Anatomy Trains Structural Essentials:
Tensegrity Spine
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Course Description
This course examines the spine as a tensegrity truss – how the bones float within the myofascial balance. An integral part of structure we all know the agonizing effects of incorrect mechanics when it doesn’t work and often fail to appreciate the wonderfully adaptive job it does when the vertebrae are allowed to ‘float’.
We will look at the actions available at each of the sections (lumbar, thoracic and cervical) of the spine and how they may lead to certain dysfunctional patterns. By putting the spine into context with the surrounding structures we can better understand the reasons for its limitations and its wondrous abilities.
Once we explain the logic pattern the soft-tissue patterns that surround the spine then through the assessment and learning our techniques for freeing and balancing them you will be able to address many structural and functional issues in the spine.
Course Objectives
You will be able to treat the following:
- balancing lordosis and kyphosis
- lateral curvatures
- rotations (and opposite rotations)
- supporting structures at the front and back of the spine
- balancing the spinal column with respect to the cervical spine and the sacrum
Prerequisites
You must have completed Anatomy Trains in Structure & Function (ATSF) to participate in this course. Keep in mind, once you have completed ATSF, you are eligible to take all 6 Structural Essentials courses. These can be taken in any order, or as one intensive format in our ATSI Part 1 course. The 6 ATSE courses are:
- Arches & Legs
- Fans of the Hip
- Abdomen, Breath and Chest
- Tensegrity Spine
- Shoulders and Arms
- Head, Neck and Jaw
Accreditation
This course is accredited by both Stichting Keurmerk Fysiotherapie and Kwaliteitshuis Fysiotherapie (Vakinhoudelijk algemeen) for 15 points.
Meet your Teacher(s)
This course is will be taught by either Michael Watson or Don Thompson, depending on the date.
Preparation: Recommended Literature
This course is based on the myofascial meridians outlined in the book, "Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual Therapists and Movement Professionals" by Thomas Myers. We highly recommend reading this book before your course if you have not already.
The fascial release techniques you will learn in this course stem from the book, "Fascial Release for Structural Balance" by James Earls & Thomas Myers.
If you'd like more information about the concept of BodyReading, we recommend "BodyReading: Visual Assessment and the Anatomy Trains," by Thomas Myers.
Locations
This course is offered in:
View the course page to see all available dates and locations.
Language of Instruction
This course is taught in English. 🇬🇧
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Next Steps
Once you have completed all 6 ATSE courses - either as 6 individual courses or 1 intensive format (ATSI part 1) - you are eligible to continue towards a Anatomy Trains Structural Integration Certification.
The next step in this journey is: Anatomy Trains Structural Strategies (Part II).
The final step is: Anatomy Trains Structural Integration (Part III).
Structural Integration Certification Map
Click here to learn more about the Anatomy Trains Structural Integration Certification Program.
Course planning
- 08:30 - 09:00: Registration with coffee and tea
Events
15 - 16 November 2025
- Amsterdam
- Michael Watson
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15 points (Stichting Keurmerk Fysiotherapie)15 points (Kwaliteitshuis Fysiotherapie Vakinhoudelijk algemeen)
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€525,00 €475,00 Avail. until 15 Oct 2025