Anatomy & Kinesiology

The sacroiliac (SI) joint is one of the most biomechanically complex joints in the body. Yet there is actually very little movement in the joint because of its need for stability. The SI joints are tightly bound with a dense webbing of ligaments on both the anterior and posterior sides. The primary stabilizing ligaments are … Read more

Everyone learned about muscle spindles in their basic training, but they are such a fundamentally important part of the neurological system that reviewing them is worthwhile. During muscle contraction, the central nervous system (CNS) sends signals to make muscles contract. It is the muscle spindles that convey more specificity to the CNS, essentially providing more … Read more

Specialized sensory cells in the nervous system give the brain information about the outside world. Some of the most important receptors are sensitive to sensations such as heat, pain, or pressure. Another very important category of sensory receptors are the proprioceptors, which are specialized cells that give the brain information about movement and the body’s … Read more

An exploration of torque and rotary motion in biomechanics and kinesiology, and how we apply these principles effectively in our practice. Torque is an important biomechanical concept, but also one of the most frequently misunderstood. Routinely I hear massage therapists talk about the adverse effects of torque on some soft-tissue structure. I can even remember … Read more

The piriformis muscle is one of the six deep rotators of the hip and lies deep to the gluteal muscles (Figure 1). Even though it is small, the muscle plays a vital role in hip mechanics. Figure 1 shows the piriformis muscle in relation to the surrounding pelvis. Note that the muscle attaches to the … Read more

The ankle complex provides a firm base of support for holding up and balancing the weight of the body. Yet, it also allows significant mobility. The ankle’s architecture must allow for adaptations in ground surface and propulsion of the lower extremity. It also functions to distribute high force loads. A good understanding of ankle structure … Read more

Understanding the Golgi Tendon Organ There are two primary proprioceptors responsible for maintaining proper muscle length and tone—the muscle spindle and the Golgi Tendon Organ (GTO). These two specialized cells work very efficiently together to control movement. This article focuses on the GTO and some common misconceptions about leveraging its function for manual therapy. The … Read more

There is no question about it – kinesiology is cool! That’s what I think anyway, and it boggles my mind when others are not as intrigued. But I think it is just that some simply do not realize the benefit of this fascinating field of study. In many cases knowing kinesiological principles is not just … Read more