streak
d e r m a l cells i n t o t h e v a r i o u s e c t o d e r m a l struc-
t u r e s , a n d s o f o r t h . E v e n t u a l l y , cells b e c o m e
s p e c i f i c — a m u s c l e c e l l , a liver c e l l , a b r a i n
Endoderm^ Notochord'"
cell.
Tail
A t t h e e a r l i e s t stages o f e m b r y o n i c d e v e l o p -
m e n t , a c e l l in a g i v e n p o s i t i o n h a s a n u m b e r
of potentialities. A cell s o m e w h e r e in t h e
h e a d , for e x a m p l e , w h e n it divides i n t o two,
m a y b e d i v i d i n g i n t o t h e l e f t a n d r i g h t sides
of t h e head. W h e n these in turn divide, t h e y
m a y b e c o m e structures in front a n d back. As
Heart,
primordium cells c o n t i n u e t o d i v i d e , t h e y split t h e i r
potentiality, b e c o m i n g more and more
focused toward a purpose.
E a c h c e l l c r e a t e s its o w n s p e c i f i c e n v i r o n -
m e n t w i t h i n t h e g e n e r a l m a t r i x . T h e r e are
structural a n d c h e m i c a l changes within the
cell as it zeros in on b e c o m i n g o n e t h i n g ,
o n e o r g a n . T h e s u r r o u n d i n g cells m a k e u p t h e
Heade
fold
e n v i r o n m e n t o f t h a t o r g a n , c o n t r i b u t i n g t o its
s t r u c t u r e , its s h a p e . I f t h e c e n t r a l c e l l i s p u t i n
Heart, a n o t h e r part of t h e b o d y early e n o u g h , it c a n
primordium' Tail
-•fold b e c o m e a d i f f e r e n t o r g a n . Yet a t s o m e p o i n t
i n t i m e , its e n v i r o n m e n t h a s s h a p e d i t suffi-
c i e n t l y t h a t i t c a n b e c o m e o n l y itself.
F o r e x a m p l e , p o t e n t i a l liver at first is j u s t a
Figure 2-3
l i t t l e t u b e w h o s e cells are s e p a r a t i n g f r o m t h e
This mid-sagittal (lengthwise) sequence shows the
rest o f t h e g u t . A s l o n g a s t h e s e cells stay
folding of the body during the third week of ges-
tation. The same structures are present as in Fig- i n s i d e t h e t u b e , t h i s e n v i r o n m e n t will d e t e r -
ure 2-2. m i n e t h a t t h e y b e c o m e liver. I f o n e c o u l d
EMBRYOLOGY 9
As the head fold grows, the endoderm layer (inner considerable amount of fat. This fat is an important part of
lining) grows within the ectoderm (outer lining). the environment of the large intestine, particularly of that
Mesenchyme (the primitive mesoderm or middle layer) fills part which runs across the abdomen, connecting to the
the space between them. As the head fold begins, the back backbone in the area of the lowest attachments of the
of the mouth begins to take shape out of the endoderm. As diaphragm. Thus the inner organs and their ʺpacking
folding continues, more and more endoderm is brought materialʺ affect overall body ease and mobility. Emptying
into an internal lining, forming esophagus, stomach, and the digestive tract, for example, can have a dramatic effect
eventually the curvature of the stomach, the coiling of the on posture. If the transverse colon is filled with fecal
small intestine, and so forth. material, it is necessarily restricted in mobility. This
Fully developed endodermal tissue is held in position compresses the back part of the diaphragm and related
inside the body by a thin, filmy layer of connective tissue. It spinal junctions. For the most part, however, healthy
is like a spider web that holds structures in place, like thin endodermal tissue can and does adapt freely to other body
guy wires. Endoderm structures do influence the structures.
conformation (shape and relationship) of bony structure. Cells start out with the potential to become anything.
The large intestine, for example, is almost literally glued to Gradually they become more specialized, developing into
the back part of the abdominal cavity, where it forms a specific parts of the embryo as it grows.
heavy fascial connection that includes a
THREE
Factors in the Growth of the Embryo
b o n e ) p u s h e s o u t i n t o t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue
b e d , d i r e c t i o n a l stress l i n e s a r e e s t a b l i s h e d .
Periosteum^ These have one character along the bone and
Tendon'
another between the bones. The connective
t i s s u e c o m p o n e n t w i t h i n t h e s e stress l i n e s i s
Fascia>- s t i m u l a t e d t o i n c r e a s e fiber p r o d u c t i o n , a n d
t h e s e fibers are a r r a n g e d a l o n g stress l i n e s .
Intramuscular
Brachialis- -connective This reinforces t h e directional pull within t h e
tissue fibers
c o n n e c t i v e t i s s u e b e d , s t i m u l a t i n g m o r e fiber
production.
Tendon*
Traditional a n a t o m y describes the average
soft tissue structures of t h e body. We h a v e
f o u n d a v a r i e t y o f a t y p i c a l c o n n e c t i v e tissue
b a n d s a n d c o m p r e s s i o n s t h a t are i l l u s t r a t e d i n
no a n a t o m y text. We have interpreted these
as an individual response to idiosyncratic
Figure 4-2 patterns. These patterns can include habitual
Upper arm (brachialis muscle), showing the
gestures or posture, c o m p e n s a t i o n to injuries,
connective tissue continuity. Periosteum -> tendon
-> myofascia -> tendon -> periosteum. i n d i v i d u a l rates o f g r o w t h , a n d e n v i r o n m e n -
tal stresses o f all k i n d s . T h i s k i n d o f i n d i v i d u a l
covering a r o u n d m u s c l e tissue. It is m o r e response is apparent as early as t h e third
a c c u r a t e t o say t h a t t e n d o n goes t h r o u g h m o n t h o f intrauterine life.
m u s c l e t h a n t h a t t h e m u s c l e lies w i t h i n t h e A r o u n d t h e s i x t h m o n t h o f p r e g n a n c y , size
tendon. l i m i t a t i o n s in t h e uterus b e c o m e a factor. T h e
Keep in m i n d that in t h e embryological m o r e stringent this limitation, t h e greater t h e
s t a g e o f d e v e l o p m e n t , all o f t h e s e s t r u c t u r e s likelihood of adaptation. In m a n y infants, for
are p o t e n t i a l . W h a t starts a s p o t e n t i a l t e n d o n e x a m p l e , t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue o n t h e o u t s i d e
or ligament has potential muscle developing
w i t h i n it. T h e c o n n e c t i v e t i s s u e a r o u n d t h e Figure 4-3
p o t e n t i a l m u s c l e l o s e s its t e n d o n o u s c h a r a c t e r The folding of the full-
a n d b e c o m e s fascia (bedding). T h e ends of t h e term baby in the uterus
original b a n d of fibers remain as the tendo- creates normal fascial
n o u s a t t a c h m e n t s . W h e r e t h e c o n n e c t i v e tis- tensions, resulting in
localized thickenings
sue b a n d s e x t e n d across a b r o a d area of t h e
of connective tissue.
body, s u c h as t h e b a c k , t h e y are called a p o -
neuroses. T h i s is a wider, flatter e q u i v a l e n t of
t e n d o n as it connects to the broader muscles. o f t h e leg b e c o m e s t h i c k e n e d . T h e legs are
We h a v e isolated a particular part of m e s o - held folded within t h e uterus so that tension
dermal differentiation—that of tendons and is created between the knee cap and the hip.
ligaments a n d associated muscle within the W h e r e there is this kind of pressure, the stim-
c o n n e c t i v e tissue bed as a w h o l e . W h a t do we ulation causes a heavier c o n c e n t r a t i o n of
m e a n b y differentiation? W h a t really h a p p e n s fibers, f o r m i n g a t h i c k e n e d s h e e t o f f a s c i a .
w h e n c o n n e c t i v e tissue structures get organ- This is n o t a response to internal need, but
ized? As cartilage ( w h i c h will be replaced by a r e s p o n s e to o u t s i d e p r e s s u r e (Fig. 4-3).
FIVE
Embryonic Limitations and Early Structural Organization
m o v e m e n t ; w h e n it is insufficiently estab-
l i s h e d , t h e g r o i n sags.
T h e l u m b o - d o r s a l f a s c i a , w h i c h lies i n a
h e a v y v e r t i c a l b a n d o n t h e b a c k , i s a s o f t tis-
Inguinal Rectus
A.S.I.S. sue structure that is established by t h e h o o k -
ligament abdominis
m. ing effect at t h e spinal flexures, those places
where t h e degree of b e n d i n g in the spine is
greater. T h e f e t a l s p i n e d o e s n o t d e s c r i b e a
s m o o t h c o n t i n u o u s " C " c u r v e ; i t i s a seg-
Ilio-tibial m e n t e d curve. These segmental junctions
tract a r e e s t a b l i s h e d b e f o r e t h e b o n e s start t o f o r m .
These junctions probably determine regional
.Sartorius
variations in t h e shape of the vertebrae. T h e
m.
f e t a l c u r v e i t s e l f i s n o t a r e s p o n s e t o restric-
tion from the w o m b ; there seems to be gen-
e t i c d e t e r m i n a t i o n f o r t h a t c u r v e t h a t i s later
reinforced a n d redirected by the muscular
pressure of t h e u t e r i n e walls as t h e child
Rectus
femoris m. grows.
B y t h e t i m e t h e f e t u s i s full t e r m a n d r e a d y
t o b e b o r n , i t i s a b a l a n c e d n e t w o r k o f soft
tissue pulls reflecting t h e i n t e r a c t i o n b e t w e e n
its g e n e t i c b l u e p r i n t a n d i n t r a u t e r i n e stresses.
W h e n t h e c h i l d i s b o r n , i t h a s t o start w o r k -
Figure 5-2 ing—literally—to counteract some of the hab-
Arrows pointing in one direction indicate the
its t h a t a r e a l r e a d y e s t a b l i s h e d i n its b o d y . Its
major tensions that are unidirectional. Note the
spinal curve and a kind of crouched position
tensions on the inguinal ligament are bidirectional
between the ASIS (anterior superior iliac spine) o f legs a n d a r m s m u s t b e o p e n e d a n d l e n g t h -
and the pubic bone (not labeled). ened (Fig. 5-3).
EMBRYONIC LIMITATIONS AND EARLY STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION 17
A B C D
PART TWO
Cleft -
Synovial membrane
stable m o v e m e n t .
Joint cavity
Joint capsule J o i n t s b e c o m e mature with use. This
Perichondrium - Articular cartilage process accelerates after birth with kicking,
Mesenchyme Periosteum rocking, looking around, a n d so forth. It is
important to remember that a child doesn't
start w i t h w a l k i n g . I f t h e c h i l d d o e s n ' t c r a w l
Immature Mature
before it walks, it is likely to h a v e m o t o r
Figure 7-2 u n c o o r d i n a t i o n for life. T h e child m a y also
The essential difference in the comparison of
h a v e a brain i n c o o r d i n a t i o n , m a n i f e s t i n g as
mature and immature joints is that the immature
" b o n e " is still cartilage. Thus the immature joint is disabilities in t h i n k i n g , reading, seeing, a n d
more pliable and, unfortunately, is more learning.
deformable by misuse. In crawling, an infant works with the
c o n n e c t i o n o f t h e fascial s h e e t s b e t w e e n t h e
m i s u s e m a y b e less d r a s t i c — s i m p l y a h a b i t u a l
way of moving.
We define a myofascial structure as i m m a -
ture w h e n it is insufficiently developed to
m e e t t h e d e m a n d for m o v e m e n t . A n y j o i n t
c a n b e i m m a t u r e e i t h e r s t r u c t u r a l l y o r i n its
pattern of use. T h e heel is an excellent e x a m -
ple of this. W i t h o u t a well-developed heel,
t h e f o o t w o u l d be m o r e like a l o n g e x t e n s i o n
of t h e leg. A m a t u r e h e e l a c t s as a f u l c r u m
t h r o u g h w h i c h t h e f o o t a n d leg relate t o e a c h Immature (4 yrs)
other. Babies don't have this kind of heel
u n t i l t h e y b e g i n t o w a l k (Fig. 7-3). T h e b o n e
a n d tissue e l e m e n t s are present, b u t t h e soft
tissue h a s n ' t b e e n s h a p e d b y use. W h e n t h e
c h i l d starts to walk, it usually stands on t h e •Tibia
u p t h e leg a r e n o t y e t e x t e n d e d a n d t h e t w o
•Calcaneous
h e e l b o n e s a r e still w e d g e d u p i n t o t h e a n k l e
joint b e t w e e n t h e tibia a n d fibula. Eventually,
t h e b o n e s are w o r k e d free a n d t h e m a t u r e Mature
h e e l rests f i r m l y o n t h e g r o u n d .
Adequate flexibility at t h e joints is t h e Figure 7-3
The black outlines in the immature foot represent
anatomical definition of maturity. W h e r e
cartilage that will eventually be replaced by bone.
t h e r e is i m m a t u r i t y in a j o i n t , it is c h i e f l y a Note the difference in the shape of the talus as it is
quality of t h e soft tissue p o r t i o n of t h e joint. molded by ossification and use. Concurrently note
W h e n it is inelastic, contracted, or pulled off the change in the position of the calcaneus.
DEVELOPMENTAL TRANSITIONS IN THE NEWBORN AND YOUNG CHILD 25
A B C D
26 THE ENDLESS WEB
Figure 7-5
EIGHT
Myofascial Structures
The Spine as an Example of "Living Anatomy"
Fasciar-
Intramuscular
Brachialis- -•connective
tissue fibers Epimysium
Tendorw
Perimysium'
Endomysium. 1
Figure 8-1
Brachialis muscle in upper arm showing continuity
of connective tissue: periosteum and tendon with Figure 8-2
fascia. Ligaments similarly bridge the periosteum Cross section of the upper arm showing the fascial
of one bone to the periosteum of the other bone sheaths (labeled) surrounding muscle fibers (dots)
in a joint. and muscle groupings.
28 T H E E N D L E S S W E B
e f f e c t o n leg m o v e m e n t b e c o m e s a p p a r e n t i f
it has been displaced in a n y w a y — m o v e d to
t h e r i g h t o r t h e left, t o o d e e p o r t o o c l o s e t o
the surface—then there is interference with
t h e easy s w i n g o f t h e leg. I n j u r i e s t o t h e c o c -
c y x are c o m m o n i n c h i l d h o o d , a n d e a s i l y
i g n o r e d . T h e y are d i f f i c u l t t o t r e a t — i t i s
i m p o s s i b l e to p u t a c a s t on a t a i l b o n e .
B o n e projects i n t o t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue
bed with broad surfaces as well as w i t h h o o k s .
The upper rim of the hip bones, the edge of
t h e l o w e r ribs, a n d t h e s h i n b o n e s a r e e x a m -
ples. T h e s e , t o o , s e r v e a s a r e a s o f a t t a c h m e n t
for myofascial units. In general, t h e s e b r o a d e r Figure 8-4
surfaces a r e c o n n e c t e d w i t h m o r e s u p e r f i c i a l Dowager's hump.
s o f t tissue o r g a n i z a t i o n . S m a l l e r p o i n t s o f
a t t a c h m e n t usually serve to redirect deeper-
lying tissue. arm moves, that movement should continue
There is a f u n c t i o n a l reasonableness to t h e wavelike through the neck a n d i n t o the head.
c o m b i n a t i o n of myofascial sheets and b o n y Yet t h e r e i s f r e q u e n t l y a b l o c k i n g o f t h e m o v e -
p o i n t s o f r e f e r e n c e . T h e g r o w i n g b o n e sets u p m e n t . For e x a m p l e , a t t h e j u n c t i o n o f t h e
stresses ( d i r e c t i o n a l pulls) i n t h e c o n n e c t i v e neck with the chest vertebrae, there is often
tissue i n u t e r o . W h e n t h e s e a r e f r o m a s i n g l e a c h r o n i c h o l d i n g p a t t e r n t h a t i n l a t e r life i n
p o i n t (for e x a m p l e , t h e w a y t h e h a m s t r i n g s w o m e n is c a l l e d a d o w a g e r ' s h u m p (Fig. 8-4).
a t t a c h to t h e ischial tuberosities), t h e result Since the spine is the focus of so m a n y
tends to be a grouping of rope-like structures. m o v e m e n t difficulties, w e will g o i n t o s o m e
W h e n t h e p u l l s are f r o m a b r o a d a r e a (for d e t a i l a b o u t its s t r u c t u r e a s a n e x a m p l e o f
example, the transverse muscles covering w h a t w e c a l l " l i v i n g a n a t o m y . " All o f t h e
t h e a b d o m e n ) , t h e r e s u l t i s m o r e like a b r o a d spinal c o l u m n ' s 1 8 6 j o i n t s are i n v o l v e d i n
sheet. every m o v e m e n t of t h e body. This is espe-
" P o i n t of a t t a c h m e n t " designates t h e sup- cially well d e m o n s t r a t e d in b r e a t h i n g , w h i c h
posed e n d p o i n t of m o v e m e n t for a muscle or is n o t generally t h o u g h t of as a " m o v e m e n t . "
group of muscles. It is i m p o r t a n t to r e m e m b e r T h e r e are t h r e e or four articulations b e t w e e n
t h a t f a s c i a c o n t i n u e s p a s t t h i s p o i n t o f refer- e a c h vertebra. I n t h e c h e s t region, t h e r e are
ence. Points of a t t a c h m e n t c h a n g e the quality three articulations of each of the twelve t h o -
of movement. They change the strength of r a c i c v e r t e b r a e w i t h its a s s o c i a t e d r i b . T h e r e
t h e gesture a n d absorb s o m e of t h e energy of are f u n c t i o n a l a r t i c u l a t i o n s b e t w e e n t h e c e n -
a m o v e m e n t b e f o r e t r a n s m i t t i n g i t t o t h e rest tral b o d i e s o f t h e v e r t e b r a e a s t h e y r e l a t e t o
of the body. t h e disks b e t w e e n t h e m ( t h e s e a r e n o t u s u a l l y
Ideally, m o v e m e n t f r o m a g e s t u r e t r a v e l s considered true joints, but t h e y do f u n c t i o n
t h r o u g h t h e a r m o r leg o r h e a d t o w a r d t h e as joints). Holding patterns can and do occur
spine. M o v e m e n t transmits as a wave d o w n b e t w e e n a n y o n e o r (usually) m o r e o f t h e s e
the spine as well as across t h e spine a n d i n t o articulations, restricting m o v e m e n t through-
t h e o t h e r side o f t h e b o d y . T h u s , w h e n t h e o u t t h e s p i n a l c o l u m n (Fig. 8-5).
30 THE ENDLESS WEB
We i n c l u d e b o n e , fascia, a n d m u s c l e in our
d e f i n i t i o n of a s p i n a l c o l u m n (Fig. 8-6). I n d i -
Costal facet of vidual vertebrae m u s t b o t h separate vertically
transverse process
Inferior costal
and rotate with every body m o v e m e n t . The
articular facet
spinal c o l u m n as a w h o l e integrates rotation
Superior costal
w i t h l e n g t h e n i n g a n d s h o r t e n i n g t o allow for
articular facet diagonal m o v e m e n t s . These types of m o v e -
m e n t s are c o m b i n e d to give t h e spring-like
action of the spine that is characteristic of
v i r t u a l l y all m o v e m e n t i n a t r u l y m o b i l e
s p i n e . In d i s s e c t i o n , a spiral p a t t e r n is v i s i b l e
in t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue a r o u n d t h e spine.
M o v e m e n t between individual vertebrae is
p r o p a g a t e d t h r o u g h this spirally arranged
c o n n e c t i v e tissue i n t o t h e spine as a w h o l e .
T h e spinal c o l u m n is constantly moving
Figure 8-5 in response to breathing, heartbeat, blood
In the thorax, the articulations of the ribs with
c i r c u l a t i o n , c r a n i a l r h y t h m , e t c . For e x a m p l e ,
the vertebrae add another level of complexity to
spinal mechanics. w h e n we i n h a l e , t h e r e is a t e n d e n c y for t h e
c o l u m n to l e n g t h e n ; spinal curves decrease in
a n g l e . W h e n w e e x h a l e , t h e b o d y settles b a c k
i n t o its n o r m a l c u r v e s (Fig. 8-7). N e i t h e r t h e
spine n o r t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue t h a t wraps t h e
vertebrae a n d their associated muscles is ever
Anterior "at rest."
longitudinal 1
„ Interspinous
ligament ligament
As m o v e m e n t b e c o m e s more active, con-
n e c t i v e tissue wraps m o r e tightly a r o u n d t h e
Intervertebral,
disc -Ligamentum s p i n e . T h e p a t t e r n o f c o n n e c t i v e tissue t h e n
flavum
Vertebral goes f r o m a primarily vertical at-ease position
body
(centrum) .Spinous
process
Posterior
'longitudinal
ligament
Transverse,
process
Ventral Dorsal -
Figure 8-6
Lumbar vertebrae with associated ligaments Figure 8-7
illustrating the complexity of fiber direction. Inhale (B) and exhale (C).
MYOFASCIAL STRUCTURES 31
t o t h e b o d y s u r f a c e , t e n d t o b e w h e r e large c o n n e c t i v e t i s s u e serves t h i s f u n c t i o n . M u s -
m u s c l e masses cross e a c h o t h e r or attach to cles, in this m o d e l , provide t h e source a n d
bone (Fig. 8-8). direction of m o v e m e n t energy. Muscles exe-
We describe the c o n c e p t of joints in more cute movement.
d e t a i l l a t e r (see S e c t i o n 2 2 ) , b u t i t s h o u l d b e In t h e classically taught picture of t h e
mentioned now that between each of the body, b o n e s are t h e supporting structures.
m a n y a r t i c u l a t i o n s o f t h e s p i n a l c o l u m n (as However, b o n e s do n o t t o u c h . It is thus
well as in a n y j o i n t of t h e b o d y ) t h e r e is fluid impossible for t h e m to support t h e b o d y the
that is similar in c o m p o s i t i o n to t h e intercel- w a y a t a b l e is s u p p o r t e d by its legs. S u p p o r t
lular m a t r i x . As b o n e s articulate, t h e y are n o t in a m o v i n g structure is very different f r o m
in direct c o n t a c t with e a c h other. T h e y have s u p p o r t in a s t a t i c s t r u c t u r e , s u c h as a h o u s e .
fluid b e t w e e n t h e m . B o n e s " f l o a t " i n r e l a t i o n - S u p p o r t i n a m o v i n g s t r u c t u r e arises f r o m t h e
ship to e a c h other. As t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue organization and arrangement of the connec-
compresses around the spinal c o l u m n , the tive tissues. W h e n we speak of a m o v e m e n t
fluid c a p s u l e s b e c o m e l o n g e r a n d t h i n n e r , b e i n g supported, we are describing t h e a c t i o n
p u s h i n g t h e v e r t e b r a e f a r t h e r a p a r t (Fig. 8-9). o f o p p o s i n g a n d b a l a n c e d tissue g r o u p s . T h e
T h e spinal c o l u m n is l e n g t h e n e d by a c o m b i - r e c i p r o c a l , b a l a n c e d p l a n e s o f c o n n e c t i v e tis-
nation of the narrower coiling of the connec- sue s u p p o r t b o t h m u s c l e a n d b o n e b y t h e i r
tive tissue a n d t h e pressure of t h e c o m p r e s s e d elastic capability.
fluid b e t w e e n b o n e s . A s i n t h e s p i n e , all j o i n t s s h o u l d l e n g t h e n
This is a n e w picture of physical structure. w i t h m o v e m e n t a s t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue
Here t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue is t h e supportive w r a p s a n d s u p p o r t s t h e j o i n t c a p s u l e . For
aspect of t h e structure. B o n e s are spacers, this t o h a p p e n , t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue m u s t b e
serving to position a n d relate different r e s i l i e n t . T h i s r e s i l i e n c e i s felt a s e a s e ; i n p h y s -
areas o f t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue. B o n e s are n o t iological terms, it is described as t o n e . An
t h e supporting structures of t h e body; t h e increase in c o n n e c t i v e tissue resilience is o n e
of t h e goals of w a r m u p before exercise.
T h e concept of physical support of move-
m e n t is simplified if we t h i n k in terms of the
E
c o n n e c t i v e tissue b e d rather t h a n in terms of
;Levator
'scapulae m.
Trapezius m.
A-
/Supraspinatus m. Figure 8-8
These fascial dumpings are the common "sore
places" that we complain about.
(A) The trapezius as it crosses the tip of the shoul-
B der (acromion).
C
(B) The trapezius as it crosses the scapula below
D .Latissimus the scapular spine.
dorsi m.
(C) The interaction of the levator scapulae and the
supraspinatus at the upper medial point of the
F scapula (often especially intractable).
(D) The interaction between the trapezius and
latissimus dorsi at about the lumbo-dorsal hinge.
(E) The attachment of the levator scapulae to the
base of the occiput.
(F) The pad created by the latissimus dorsi at the
lumbosacral junction.
MYOFASCIAL STRUCTURES 33
Lumbar vertebrae
Anterior
Interspinous
longitudinal'
ligament
ligament
Intervertebral,
disc' tigamentum
flavum
Vertebral
body*
(centrum) ^Spinous
process
Posterior
•longitudinal
ligament
Transverse,
process
Ventral Dorsal-
NINE
Movement and Gravity
W h e n w e speak o f t h e rotation o f b o n e s f r o n t or b a c k , s c o l i o s i s is a s i d e w a y s S - s h a p e d
w i t h r e s p e c t t o e a c h o t h e r , w e are t a l k i n g b e n d in the spine, w h i c h should be m o r e or
about the " h o m e " position of the b o n e . This less s t r a i g h t i n t h i s v i e w .
is the position that the b o n e returns to w h e n Scoliosis a n d lordosis are clinical t e r m s
i t i s a t rest. I n m o v e m e n t t e r m s , t h e r e s t r i c - that identify spinal exaggerations. In using
t i o n w o u l d b e n o t i c e a b l e a s a loss o f r a n g e o f t h e terms, we speak as t h o u g h t h e i m b a l a n c e
m o v e m e n t . All o f t h e s e i m b a l a n c e s b e t w e e n were solely or m o s t l y c o n f i n e d to t h e spine.
b o n e s are m a i n t a i n e d b y t h e s o f t t i s s u e — m u s - But a scoliosis is manifestly an i m b a l a n c e of
cle, l i g a m e n t , c o n n e c t i v e tissue. T h e d i s c o m - t h e b o d y a s a w h o l e . A r m s , legs, h e a d , p e l v i s ,
f o r t w e feel arises f r o m o u r a w a r e n e s s o f s o f t a n d rib c a g e are all p a r t o f t h e a b e r r a t i o n . W e
tissue t e n s i o n r a t h e r t h a n b o n e i m b a l a n c e . c a n ' t e v e n say t h a t t h e spine is w h a t is h o l d -
Rotation is a c o m b i n a t i o n of tilting a n d ing the body in the scoliotic posture. Our
swiveling of b o d y parts, creating i m b a l a n c e s e x p e r i e n c e as Rolfers is t h a t w h e n we release
in the vertical a n d horizontal planes. Here we t h e t i s s u e o f a r m s o r legs o r r i b c a g e , t h e s p i n e
e n c o u n t e r an interesting difficulty in translat- starts t o u n w i n d . C o n v e r s e l y , t h e s p i n e w i l l
ing f r o m t h e visual to t h e verbal. Seen in pro- n o t u n w i n d u n t i l e x t e r n a l structures are given
file, e x c e s s i v e p e l v i c tilt t h r o w s o f f t h e v e r t i c a l greater range of m o v e m e n t . So we prefer to
l i n e . S e e n f r o m t h e f r o n t (or t h e b a c k ) , a p e l - speak of curvatures of t h e b o d y as a w h o l e
v i c tilt t h r o w s o f f t h e h o r i z o n t a l l i n e a c r o s s rather t h a n curvatures of the spine.
t h e body. Images are t w o - d i m e n s i o n a l ; t h e T h e r e are o t h e r f a c t o r s i n v o l v e d i n i d e a l
body is three-dimensional. The combination structural vertical a n d horizontal a l i g n m e n t .
of vertical a n d horizontal tilting in t h e b o d y F o r e x a m p l e , if a p e r s o n w i t h a f a i r l y b r o a d
is w h a t we c a l l r o t a t i o n , a spiral t w i s t . pelvis stands w i t h his feet t o o close together,
There is a welter of t e r m i n o l o g y used to he's obviously n o t going to be in easy bal-
describe t h e various types of rotation of t h e a n c e . He'll have to t i g h t e n s o m e part of his
p e l v i s / s a c r u m / l u m b a r spine area. T h e y are body to keep himself upright—grabbing with
precise as diagnostic tools, but u n f o r t u n a t e l y t h e toes, locking his knees, tightening t h e
t h e y t e n d to confuse t h e situation for m o s t buttocks, and/or contracting the shoulders.
of us. Diagnosis attempts to identify t h e m o s t If his feet are slightly farther apart, t h e y c a n
p r o m i n e n t aspect of a problem. We a n d our b a l a n c e t h e b r o a d p e l v i s . T h e t w o legs a r e
d o c t o r s say, "I h a v e a l o r d o s i s ( s c o l i o s i s , f u n c t i o n a l l y a unit, a base for e v e r y t h i n g
kyphosis)." But these terms tend to lock the above t h e m . Adequate width and depth of
b o d y i n t o a static picture. W h a t we n o t i c e so t h e body, as well as free range of m o t i o n ,
o f t e n is t h a t rotations are n o t static, t h e y d o n ' t are all a p a r t o f e v a l u a t i o n o f s t r u c t u r e .
stay p u t . For e x a m p l e , t h e d a n c e r w i t h t o o The h u m a n body is obviously an enclosed
c o n c a v e a l u m b a r curve in standing will o f t e n system. We exist w i t h i n t h e circumference of
show an exaggerated c o n v e x curve in sitting. our skin a n d fascia. T h e h e a d is t h e opposite
W h a t are t h e s e t e c h n i c a l t e r m s , a n d h o w e n d of a t e n s i o n line f r o m t h e feet. Proper
do t h e y relate to our c o n c e p t of b o d y align- length and extension within that circumfer-
m e n t ? Seen f r o m t h e side, lordosis is an exag- e n c e allows for adequate t o n e t h r o u g h o u t .
geration of the n o r m a l curves of the spine. This leads us b a c k to t h e circular c o n c e p t
(There seems to be no medical t e r m i n o l o g y that we have talked about in reference to
f o r a b a c k t h a t i s t o o flat, e v e n t h o u g h t h i s other aspects of balance. Cause a n d effect
can create a lot of mischief.) Seen f r o m t h e in the body b e c o m e interrelated.
TEN
Body Contour
t h e p e l v i s rigid. C h r o n i c t e n s i o n h a s r e s u l t e d
in a h e a v y pad on t h e b o d y surface.
I n d e n t a t i o n s are likewise visible in areas
that have b e e n u n d e r t e n s i o n for a lifetime.
T h e b o n e appears to be right at t h e i n d e n t e d
surface, just u n d e r t h e skin. Actually, t h e
b o n e lies u n d e r several layers o f t o u g h e n e d
c o n n e c t i v e tissue. T h e skin sticks to t h e leath-
e r y (or glassy) c o n n e c t i v e t i s s u e . O n t h e o t h e r
h a n d , where t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue layer over
b o n e is in good t o n e , t h e skin c a n m o v e freely
over b o n e a n d tissue. We never actually t o u c h
b o n e in palpating t h e body. There is always a
c o n n e c t i v e tissue l a y e r o f g r e a t e r o r lesser
c o m p l e x i t y b e n e a t h t h e skin.
C o n t o u r is idiosyncratic e v e n at birth. In a
detailed dissection on t w o stillborn infants,
there was a considerable difference in m u s c l e
development. In one, the musculature of the
b o d y was relatively undeveloped, while in t h e
o t h e r t h e pattern was well defined a n d visible
Figure 10-3
This is a photograph of a dissection of a stillborn
baby at term. The heavy pad of fat over the
gluteal region was a thick mass of connective tis-
Fat& sue containing fat. Note the similar padding across
"connective the shoulders and up into the neck.
tissue pad
Legs go
higher t h a n the other, o n e arm longer than
wide t h e o t h e r , o n e side o f t h e h i p c a n t e d u p w a r d ,
o n e knee tending more in or out. From the
side, w e h a v e already m e n t i o n e d t h e devia-
tions f r o m vertical such as the head forward,
shoulders up or r o u n d e d , chest depressed,
pelvis tipped forward or tucked back.
O n e of t h e great d e t e r m i n a n t s of posture
i n t h e b o d y i s t h e p s o a s m u s c l e . Its c o n n e c -
Figure 10-4
t i v e t i s s u e r a m i f i c a t i o n s are e s p e c i a l l y i m p o r -
The muscle development of this body looks
impressive, but that muscle bulk is a major tant. T h e psoas myofascia is interwoven with
impediment to freedom of movement. t h e fascia o f t h e muscles o n t h e inside o f t h e
BODY CONTOUR 43
t h e l u m b a r v e r t e b r a e . Its o r i g i n i s i n c l o s e
proximity to the two tabs of the diaphragm
called t h e crura; t h r o u g h these n e i g h b o r s , t h e
psoas c a n involve t h e respiratory pattern. It
diagonally traverses t h e cavity of t h e pelvis,
a n d i n s e r t s b y a t e n d o n s h a r e d w i t h t h e ilia-
c u s ( t h e i l i o p s o a s t e n d o n ) i n t o t h e lesser t r o -
c h a n t e r of t h e femur. T h e iliacus lines t h e Psoas
i l i u m , t h e large b o n e o f t h e p e l v i c b a s i n . ' longer lax
Psoas shortened;,
S t r u c t u r a l l y , t h e p s o a s is a b r i d g e b e t w e e n pulls pelvis up
u p p e r b o d y a n d legs.
"If a b o d y is n o r m a l , t h e psoas should
e l o n g a t e d u r i n g f l e x i o n a n d fall b a c k t o w a r d
the spine. This prevertebral support ensures
l e n g t h i n t h e l u m b a r s p i n e a s a w h o l e , irre-
spective of general b o d y position. W i t h t h e
psoas f u n c t i o n i n g in this n o r m a l pattern,
lengthening with every m o v e m e n t of flexion,
t h e l u m b a r v e r t e b r a e c a n n o t slip i n t o t h e
compression and misalignment that is the
Figure 10-5
beginning of t h e bad lower back. A deterio- A physically asymmetrical psoas leads to lumbar
rated psoas, glued d o w n as it crosses t h e rotations and pelvic tilts.
44 THE ENDLESS WEB
Figure 11-1
48 THE ENDLESS WEB
Body Retinaculae
(Bands/Straps)
TWELVE
The Chest Band
Implications for Movement and Behavior
Figure 12-1
Body Retinaculae: The Seven Body Bands of the Torso
1. The lowest band in the torso (pubic band) along the lower border of the pectoralis major,
extends from the pubic bone in front across the across the mid-lateral chest, and down the lat-
groin (which is thereby shortened), around the eral margin of the latissimus dorsi where it
hip bones (the greater trochanter of the begins to run parallel to the scapula toward the
femur), and across the buttocks, ending at the arm. The strap appears to tie the lower tip of
junction of the sacrum and coccyx. the scapula to the back ribs and ends at the dor-
2. The band across the lower abdomen sal hinge of the spine. When this strap is pro-
(inguinal band) is frequently more prominent in nounced, there is not only a depressed mid-
men. It connects the two bony projections of chest, but an inability to expand the ribs side-
the pelvic bones in front (the anterior superior ways in breathing.
spines of the ilia). It usually dips slightly down- 5. The fifth strap at the shoulders (collar
ward in front, like an inverted arch, resembling band) involves the clavicle and is part of the tis-
an internal jock strap or chastity belt. Its lower sue gluing the clavicle to the first and second
margin tends to include the inguinal ligament, ribs in front. It can be felt as a pad of tissue just
connecting the band downward to the region below and deep to the collar bone (clavicle). It
of the pubic bone. This band extends laterally extends laterally to the tip of the shoulder, with
along the upper margin of the large wings of some fibers fanning down into the armpit. The
the pelvic bones (ilia), ending at the lumbo- strap continues toward the back on the inside
sacral junction. and outside of the upper border of the shoulder
3. The third band crosses the abdomen blade (scapula), and ends at the junction of cer-
(belly/umbilical band) and is perhaps the most vical and thoracic vertebrae.
variable in location. It may cross at the umbili- 6. The area below the chin (chin band) is an
cus (sometimes creating a crease in the abdomi- area of concentration of fibers and padding
nal wall extending out on either side of the which includes the hyoid bone and the base of
umbilicus), or it may lie midway between the the jaw, passing just below the ear, and ending
umbilicus and the midcostal arch (tying where the base of the skull joins the first cervi-
t o g e t h e r the two sides of the costal arch). In cal vertebra (atlas).
either case, it will extend laterally to form an 7. The top band (eye band) is the most diffi-
arch across the abdomen to the lower ribs on cult to visualize. It originates on the bridge of
each side—particularly to the free tip of the the nose, travels across the eye sockets and
eleventh rib. It travels backward along the above the ears, and ends at the back of the skull
lower ribs, ending at the junction of the tho- just above the occipital crest (the bump at the
racic and lumbar vertebrae. back of the skull).
4. The fourth band is in the area just below
the nipples (chest band) and is visually the most Reprinted from Rolf Lines, The Journal of the
apparent. It is usually a non-moving depressed Rolf Institute, 1 9 9 5 , with permission.
area on the chest; the skin seems glued down NOTE: For the body retinaculae, we have used
onto the ribs and muscle. Laterally, it extends the terms " b a n d " and "strap" interchangeably.
muscle and the lower insertion of the pecto- of the chest, hinging between the fifth and
ralis m a j o r m u s c l e (Fig. 12-3). T h e b a n d is s i x t h (or s i x t h a n d s e v e n t h ) t h o r a c i c v e r t e -
slightly higher as it m o v e s around to t h e back b r a e . T h i s d i v i s i o n o f t h e rib c a g e i n t o t w o
b e c a u s e t h e ribs c h a r a c t e r i s t i c a l l y a r e a n g l e d parts was apparent in our dissections. T h e
downward in front. The back extension of a n g l e o f t h e ribs c h a n g e d v i s i b l y a n d rela-
this strap seems to be t h e dorsal h i n g e , a t i v e l y a b r u p t l y ; t h e q u a l i t y o f t h e t i s s u e dif-
functional division of the chest (thorax). T h e fered as well.
dorsal h i n g e is visible as a c h a n g e in m o v e - I n f r o n t , t h e s t r a p starts a b o u t a n i n c h
m e n t pattern between upper and lower halves a b o v e t h e l o w e r t i p o f t h e s t e r n u m . T h i s also
THE CHEST BAND 55
A B
T h e s u p e r f i c i a l m u s c l e a n d c o n n e c t i v e tis-
sue p a t t e r n h e r e m a y be i m a g e d as a Y w i t h a
broad double base. M o v e m e n t is transmitted
vertically a n d diagonally across t h e chest.
W h e r e there is habitual restriction, t h e effect
on m o v e m e n t is progressive. W h e r e c o n n e c -
tive tissue i s o r i g i n a l l y o n l y l i g h t l y h e l d
down, bodily activity t h e n tends to drag t h e
margins of the two adjacent muscles closer
together, causing t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue to
thicken.
A s t h e strap c o n t i n u e s a r o u n d t h e s i d e ,
going toward t h e back, it crosses t h e upper
margin of t h e latissimus dorsi, a broad m u s c l e
a r i s i n g f r o m all t h e s p i n e s o f t h e v e r t e b r a e
from about T6 to the sacrum. Above, it nar-
rows i n t o a t e n d o n t h a t r u n s a l o n g t h e l a t e r a l
outside margin of t h e shoulder blade (scap-
ula). It ends in an a t t a c h m e n t to t h e a r m
bone (humerus). The attachments of the pec-
toralis m a j o r a n d t h e latissimus dorsi o n t h e
a r m are a d j a c e n t . T h e y c o u n t e r b a l a n c e e a c h
other and determine the openness of the
armpit. The Y form on the front of the body
(rectus a b d o m i n i s a n d pectoralis m a j o r m u s -
cles) is t h u s b a l a n c e d by a V f o r m ( l a t i s s i m u s
dorsi m u s c l e ) on t h e b a c k (Fig. 12-4).
T h e h o r i z o n t a l c o m p r e s s i o n t h a t w e are
calling a strap crosses f r o m m i d - s t e r n u m
a r o u n d to t h e side, overlapping t h e space
where the pectoralis m a j o r and the latissimus
dorsi m u s c l e s a p p r o a c h e a c h o t h e r . T h e s e
m u s c l e s s h o u l d b e free t o slip v e r t i c a l l y w i t h
r e s p e c t t o e a c h o t h e r , l e a v i n g t h e a r m full
range o f m o v e m e n t . W h e n t h e y are c a u g h t
up in a restriction, t h e a r m p i t is c o m p r e s s e d .
T h e strap h e r e i s v e r y m u c h like t h e b o d i c e
o f a dress w i t h a n E m p i r e w a i s t l i n e . A n o t h e r
image that comes to m i n d is the scaffolding
of the b o t t o m edge of a brassiere. T h e strap Figure 12-4
restricts lateral rib m o v e m e n t a s w e l l a s The " Y " of the front and the "V" of the back.
m o v e m e n t t o raise t h e a r m s .
F r o m t h e lateral m a r g i n o f t h e p e c t o r a l i s t h e ribs a n d t h e m u s c l e s o f t h e b a c k , a n d
m a j o r , t h e strap t h e n c r o s s e s t h e l o w e r t i p o f ends approximately at t h e dorsal h i n g e . W h e n
the scapula. It c o n t i n u e s across t h e b a c k of t h e strap is h e a v y a n d tight, it inhibits t h e
58 THE ENDLESS WEB
m o v e m e n t o f t h e s c a p u l a . Ideally, t h e s c a p u l a stress a t t h e d o r s a l h i n g e . P u d g y a d o l e s c e n t
is suspended a n d c a n " f l o a t " freely over t h e boys also c a n be uptight about nipples and
ribs a s t h e a r m m o v e s . F o r e x a m p l e , w h e n breast tissue, a n d t h e y h u n c h over for t h e
you reach the arm forward and up, the s a m e reason. An aberrant pattern takes h o l d
scapula drops. As the reach continues, the i n t h e b o d y w h e r e t h e r e i s t h e desire t o h o l d
scapula t h e n floats upward. W h e n there is a d o w n , c o n t r o l , hide. C o n t r o l is really t h e
restriction by a band, neither the downward m o s t descriptive term here.
nor the upward m o v e m e n t of the scapula is T h e r e are a limited n u m b e r of ways to
possible without exertion and the recruitment effect control in the body. W h i l e emotional
of e x t r a n e o u s m u s c l e (Fig. 12-5). rationales underlying a n y given structure
As t h e strap runs f r o m front to back, it vary, t h e p h y s i c a l h o l d i n g falls i n t o p a t t e r n s .
crosses over a n u m b e r of additional deeper T h e s e p a t t e r n s a r e w h a t w e see a s s t r a p s . I n
muscles as well as t h e superficial o n e s we m i d - c h e s t , t h e strap m a y b e caused b y a n
h a v e described. T h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue asso- accident, by a desire to hide t h e breasts, by
c i a t e d w i t h all o f t h e s e h a s d i r e c t i o n a l p u l l s a desire n o t to b r e a t h e , by t h e n e e d n o t to
that modify the horizontal quality of the l o o k d i f f e r e n t f r o m e v e r y b o d y else, o r b y res-
s t r a p . T h i s i s p a r t i c u l a r l y t r u e a t t h e sides. p i r a t o r y d i s e a s e . All t h e s e d i f f e r e n t c a u s e s
T h e r e are pulls u p i n t o t h e armpit, d o w n manifest in t h e b o d y as a similar pattern.
toward t h e lower lateral m a r g i n of t h e rib T h e c h e s t s t r a p ties i n w i t h t h e f a m i l i a r
cage, a n d t o w a r d t h e pelvis. T h e result is a g e s t u r e o f h o l d i n g t h e a r m s t o t h e side t o
t o r q u i n g t h a t p u l l s t h e s t r a p a w a y f r o m its guard t h e armpits. Armpits are sensitive a n d
main path around the chest. t h e p r o t e c t i v e g e s t u r e i s s i m i l a r i n all i n d i v i d -
This, then, is the physical description of uals. As t h e strap b e c o m e s tighter a n d m o r e
t h e mid-chest strap—the nipple binder. We f i r m l y e s t a b l i s h e d , d i f f e r e n t parts o f t h e b o d y
h a v e c o v e r e d its p a t h i n s o m e a n a t o m i c a l get drawn in. T h e pressure of hiding t h e
detail t o s h o w t h e m u s c l e a n d c o n n e c t i v e a r m p i t s r e i n f o r c e s t h e t i g h t n e s s o f t h e strap
tissue p a t h w a y s by w h i c h it influences t h e a n d i n h i b i t s t h e l a t e r a l (side) e x p a n s i o n o f
body. T h i s b r o a d effect is probably a reason t h e w h o l e t o p o f t h e rib c a g e .
t h a t b r e a t h i n g d y s f u n c t i o n s are so widespread F o r e x a m p l e , i n b a b y p i c t u r e s a t less t h a n
and influence every aspect of the body. a year old, o n e child's shoulders were very
H o w d o straps c o m e i n t o b e i n g ? T h e narrow and high, obscuring the neck. The
reasons are generally m u l t i p l e a n d c u m u l a - a r m s w e r e c l o s e l y p u l l e d i n t o t h e sides o f t h e
t i v e . First, r e s t r i c t i o n s t e n d t o set i n a s w e g o body, protecting t h e armpits. As this child got
through the challenges of growing up. They to be about eight or nine, he went through
a r e like s e e d s i n a p e a r l . S o m e t i m e w e s u c c e s s - a period of b e i n g a "sulky c h i l d . " This gave
fully incorporate t h e m with m i n i m a l c o n n e c - impetus to the h u n c h e d - u p physical pattern.
tive tissue disturbance. O t h e r times we grow As an adult, his chest seemed too narrow in
successive c o n n e c t i v e tissue layers to c u s h i o n p r o p o r t i o n t o t h e rest o f h i s b o d y . T h e e f f e c t
a n d protect ourselves from t h e irritation. T h e of b o d y w o r k was dramatic: his chest got four
seed m a y be physical or e m o t i o n a l in origin. c o a t sizes bigger. T h e b o d y w o r k d i d n ' t give
We h a v e described several scenarios of physi- h i m t h e n e w chest; it merely allowed h i m
cal origin. to use w h a t was there.
A s s o m e girls first b e g i n t o d e v e l o p b r e a s t s , A m o r e e m o t i o n a l l y based way of express-
they try to hide t h e m . T h e y cave in at t h e ing what we m e a n is that the blueprint of the
sternum a n d h u n c h their shoulders, creating s t r u c t u r a l p a t t e r n starts i n t h e b a b y , b e c o m e s
T H E C H E S T B A N D 59
Figure 12-5
This array of shoulder movements provides comparison of three very different body types. The positions of
the scapulae have been outlined. Notice the great differences in muscle recruitment at the elbow, neck, and
along the spine.
60 T H E E N D L E S S W E B
A n o t h e r visually o b v i o u s strap is w h a t m i g h t A
be called t h e chastity belt or i n g u i n a l strap
w h e n s e e n f r o m t h e f r o n t (Fig. 13-1). It is
a connection between the top front b o n y
p r o t u b e r a n c e s o f t h e h i p b o n e ( t h e ASIS o r
anterior superior spines of t h e ilia). This c o n -
Costal Rectus
n e c t i o n i s like a h a l f - m o o n s h a p e , c u r v i n g arch/ abdominus
m.
downward from these protuberances. The
rectus a b d o m i n i s m u s c l e inserts o n t h e p u b i c .Inguinal
Pubic
n o t o n l y f a s c i a l fibers b u t fat d e p o s i t s a s w e l l . tbone
T h e inguinal strap c o n t i n u e s a r o u n d t h e
sides o f t h e h i p s . I t s e e m s t o c r o s s just b e l o w
t h e u p p e r e d g e o f t h e h i p b o n e (crest o f t h e
ilium). This creates a t e n s i o n across the b o n e
a n d pulls t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue i n t o folds.
T h e s e folds c o m e i n t o b e i n g m u c h t h e way
pulling on a c o r n e r of a sheet creates deep
pleats in t h e fabric. Similarly, pulls across t h e
b a c k o f t h e u p p e r p e l v i s a n d t h e s a c r u m give
rise t o t e n d o n - l i k e s t r u c t u r e s a c r o s s t h e l o w e r
b a c k . T h e s e c a n feel l i t e r a l l y like s m a l l r o p e s
or cables under t h e skin. In s o m e individuals,
i t a l m o s t feels a s t h o u g h t h e s e r o p e s h a v e
k n o t s i n t h e m . T h e y f o r m a stressed c o n n e c -
tion across t h e upper margin of the sacrum
a n d t h e l o w e r l u m b a r v e r t e b r a e , t y i n g left
a n d r i g h t sides t o g e t h e r .
M o s t "lower back p a i n " appears to c o m e
from this region. These ropes tying together
t h e t h r e e b o n e s ( s a c r u m a n d t w o ilia), i n h i b i t
sacroiliac m o v e m e n t . This i m m o b i l i t y across
Figure 13-2 Figure 13-3 t h e sacrum is t h e m a j o r contributor to lower
b a c k s y n d r o m e . C h i l d r e n typically s h o w a lot
It is t h e b o d y ' s w a y of e s c a p i n g t h e restric- of m o v e m e n t across t h e sacrum. This m o v e -
tions resulting from tightness above (chest m e n t o f t e n d i s a p p e a r s i n l a t e r life, p r o b a b l y
strap) a n d t i g h t n e s s b e l o w (groin strap). Or i n t h e t e e n s . W e all s e e m t o w a n t / n e e d t o
t h e tightness m a y b i n d at mid-belly; we talk control pelvic m o v e m e n t .
a b o u t a strap there in Section 15. T h e i n g u i n a l b a n d b l e n d s i n t o t h e fascial
In general, t h e r e are t w o a b e r r a n t a b d o m i - and/or fatty pad normally present on the
nal patterns, each with variations. O n e is the s a c r u m . W h e n this is t o o thick, it adds to t h e
individual whose lower belly is held in; his i m m o b i l i t y of t h e area. T h e b a n d thereby is
back t h e n b e c o m e s taut and his upper belly continued down to the tailbone (coccyx). In
b u l g e s (Fig. 13-2). T h e o t h e r p a t t e r n i s t h e d e s i g n , it r e s e m b l e s a j o c k s t r a p or d a n c e r ' s
person w h o t i g h t e n s t h e area b e t w e e n t h e belt. T h e b o t t o m part e x t e n d s d o w n b e t w e e n
l o w e r m a r g i n o f t h e rib c a g e a n d t h e b e l l y t h e legs t o t h e V - s h a p e d b o n y b a s e o f t h e
b u t t o n . Here, t h e upper a b d o m e n b e c o m e s p e l v i s . H e r e i t b l e n d s w i t h t h e fat a n d f i b r o u s
tight a n d t h e area b e l o w t h e belly b u t t o n tissue t h a t is t h e n o r m a l filling of t h e space
p r o t r u d e s (Fig. 13-3). W h i c h e v e r p a r t is b e i n g b e t w e e n t h e legs ( b e t w e e n t h e c o c c y x , p e l v i c
held, t h e o t h e r m u s t of necessity stick out; rami, and pubic bone). W h e n the V of the
t h e tissue has to go someplace. N o t o n l y t h e rami is compressed and too narrow, particu-
soft tissue b u t also b r e a t h needs space. People l a r l y i n m e n , t h i s t i s s u e c a n feel like c e m e n t
breathe predominantly in the upper or lower a n d i t o f t e n b e c o m e s a filler t h r o u g h t h e
a b d o m e n . In either case, t h e h o l d i n g inter- w h o l e b a s i n o f t h e p e l v i s . T h u s straps are n o t
feres w i t h t h e f r e e f l o w o f b r e a t h , e n e r g y , a n d o n l y surface p h e n o m e n a b u t traverse t h e
movement. body space.
THE INGUINAL BAND AND THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN 63
T h e f r o n t o f t h i s b a n d i s e a s y t o see a n d
feel a n d i s m u c h t h e s a m e i n all p e o p l e ,
a l t h o u g h it varies in degree of t e n s i o n . In
back, in addition to t h e surface ropes t h a t run
parallel a c r o s s t h e u p p e r m a r g i n o f t h e p e l v i s ,
t h e r e i s o f t e n a d e e p e r set o f t e n s i o n s n e a r t h e
t o p a n d side o f t h e s a c r u m . T h i s i s a s s o c i a t e d
with t h e fascia o f t h e gluteal m u s c l e s a n d
runs f r o m t h e surface to deep in t h e pelvis,
Fascia of
d o w n t o t h e b o n e . M a n y m e n are t o o n a r r o w -erector spinae
at t h e base of t h e pelvis, b e t w e e n t h e legs. jlumbo-dorsal
fascia)
T h i s results i n a n a b d o m e n t h a t i s p r o p o r t i o n -
ally t o o w i d e i n f r o n t . T h e h i p b o n e l o o k s a s .Sacroiliac
t h o u g h it wings out. This again adds to a wide junction
A s w e h a v e said, t h e b a n d a t m i d - c h e s t b l e n d s
with t h e fascia of t h e dorsal h i n g e in t h e
(1) Junction at
region of t h e sixth dorsal vertebra. Clearly, lambda/
sphenoid
therefore, t h e structural i n h i b i t i o n created by
the bands influences spinal integration a n d (2) Occipital-cervical
m o v e m e n t . In turn, restriction of m o v e m e n t
at the junctions of the vertebral c o l u m n - ( 3 ) Cervico-dorsal
t h e y are d i f f e r e n t i n d e t a i l s o f d e s i g n a n d size.
These differences imply differences in range
•(6)Sacro-coccygeal
and direction of m o v e m e n t . In general, the
b a n d s relate to j u n c t i o n s of t h e spinal col-
u m n , places where t h e vertebrae c h a n g e Figure 13-7
shape. T h e s e j u n c t i o n s are b e t w e e n t h e h e a d Junctions of the spine.
and neck (occipito-cervical), between the
neck and chest (cervico-dorsal), between chest On the inside of t h e body, just in front
and lower back (lumbo-dorsal), b e t w e e n lower o f t h e s p i n e , lies t h e a u t o n o m i c n e r v o u s sys-
back and sacrum (lumbo-sacral), and between t e m (ANS). T h i s runs l o n g i t u d i n a l l y f r o m t h e
the sacrum and tailbone (sacro-coccygeal). b a s e o f t h e s p i n e u p i n t o t h e h e a d . A l o n g its
T h e d o r s a l h i n g e i s Ida Rolf's a d d i t i o n t o t h i s l e n g t h t h e r e are a n u m b e r o f s p i n a l p l e x i .
list (Fig. 13-7). T h e s e are i n t e r r u p t i o n s i n t h e flow o f i n f o m a -
T h e change in vertebral shape at t h e dor- t i o n a l o n g t h e system. T h e y serve m u c h t h e
sal h i n g e i s m o r e s u b t l e ; t h e c h a n g e i n m o v e - same function as a busy t e l e p h o n e e x c h a n g e ;
m e n t pattern is m o s t visible in a living, m o v - t h e y are places w h e r e n e u r a l messages c a n get
ing body. T h e reason for this a p p a r e n t l y is t r a n s m i t t e d in diverse directions. G e n e r a l l y
that the change in function and morphology s p e a k i n g , t h e ANS n e r v e p l e x i a r e l o c a t e d n e a r
here entails t h e soft tissue a n d o u t l y i n g b o n e s t h e spinal j u n c t i o n s t h a t we listed a b o v e . It is
as well as t h e vertebrae t h e m s e l v e s . T h i s is interesting to n o t e that these places of m a x i -
s o m e w h a t true everywhere along t h e spine, m u m m o v e m e n t o f t h e spine are associated
of course, but it is m o r e i m p o r t a n t in t h e w i t h c e n t e r s o f m o s t c o m p l e x ANS a c t i v i t y .
upper chest. T h e additional stabilizing influ- W h e n t h e r e is ease of m o v e m e n t at t h e s e
e n c e f r o m t h e s h o u l d e r b l a d e a n d its s o f t tis- junctions there can be stimulation of the
sue c o n n e c t i o n s t o t h e s e v e r t e b r a e m o d i f i e s nervous impulses that control metabolic
their m o v e m e n t . activity.
66 THE ENDLESS WEB
A B C D
Figure 13-9
Developmental movement sequences: (A)
intrauterine folding; (B) contralateral creeping; (C)
crawling; (D) standing.
THE INGUINAL BAND AND THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN 67
*See William G. Sutherland, The Cranial Bowl (Meridian, t S e e D o n J o h n s o n , The Protean Body (New York: Harper &
Idaho: The Cranial Academy, 1 9 4 8 ) . Row, 1 9 7 7 ) .
70 THE ENDLESS WEB
r e s p o n d freely, t h e o t h e r e n d p o i n t i s a l s o
restricted, inhibited, or immobilized.
about an inch thick. This is o n e example this generalizes tension into t h e back of t h e
where a natural p a d d i n g in t h e b o d y c a n serve tongue. We don't think of the tongue being
a s p a r t o f a s u r f a c e b a n d s u c h a s w e are d e s c r i b - tense, but it can be. Moreover, the condition
i n g . T h e d i f f i c u l t y arises w h e n t h e t e n s i o n i s of the esophagus and trachea is under the
excessive a n d b e c o m e s a tight surface strap. influence of these tensions. Voice students,
Extreme tension at the back of the head for e x a m p l e , learn to release these t e n s i o n s
p u s h e s t h e skull b o n e s t o o far f o r w a r d o v e r a n d c o n t r o l t h e s e tissues w i t h m i n u t e
the neck bones, giving the appearance of a awareness.
v e r y flat b a c k o f t h e h e a d . A s t h e b a n d c o n - Visualization of the upper body bands on
tracts a n d distorts t h e p o s i t i o n o f t h e h y o i d , p h o t o g r a p h s i s s h o w n i n Figure 1 4 - 6 .
Figure 14-6
Upper body bands.
FIFTEEN
The Collar Band, Umbilical Band, and Groin Band
bones. Coracoid
T h e collar strap c o n t i n u e s a l o n g t h e clav- Acromion
process
icle t o t h e t i p o f t h e s h o u l d e r b l a d e ( a c r o -
Scapula •Sternum
m i o n ) . T h i s p r o j e c t s like a b o n y s h e l f o v e r
the t o p m o s t part of t h e arm b o n e (humerus).
W h e n there is a heavy pad on top of the
acromion, any m o v e m e n t is inhibited
b e t w e e n clavicle a n d scapula a n d acts as a
brake o n t h e lateral (sideways) m o v e m e n t Figure 15-1
of the arm. T h e clavicle articulates with t h e The collar strap.
74 THE ENDLESS WEB
Figure 15-8
BODY RETINACULAE (B A N D S / S T R A P S) 79
Figure 1 5 - 9
PART FOUR
a l o n g t h e b a c k o f t h e s p i n e s o f all t h e n e c k
vertebrae and the upper seven or eight chest
v e r t e b r a e . It, t o o , i s f a n - s h a p e d , c o n v e r g i n g
on an a t t a c h m e n t to t h e tip of the shoulder
Fascia of called t h e a c r o m i o n . T h e a c r o m i o n is a b o n y
Fascia of trapezius m.
sternocleido- shelf that can be palpated at the corner of the
mastoid m. junction between the shoulder and the arm.
Fascia of T h e l o w e r p a r t o f t h e t r a p e z i u s , a s i t crosses
pectoralis t h e shoulder blade (scapula), also attaches to
major m.
t h e a c r o m i o n as well as to t h e scapular spine.
In t h e b a c k , a n o t h e r large fan-shaped mus-
cle flows up f r o m below, called t h e latissimus
Fascia of
• latissimus dorsi—the weightlifter's "lats." It attaches to
dorsi m.
t h e s p i n e s o f t h e l o w e r c h e s t v e r t e b r a e a s well
as to t h e spines of the lumbar vertebrae down
to t h e sacrum. T h e point of this fan converges
upward, obliquely crossing over the lower tip
of t h e shoulder blade. It t h e n runs along the
lateral m a r g i n of t h e shoulder blade a n d ends
Figure 17-1 b y a t t a c h i n g t o t h e h u m e r u s (arm b o n e ) just
Anterior arm and shoulder fascia.
b e h i n d the a t t a c h m e n t of the pectoralis
major.
These three muscles make up what we
c a l l t h e e x t e r n a l m u s c l e a n d c o n n e c t i v e tissue
layer of t h e chest, relating t h e chest to t h e
shoulder and arm, to the head, and to the
l o w e r b a c k . T h e n e x t layer, w h i c h serves t o
Fascia of stabilize t h e position of t h e shoulder blade,
Fascia of
trapezius m.
deltoid m. is m o r e d i f f i c u l t to v i s u a l i z e as a layer. In t h e
Acromion f r o n t , u n d e r n e a t h t h e p e c t o r a l i s m a j o r , lies
t h e p e c t o r a l i s m i n o r (Fig. 17-3). T h i s is a n a r -
row small muscle that attaches to the middle
Scapula ribs a n d a n g l e s u p w a r d t o a t t a c h o n t h e c o r a -
Septum (dotted line) c o i d p r o c e s s . T h i s h o o k - l i k e p r o j e c t i o n for-
ward from t h e inside of the shoulder blade
Fascia of
latissimus c a n b e felt just u n d e r n e a t h t h e collar b o n e ,
dorsi m.
i n t h e d e p r e s s i o n b e t w e e n t h e larger a r m
m u s c l e s a n d t h e sides o f t h e ribs.
T h e p e c t o r a l i s m i n o r a c t s like a l e v e r o n
t h e coracoid process, m o v i n g t h e shoulder
b l a d e . T h e c o r a c o i d p r o c e s s i s v e r y m u c h like
Figure 17-2 a h o o k on a suspended metal plate (the scap-
Posterior arm and shoulder fascia. ula). W h e n the h o o k is tugged near the top,
UPPER BODY 87
Teres
m o v e s sideways, t h e distance b e t w e e n t h e
major arm b o n e a n d t h e scapula widens and the
v Trapezius m.
teres s h o u l d b e able t o l e n g t h e n . W h e n the
m.
m u s c l e s r e a c h t h e limit of their elasticity, t h e
s h o u l d e r b l a d e will start t o m o v e s i d e w a y s . Its
m o v e m e n t is stabilized by t h e elasticity of t h e
Figure 17-6 r h o m b o i d s . If the shoulder blade is winged
Scapular suspension. o u t , t h e t e r e s m u s t t h e n a l s o t r y t o stabilize
UPPER BODY 89
Figure 17-9
Shoulder and arm movement
depends on the continuity of fascia—(A) lateral shoulder, (B) anterior shoulder, (C) posterior shoulder.
UPPER BODY 91
major, acting together, bring the arm down true of very small m u s c l e s as of larger sheet-
(Fig. 17-9 B & C). T h e s e m u s c l e s of t h e o u t e r like o n e s . Part o f t h e w a y h e a v y i m m o b i l e
(extrinsic) layer c o u n t e r b a l a n c e e a c h other. t i s s u e p a d s are c r e a t e d i s b y o u r i n s i s t e n c e o n
For e x a m p l e , w h e n t h e a r m i s r a i s e d t o t h e trying to use t h e muscle as a w h o l e instead of
side, d e l t o i d a n d t r a p e z i u s c o n t r a c t a s p e c - sequencing through the muscle as b o d y posi-
toralis m a j o r a n d latissimus dorsi relax, allow- tion d e m a n d s . A m a j o r source of c o n f u s i o n in
ing the arm to extend away from the body. As the practical application of kinesiology is that
t h e a r m returns t o t h e side, pectoralis a n d no muscle exists in isolation. T h e c o n n e c t i v e
latissimus contract as trapezius a n d deltoid tissue b e d provides c o n n e c t i o n s b e t w e e n m u s -
lengthen. cle layers as well as b e t w e e n a d j a c e n t muscles.
T w o kinds o f m o v e m e n t are possible h e r e — These interfaces have t h e greatest potential
d r o p p i n g t h e a r m , w h i c h i s faster, o r s e q u e n - for adhesion, t h i c k e n i n g , a n d s h o r t e n i n g .
tially letting t h e a r m d o w n , w h i c h is slower. Elasticity of t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue b e t w e e n
I n b o t h m o v e m e n t s , o n e set o f m u s c l e s c o n - structures is essential for an effective relation-
tracts. T h e difference b e t w e e n t h e two m o v e - ship b e t w e e n deep a n d superficial (intrinsic
m e n t s i s i n t h e c o u n t e r b a l a n c i n g set o f a n d extrinsic) m u s c l e layers. In t h e front,
m u s c l e s . W h e n t h e m o v e m e n t i s fast, t h e p e c t o r a l i s m i n o r lies u n d e r p e c t o r a l i s m a j o r .
o p p o s i n g m u s c l e s s i m p l y let g o a n d t h e c o n - Toward t h e center front, b o t h muscles affect
n e c t i v e tissue b e d e l a s t i c a l l y s t r e t c h e s . W h e n t h e a c t i o n o f t h e ribs. I n t h e shoulder, t h e
a m o v e m e n t is slow and controlled, t h e pectoralis m i n o r attaches to the coracoid
antagonist muscle lengthens sequentially.
It acts as a brake to m o d u l a t e t h e m o v e m e n t .
I n e i t h e r fast o r s l o w m o v e m e n t s , t h e u l t i -
m a t e limit o n t h e m o v e m e n t will b e t h e limit
of elasticity of t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue bed.
W h a t w e call s e q u e n c i n g i n m u s c l e m o v e -
m e n t i s a f a c t o r i n h o w t h e large flat s u r f a c e
m u s c l e s are u s e d . For e x a m p l e , a s t h e a r m i s
raised, t h e first m u s c l e a c t i v i t y starts a t t h e
portion of t h e trapezius b e t w e e n n e c k a n d
shoulder and continues down the deltoid.
As the arm comes further up, muscle activity
concentrates further d o w n t h e trapezius. T h e
continuing upward m o v e m e n t of the arm is
supported by the vertebrae because of the
a c t i o n of different parts of t h e trapezius.
Anatomical nomenclature occasionally
reflects t h i s s t e p w i s e u s e o f t h e s u r f a c e m u s -
cles b y d i v i d i n g t h e m i n t o s p e c i f i c a l l y n a m e d
sections.
Ideally, i n n o m o v e m e n t d o w e u s e all
fibers o f a m u s c l e s i m u l t a n e o u s l y . A t t h e
deeper layer of fascia a n d m u s c l e , s e q u e n c i n g
m o v e s t h r o u g h a series o f m u s c l e s r a t h e r t h a n Figure 1 7 - 1 0
through the plane of one muscle. This is as Common "knots."
92 THE ENDLESS WEB
Figure 18-1
In these schematics of the erector spinae, the arrows indicate the direction and length of muscle groups.
The most superficial muscle groups are the longest, while the deepest are very short.
94 THE ENDLESS WEB
Figure 18-3
Continuity of fascia within the body cavity. The
diaphragms of the body cavity: one at the clavi-
Figure 18-2 cles, the respiratory diaphragm, the two pelvic
Continuity of fascia of erector spinae and gluteals. diaphragms.
AXIAL SKELETON 95
scalenes serve a f u n c t i o n a n a l o g o u s to t h a t
of t h e respiratory diaphragm, expanding and
contracting w h e n breath enters the upper tip
of the lung. Since the scalenes attach to the
processes of the n e c k vertebrae, tension in the
n e c k restricts b r e a t h i n g i n t h e u p p e r m o s t part
of the lungs. And tension in the neck has
reached endemic proportions in our
overachiever culture.
T h e neck can be seen as a continuation of
t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue structures of t h e chest.
All s t r u c t u r e s i n t h e n e c k h a v e a b r o a d e r c o n -
t i n u a t i o n below, m u c h in t h e way a plastic
bag is gathered t o g e t h e r with a twist at the
t o p . T h e deepest layer of t h e n e c k includes
the c o n t i n u a t i o n of the erector spinae; the
m i d d l e layer includes t h e scalenes. T h e outer-
m o s t surface layer consists of t h e trapezius
and the sternocleidomastoid.
The sternocleidomastoid extends from the
b a s e o f t h e skull j u s t b e h i n d t h e ear ( m a s t o i d
process) d o w n to t h e c o n n e c t i o n between the
clavicle a n d the breastbone (sternum). It often
b e c o m e s very p r o m i n e n t in older people from
o v e r u s e i n m o v i n g t h e h e a d . Ideally, t h i s pair
Figure 18-5
o f muscles o n l y stabilizes t h e m o v e m e n t s o f
Diaphragms of the body cavity.
nodding the head and turning the head from
side t o s i d e . W h e n t h e h e a d i s h a b i t u a l l y
e v e n t u a l l y t h e w h o l e rib cage are distorted. If p i t c h e d forward, as is t o o o f t e n t h e case, t h e
t h i s p r o c e s s r e a c h e s a c r i t i c a l l e v e l , t h e r e is a upper trapezius b e c o m e s a primary support of
general c o n n e c t i v e tissue response. This c a n the head. It is used to hold the head on, and
be felt as an overall rigidity in t h e c o n n e c t i v e i t l o s e s m u c h o f its f u n c t i o n a l r o l e i n h e a d
t i s s u e o f t h e c h e s t , w h i c h f e e l s a l m o s t like a movement. The sternocleidomastoid then
strait j a c k e t u n d e r t h e s k i n . takes on almost t h e entire f u n c t i o n of t h e
Filling t h e space i n t h e n o t c h b e t w e e n t h e trapezius.
clavicle in front a n d t h e h e a v y musculature T h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue of t h e outer layer of
o f t h e n e c k a n d s h o u l d e r b l a d e i n t h e b a c k are the neck is continuous with the connective
t h e s c a l e n e s (Fig. 18-5). T h e s e are t h e m u s c l e s tissue of t h e jaw. T h e pad over t h e angle of
i n t h e d e p r e s s i o n o n e i t h e r side a t t h e b a s e o f t h e j a w ties i n t o t h e s t e r n o c l e i d o m a s t o i d
t h e n e c k . T h e y a t t a c h t o t h e upper ribs. T h e (Fig. 18-6). I t c a n a c t a s a n i n h i b i t o r t o t h e
lungs e x t e n d u p just u n d e r n e a t h t h e m . T h e freedom of m o v e m e n t in the jaw and so
AXIAL SKELETON 97
indirectly affect m o v e m e n t of t h e h e a d as a
whole. If you c l a m p your jaw as a habit, you
will a l s o b e c l a m p i n g y o u r h e a d . I f y o u c l a m p
y o u r j a w h a r d e n o u g h , i t will b e d i f f i c u l t t o
shake your h e a d " n o , " a n d also difficult to
shake your head " y e s . " T h e fascia o n t h e
underside of the jaw is continuous with that
of the tongue. T h e inside of the m o u t h and
t o n g u e are t h e r e b y i n c l u d e d i n r e s t r i c t i o n s
of t h e face a n d h e a d .
T h e erector spinae extend up to attach to
t h e b a s e o f t h e skull, m i n g l i n g w i t h t h e h e a v y
pad that is found on the back base of t h e
skull. O n t h e b a c k o f t h e n e c k , t h e f a s c i a o f
the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius is c o n -
tinuous w i t h t h e skullcap of c o n n e c t i v e tissue
on t h e h e a d . At t h e deepest level, a l o n g t h e
spines o f t h e n e c k vertebrae a n d u p o n t o t h e
b u m p o n t h e b a c k o f t h e skull, t h e r e i s a v e r y Figure 18-6
The connective tissue of the outer layer of the
h e a v y rope of c o n n e c t i v e tissue fibers. This is
neck.
k n o w n a s t h e l i g a m e n t u m n u c h a e (Fig. 18-7).
It fans out over t h e projection at the back of
t h e skull ( o c c i p u t ) , f o r m i n g a l m o s t a T s h a p e .
I t a c t s like a s e p t u m i n t h e b a c k o f t h e n e c k ,
dividing right a n d left halves o f t h e n e c k i n t o
s e p a r a t e c o m p a r t m e n t s . Its a c t i o n a s a s e p t u m
serves t o c o n n e c t t h e s u p e r f i c i a l a n d d e e p
layers o f m u s c l e t o e a c h o t h e r i n t h e b a c k .
This ligament b e c o m e s especially thickened,
almost bony, in people w h o habitually thrust
the head forward.
T h e septum of the l i g a m e n t u m n u c h a e is a
normal c o n n e c t i o n between outer and deeper
layers o f s o f t t i s s u e . T h e r e a r e s i m i l a r s e p t a
elsewhere in t h e body. T h e y provide addi-
Figure 18-7
tional strength because a l i g a m e n t is denser
The ligamentum nuchae forms a surface covering
a n d m o r e s t a b l e t h a n its f a s c i a l c o u n t e r p a r t .
for the muscles on both sides at the base of the
Septa also divide a n d c o m p a r t m e n t a l i z e f u n c - skull. It then dives deep to form a septum between
tion by separating myofascia. the right and left muscle masses.
NINETEEN
Pelvis and Upper Legs
side o f t h e t h i g h . Like t h e p e c t i n e u s , i t i s u s u -
ally u n d e r d e v e l o p e d a n d underused. W h e n
t h e k n e e i s r o t a t e d o u t o f t r u e , t h e gracilis
takes over t h e f u n c t i o n of t h e adductor mag-
nus. T h e deeper muscle t h e n c a n n o t achieve
its t r u e t o n e a n d f u n c t i o n . I n a d d i t i o n , w h e n
t h e h a m s t r i n g s are s t u c k t o t h e a d d u c t o r m a g -
n u s , t h e u s u a l r e s u l t will b e s p a s m s o r c r a m p s
in t h e hamstrings that no a m o u n t of stretch-
ing c a n relieve.
At t h e i n t e r m e d i a t e l e v e l , t h e r e is a f a n -
e x p r e s s e d as a k i n d of o v e r a l l i r r i t a b i l i t y . It is a
feeling of "don't t o u c h m e " or "I can't c o p e "
rather t h a n an acutely debilitating pain.
W h e n w e refer t o s p a c e s w i t h i n t h e b o d y ,
it s h o u l d be r e m e m b e r e d t h a t t h e s e spaces are
n o t e m p t y . T h e y are f i l l e d w i t h organs, c o n -
nective tissue, muscles, etc. T h e vertical a n d
horizontal myofascial pathways we have
described above exist as a n o r m a l part of
t h e structure of t h e body. W h e n this is out
of b a l a n c e , c o n n e c t i v e tissue filling t h e inter-
v e n i n g s p a c e s r e s p o n d s b y e s t a b l i s h i n g stress
lines. T h e s e are s e c o n d a r y f u n c t i o n a l struc-
tures. T h e y are established in r e s p o n s e to
need and m a y be resorbed as function is
modified.
For e x a m p l e , t h e r e are c o n n e c t i o n s f r o m
t h e respiratory diaphragm d o w n i n t o t h e
p e l v i s . W h e r e t h e a b d o m i n a l d i a p h r a g m lies
adjacent to the vertebral c o l u m n , it sends
Figure 20-3 e x t e n s i o n s ( c r u r a e ) d o w n a s far a s t h e u p p e r
It is obvious from this diagram that changes in any
p a r t o f t h e s a c r u m (Fig. 20-3). J u s t l a t e r a l t o
part of the abdomen and pelvis will affect all of
e a c h side o f t h e v e r t e b r a l c o l u m n , t h e p s o a s
the abdomen and pelvis.
penetrates these crurae and extends up to
attach to the lower vertebrae in the chest
c a v i t y . I n t h i s way, t h e f a s c i a o f t h e p s o a s i s
c o n t i n u o u s with t h e fascia of t h e lower bor-
der of t h e d i a p h r a g m . T h e fascia of t h e psoas
via t h e iliacus is also c o n t i n u o u s w i t h t h a t of
the obturator internus, which then blends
i n t o the diaphragms in the pelvis. In t h e
back, t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue of t h e psoas
is continuous with that of the quadratus
l u m b o r u m and the erector spinae.
O n t h e sides, t h e r e s p i r a t o r y d i a p h r a g m
blends into the transverse and oblique
abdominal muscles. In the front, the
d i a p h r a g m is c o n t i n u o u s with t h e fascia
on t h e underside of t h e rectus a b d o m i n i s .
T h e rectus a b d o m i n i s provides a c o n n e c t i o n
b e t w e e n t h e f r o n t o f t h e respiratory dia-
phragm and the pubic bone. The abdominal
o b l i q u e s are a c o n t i n u a t i o n of t h e respiratory
Figure 2 0 - 4
Fascial connection between pubic bone and diaphragm d o w n to t h e crest of t h e ilium,
humerus. continuing into the pelvic diaphragms by
108 T H E E N D L E S S W E B
w i l l p u l l t h e n e x t o n e a f t e r it. T h i s i s a n e x - t i s s u e o f t h e b a c k , a l t e r n a t i n g f r o m o n e side
ample of m o v e m e n t reverberating through a to t h e other of the vertebral c o l u m n .
structure. A l t h o u g h it is n o t m a d e of steel, t h e T h e e r e c t o r s p i n a e are c o v e r e d b y a h e a v y
elasticity a n d organization of t h e c o n n e c t i v e f a s c i a l s h e e t , t h e l u m b o - d o r s a l fascia, w h i c h
tissue reverberates like a Slinky in t h e body. b l e n d s i n t o t h e h e a v y c o n n e c t i v e tissue p a d
This kind of reciprocity of m o v e m e n t is on the sacrum and coccyx. From the sacrum,
especially apparent in the spine. Because the t h e fascia c o n t i n u e s diagonally across t h e
superficial m u s c l e s are t h e longest, h o l d i n g b u t t o c k s a n d o n i n t o t h e i l i o - t i b i a l b a n d (Fig.
p a t t e r n s at a s u p e r f i c i a l l e v e l a f f e c t a b r o a d 21-1) T h u s , b o t h c l e n c h i n g t h e b u t t o c k s o r
e x p a n s e of t h e b a c k . H o l d i n g at deeper levels h o l d i n g t h e legs h a v e a c l e a r e f f e c t o n t h e
affects smaller s e g m e n t s . Usually, h o l d i n g in b a c k all t h e w a y u p t o t h e h e a d . C o n v e r s e l y ,
an area occurs at m o r e t h a n o n e level, a n d to p r o b l e m s i n t h e b a c k are g e n e r a l i z e d t o t h e
a different degree at e a c h level. Sideways cur- b u t t o c k s a n d legs a s w e l l a s t o t h e h e a d .
vatures of t h e b a c k , as in scoliosis, are a c c o m - T h r o u g h its c o n n e c t i o n w i t h t h e f a s c i a o f
p a n i e d by stepwise c o m p r e s s i o n of t h e soft t h e l a t i s s i m u s d o r s i , t h e l u m b o - d o r s a l fascia
(Fig. 21-6). T h e b o t t o m h a l f o f t h e b o d y g o e s
in o n e direction, w h i l e t h e t o p half goes in
t h e o t h e r . I n w a l k i n g , t h e l e g a n d h i p t h a t are
s l i g h t l y f o r w a r d h a v e less d i s t a n c e t o t r a v e l
a n d therefore t e n d t o m o v e m o r e straight
f o r w a r d . T h e o p p o s i n g l e g a n d h i p , w h i c h are
s l i g h t l y b e h i n d , h a v e t o w o r k h a r d e r a n d tra-
v e r s e a g r e a t e r d i s t a n c e . U s u a l l y t h i s side
m o v e s d i a g o n a l l y a n d w i t h a s w i n g . T h e dif-
f e r e n c e i s p e r h a p s a h a l f a n i n c h o r less. O v e r
y e a r s o f c o n s t a n t u s e , t h e side t h a t w o r k s
harder will s h o w t h e strain in t h e back. O n e
side w i l l s h o r t e n , g i v i n g t h e i m p r e s s i o n o f a
s h o r t e r l e g a n d a s l i g h t l i m p . V e r y s l i g h t dif-
f e r e n c e s i n d i s t a n c e i n t h e b o d y c r e a t e large
effects.
T h e p e a k o f t o r s i o n i n o v e r a l l b o d y spirals
Figure 2 1 - 6
will be m o s t a p p a r e n t at t h e waist, w h i c h
Habitual rotation of the body.
thickens and shortens. Most people have no
f u n c t i o n a l waistline a n d therefore few people
h a v e a c o n c e p t o f it. T h e w a i s t l i n e b e c o m e s
apparent w h e n the body unrotates and the
l o w e r f r e e ribs l i t e r a l l y lift o f f t h e p e l v i s . M u s -
cles a n d fascia on t h e inside a n d outside of
t h e v e r t e b r a l c o l u m n h o l d t h e l o w e r ribs
d o w n i n t o t h e tissue a c c u m u l a t i o n o n t h e
b r i m of t h e pelvis. As t h e lower back unro-
tates a n d lengthens, a waistline m a y miracu-
lously appear. This c a n result in ecstasy a n d
a n e w wardrobe for w o m e n . M e n m a y experi-
e n c e c o n s t e r n a t i o n i f t h e y b e l i e v e t h e pelvis i s
n o t supposed to exist except as a small path-
w a y b e t w e e n t h e l a r g e c h e s t a n d large t h i g h s .
Nevertheless, t h e y t o o will h a v e a m o r e ami-
a b l e r e l a t i o n s h i p w i t h t h e i r tailor.
T h e upward continuation of the erector
spinae into t h e neck blends with the pad at
t h e b a c k o f t h e h e a d . T h e largely vertical
a c t i o n o f t h e s e m u s c l e s i s m o d i f i e d b y a lat-
eral p u l l f r o m t h e m o r e s u p e r f i c i a l t r a p e z i u s .
Figure 2 1 - 7
T h e flexors on t h e front of t h e neck balance
For clarity, we have depicted the deep muscles of
the neck separated on the two sides. The compos- t h e e r e c t o r s p i n a e i n b a c k , w h i c h are e x t e n -
ite of the two sides make up the total myofascial sors o f t h e n e c k . A t t h e d e e p e s t l e v e l are t w o
complement. p a i r s o f m u s c l e s t h a t lie d i r e c t l y i n f r o n t o f
RECIPROCITY OF MOVEMENT 113
At t h e deepest level, by m e a n s of t h e
fibrous joint capsule, the periosteum of o n e
b o n e is continuous with the periosteum of
the next b o n e . W i t h i n the joint capsule,
b a t h i n g t h e e n d s of t h e b o n e s , is j o i n t fluid.
It is very similar in c o m p o s i t i o n to the inter-
c e l l u l a r m a t r i x o f all c o n n e c t i v e t i s s u e . T h i s
d e s c r i p t i o n a p p l i e s t o all j o i n t s t h a t a r e tra-
ditionally classified as freely m o v a b l e . O u r
feeling is t h a t it also applies to those joints
classified as slightly m o v a b l e or i m m o v a b l e .
T h e y differ o n l y i n t h e p r o p o r t i o n o f fluid
within the joint capsule. A n o r m a l joint c o m -
prises a d j a c e n t b o n e s , w h i c h l i t e r a l l y f l o a t
with respect to o n e another. If t h e ends of t h e
b o n e s a r e d r a w n t o o c l o s e t o e a c h o t h e r , irri- Figure 22-1
t a t i o n of s o m e k i n d will result. Conversely, The joint capsule matures.
J O I N T S 115
joints of t h e foot flatten a n d t h e n spring back keep t h e scarecrow upright. T h e s e deep sup-
into t h e arch as weight is transferred. This, p o r t s i n t h e l i v i n g b o d y are s o h a r d t h e y
t o o , is lost w h e n t h e ankle is i m m a t u r e . a l m o s t s e e m like s t e e l . Yet t h e y , t o o , h a v e
Immaturity of the ankles does n o t neces- t h e i r origin in t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue sleeve
sarily i m p l y a n i m m a t u r e i n d i v i d u a l . A n d y e t between and surrounding the bones, tendons,
t h e r e will be a c o n s t a n t awareness of lack of and muscles.
support. T h e consciousness m a y simply be Instead of a static image of bodies, we
t h a t my feet hurt. It d o e s n ' t m e a n t h a t I never w o u l d like t o o f f e r a d i f f e r e n t c o n c e p t . B o d i e s
feel g o o d a b o u t a n y t h i n g . I t does m e a n t h a t a r e n e v e r c o m p l e t e l y still. W h e n w e are q u i e t ,
e v e n w h e n I feel w o n d e r f u l , I am also aware t h e fine m o v e m e n t s of breathing and balanc-
t h a t m y feet are b o t h e r i n g m e . i n g a r e r e v e r b e r a t i n g f r o m h e e l b o n e t o skull.
Body types s h o w different ways of using At a level b e l o w c o n s c i o u s awareness, there
t h e c o n n e c t i v e tissue as a w h o l e . Our favorite i s t h e c o n s t a n t v i b r a t i o n o f tissue t h a t i s i n
imaginative illustration of this is to be found tone, ready to move.
in The Wizard ofOz. T h e T i n W o o d s m a n is I n t h i s s e n s e , t h e b o d y i s m u c h like a car
o n e c o m m o n type. T h e outside of the b o d y t h a t i s n o t t u r n e d off. W h e n i t i s n o t m o v i n g ,
h a s b e e n s o t o u g h e n e d t h a t t h e j o i n t s feel it is i d l i n g . Its m o v e m e n t is m e r e l y a s h i f t i n g
rusted. W e a l m o s t m u s t add oil t o get t h e m t o i n t o gear. W e m a y t h i n k t h a t i n o r d e r t o m o v e
w o r k . It's a s t h o u g h t h i s p e r s o n h a s n o c o n f i - we h a v e to pull ourselves o u t of a deep i m m o -
dence in t h e deeper structure; m o s t of t h e bility a n d inertia, b u t this is n o t t h e case. We
support is on t h e surface. can be aware of our constant m o v e m e n t and
At the other extreme is the example of vibration. We c a n be aware t h a t gesture a n d
t h e Scarecrow. He is soft a n d structureless a c t i v i t y are a s h i f t o f gear. T h e y a r e c h a n g e s
a n d pliable on t h e surface. T h i s is w h a t Ida in the intensity and direction of movement,
Rolf termed a "soft body." An extreme e x a m - b u t n o t a c h a n g e in state.
ple w o u l d be a person w h o is double-jointed. O n e expression of this attitude is in the
Yet w i t h i n t h i s s t r u c t u r e , a t t h e d e e p e s t l e v e l , old song, "I w a n t to dance with a dolly with
there is a t h i n core t h a t is u n d e r e x t r e m e a h o l e in her stocking while her knees keep
t e n s i o n . T h i s is similar to t h e t h i n sticks t h a t a-knocking a n d her toes keep a-rocking."
PART FIVE
Practical Applications
TWENTY-THREE
Doing Bodywork Based on the Connective Tissue Concept
knee. Thus this very small muscle controls t h e k n e e tissue against ever-greater k n e e flex-
the interosseus m e m b r a n e between these ion a n d e x t e n s i o n . This allows t h e client to
t w o b o n e s . Tibial rotation is manifest at t h e feel safe b e c a u s e h e / s h e c a n c o n t r o l t h e
ankles. T h e degree of tension in t h e Achilles degree of m o v e m e n t .
t e n d o n is an i n d e x of severity of rotation It should be r e m e m b e r e d that o n e cause
between t h e tibia a n d calcaneus. of i n t e r m i t t e n t acute pain in t h e knee is a
Evaluation is a s e q u e n c e f r o m visualization m e n i s c a l tear. T h i s i s n o t a n a b s o l u t e c o n t r a -
to m o v e m e n t to evaluation by touch. As we indication to work; cautious easing of the
m o v e t h e part, w e are starting t o evaluate b y j o i n t will b e h e l p f u l . U l t i m a t e l y , h o w e v e r ,
touch. It is almost impossible to know w h e n t h e r e m a y h a v e t o b e surgery. A n a b s o l u t e
evaluative touch ends and treatment touch contraindication to manipulation of the knee
starts. If t h e p a i n is acute, it is p o t e n t i a l l y (except by an expert) is a tear in o n e of the
hazardous to treat t h e acutely painful area c r u c i a t e l i g a m e n t s . S u c h a t e a r m a y b e felt a s
directly. It s h o u l d be possible to ease t h e pain hypermobility of the knee in the anterior-
with educated intervention above and below. posterior direction and is obvious with even
Your knowledge of a n a t o m y a n d y o u r careful s l i g h t m o v e m e n t . A f r a c t u r e is, a g a i n , a n
e v a l u a t i o n will t e l l y o u w h e r e t o s t a r t . S o m e - absolute contraindication to bodywork except
t i m e s i t i s h e l p f u l t o w o r k f a i r l y far a f i e l d i n in t h e h a n d s of an expert. If t h e client is able
o t h e r parts o f t h e b o d y — a s s o c i a t e d areas o f to walk i n t o your office w i t h o u t crutches, it is
reported p a i n or p r o b a b l e areas of dysfunc- unlikely that either of these two catastrophes
t i o n (see list i n H o w t o M a k e I t Last s e c t i o n , has occurred.
p. 126). Before we go m o r e extensively into
first i n t e r v e n t i o n , w e n e e d t o a d d a f e w c o m - First Intervention—
ments on treatment of acute knee problems. Example: chronic neck ache
E v e n t u a l l y i t will b e p o s s i b l e t o g e n t l y start S o m e practitioners are m o r e e x p e r i e n c e d with
t o work o n t h e fascial wrapping o f t h e k n e e visual evaluation a n d s o m e with palpation.
itself. A s i m p l e w a y t o d o t h i s i s t o r e s t r a i n Furthermore, o n e of the oddities of bodywork
tends to be that the more experienced the
p r a c t i t i o n e r , t h e less e x t e n s i v e t h e e v a l u a t i o n .
In part, this is because bodyworkers c o n t i n u -
ally evaluate as t h e y work. Evaluation is n o t
an endpoint, it is an o n g o i n g process.
I t i s i m p o r t a n t t o start w o r k w i t h t h e m o s t
s u p e r f i c i a l layers o f t i s s u e . W o r k i n g superfi-
c i a l l y u s u a l l y will a l l o w d e e p e r tissue p r o b -
l e m s t o e m e r g e t h a t w e r e n o t a p p a r e n t a t first.
T h e client will o f t e n report t h a t t h e nature or
l o c a t i o n (or b o t h ) o f t h e p a i n h a s c h a n g e d
a n d h e / s h e c a n o f t e n b e m o r e specific about
t h e pain. This is to be expected as a n o r m a l
p a r t o f p r a c t i c e . Early i n p r a c t i c e , i t c a n b e
confusing a n d h u m b l i n g w h e n this happens.
G o i n g t o o d e e p t o o fast will a l m o s t a l w a y s
Figure 23-1 create unnecessary problems and usually
Superficial muscles of the thigh. creates m o r e pain.
DOING BODYWORK BASED ON THE CONNECTIVE TISSUE CONCEPT 121
Figure 2 3 - 2
Fascial tensions in the neck and back.
122 T H E E N D L E S S W E B
The shoulder and neck assembly is one of O u r struggle in this b o o k has b e e n to put
t h e m o r e c o m p l e x structures in t h e body. O n e into words what is so obviously happening
i m a g e t h a t gives an overview is t h a t tissue is under our hands. We find it impossible to
gathered up into the neck m u c h the way a give a verbal description of i n t e n t i o n . T h e
p l a s t i c b a g i s g a t h e r e d a t its c l o s u r e . I n t h i s concept is often apparent when watching
i m a g e , a n y t w i s t o n o n e p a r t o f t h e n e c k will a n o t h e r bodyworker. It c a n be a useful ques-
spread d o w n w a r d to t h e structures below. t i o n w h e n t h e progress of work is stalled. A
T h e r e f o r e as t h e superficial layers of t h e n e c k c h a n g e i n i n t e n t i o n o r g o a l c a n r e s t o r e flow.
a r e e a s e d , t e n s i o n b e l o w a l s o starts t o e a s e . W h a t t o d o w h e n a n area i s t o u c h y o r t i c k -
B o n e s will shift their h o m e p o s i t i o n ; m u s c l e s lish? W e h a v e f o u n d t h a t t h e tissue deep t o
will shift their p l a n e o f a c t i o n . T h i s h a p p e n s a t i c k l i s h s p o t is i n v a r i a b l y e x c e s s i v e l y t i g h t .
gradually, over t i m e . M u c h h a p p e n s b e t w e e n Even t h o u g h ticklishness has a "don't t o u c h "
b o d y w o r k sessions. C h a n g e s are subtle at first; a s p e c t to it, it is a s i g n a l t h a t b o d y w o r k n e e d s
t h e y are c u m u l a t i v e a n d s o o n b e c o m e clearly to be d o n e . A light t o u c h is generally n o t
apparent. h e l p f u l . E a s i n g a r o u n d t h e area c a n b e u s e f u l .
At s o m e point going deeper b e c o m e s a O n e m a n e u v e r t h a t c a n w o r k i s t o m a k e use
natural e x t e n s i o n of t h e work in progress. of t h e body's neural wiring. Light t o u c h and
O c c a s i o n a l l y this is a t h e r a p e u t i c decision, d e e p t o u c h a r e m e d i a t e d b y t w o d i f f e r e n t sets
m o r e often it is the obvious n e x t step. O n e of nerve endings. It is possible to place the
s i g n i s t h a t t h e t e n s i o n s start t o b e m o r e o b v i - w h o l e h a n d f i r m l y o v e r t h e s e n s i t i v e area
ously associated w i t h specific m u s c l e action. while working more deeply with the other
Because the spasm in these muscles can be hand underneath the covering hand.
so severe that acute pain is elicited with light W i t h deeper work there is always t h e
t o u c h , i t will n o w b e n e c e s s a r y t o e a s e t h e potential of discomfort while working. Some
tissue by w o r k i n g further afield. In n e c k pain, c l i e n t s a r e a b l e t o feel t h r o u g h t h i s m o m e n -
w o r k i n g at t h e rotator cuff, t h e shoulder tary d i s c o m f o r t to t h e relief t h a t is h a p p e n -
joint, t h e back of t h e ulna just above t h e ing. Their usual c o m m e n t is that it is " g o o d
e l b o w , o r t h e m a r g i n o f t h e o c c i p u t will b r i n g p a i n . " T h e r e are at least t w o c o m p o n e n t s to
relief. t h e s e s e n s a t i o n s . T h e r e i s t h e tissue s e n s a t i o n ,
T h e s e are n o t b y a n y m e a n s t h e deepest which can be warm or hot or burning. This
layers. We are w o r k i n g our w a y gradually is akin to what happens w h e n you m o v e a
t h r o u g h t h e layers over a n u m b e r of sessions part t h a t has n o t m o v e d for a l o n g t i m e . It is
— t h r e e or four spaced a b o u t a week apart. t h e c h a r a c t e r i s t i c f e e l i n g o f c o n n e c t i v e tissue
T h e client's report of pain and your hands' s t r e t c h i n g . A n o t h e r c o m p o n e n t o f tissue p a i n
report of tissue resistance will be y o u r guides is v e r y m u c h like a s t a r t l e r e s p o n s e ; it is m o r e
o n h o w fast t o p r o g r e s s . I t i s a l m o s t n e v e r mental than physical.
advisable to use force to go t h r o u g h pain or B o t h a s p e c t s o f t i s s u e s e n s a t i o n will u s u a l l y
t i s s u e r e s i s t a n c e . T h i s b r i n g s u s t o t h e diffi- b e p r e s e n t , b u t o n e will b e m o r e p r o m i n e n t
cult-to-describe, intangible concept of inten- t h a n t h e other. In either case, it is useful to
tion. Intention has to do with how deep your m a k e sure t h a t t h e client is n o t h o l d i n g his/
h a n d s g o , h o w d e e p y o u r f o c u s is, h o w d e e p her breath. A l o n g slow e x h a l e is t h e best way
y o u w a n t to get w i t h a given m a n e u v e r . It is to ease t h e strain a n d allow t h e stretch. It is
hard to believe t h a t i n t e n t i o n is a m a j o r fac- also good to focus attention exactly where
tor; it is even harder to believe that there is t h e stretch is occurring a n d / o r to m o v e a
any such thing as intention. related b o d y part (wiggle t h e fingers). T h e r e
DOING BODYWORK BASED ON THE CONNECTIVE TISSUE CONCEPT 123
R o s e m a r y Feitis, D . O . , a t t e n d e d B a r n a r d C o l l e g e a n d t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f C a l i -
f o r n i a a t B e r k e l e y . S h e i n i t i a l l y w o r k e d w i t h Dr. R o l f o n t h e b o o k Rolfing a n d
eventually w e n t on to train as a Rolfer in 1 9 6 9 . She worked intensively w i t h
Dr. R o l f f o r a n u m b e r o f y e a r s , " k e e p i n g t h e i n f a n t R o l f i n g a l i v e , " a s Dr. R o l f
o n c e said, a s w e l l a s e x p l o r i n g s o m e o f t h e i n t e r e s t i n g b y w a y s o f t h e h u m a n
p o t e n t i a l m o v e m e n t . I n 1 9 7 8 , s e e i n g t h e n e e d f o r a less f o r m a l b o o k o n R o l f -
i n g , s h e e d i t e d Rolfing and Physical Reality, a c o l l e c t i o n of q u o t a t i o n s f r o m Dr.
Rolf's l e c t u r e s . S h e a n d L o u i s S c h u l t z are c o - e d i t o r s of Remembering Ida Rolf,
a c o l l e c t i o n o f s t o r i e s a b o u t t h e f o u n d e r o f R o l f i n g . Dr. Feitis r e c e i v e d h e r
degree in o s t e o p a t h y in 1 9 9 0 a n d currently practices Rolfing a n d h o m e o p a -
t h y in N e w York City.
D i a n a Salles e a r n e d h e r M a s t e r s D e g r e e i n M e d i c a l I l l u s t r a t i o n f r o m t h e U n i -
v e r s i t y o f M i c h i g a n . S h e i s c u r r e n t l y s e n i o r artist f o r t h e A m e r i c a n M u s e u m
of Natural History in N e w York City.