
This course is for massage therapists, physiotherapists, personal trainers, yoga instructors and
fascinates of all movement modalities that are interested in expanding their anatomical knowledge
of locomotion system.
The course will be led by Marius Kurkowski, a physical therapist and manual therapy specialist.
Especially for a fresh physiotherapy and massage schools graduates who on this course can
find a practical way of palpatory explorations and learn key elements of structural biomechanics and
postural patterning. In many modalities this is a key aspect in building a intervention strategy.
Palpation certainty is the key to success.
This course is based on bestselling book of Andrew Biel Trail Guide to the Body and also its
curriculum. Supported by Trail Guide to Body book, PowerPoint presentation, pictures and video clips Students will receive a extensive colour script. Students will learn how to palpate bones and muscles and what is as important learn about body structural biomechanics and its postural implications. Solid knowledge and understanding how muscles work together is a base to further practical explorations.
Course Objectives
Palpation
Palpation is the use of the hands as a tool to locate and identify the various structures and tissues ofthe human body. Palpation is the ability to capture or “listen” to the sensation and expressions of the
body through the hands and to cultivate an unspoken knowledge of how the body is responding to
touch. The development of this kinaesthetic skill is the foundation of sound manual therapy
technique application.
Structural biomechanics
Kinesiology is the study of human movement as it relates to the interactions of muscles, joints,
tendons, ligaments, and the nervous system. The complexity of various functional activities is based
upon the balance, integral relationships, and biomechanics of these anatomical components. Basic
kinesiology is critical in the realm of manual therapy and bodywork, which creates an understanding
of normal anatomical structure and function.
Postural patterning
A cornerstone of many manual therapy modalities. Many different ways of looking at the body to
quickly asses its postural pattern. Many similarities between them. Every person has its structural,
habitual, functional posture – a relation to gravity.
Quality of Touch
Quality of touch is the sensitive intention and application of touch through the “laying on of hands”
which, when skilfully applied, can have a therapeutic effect. Quality of touch also includes the
recognition and variable use of appropriate pressure and depth as it relates to the various anatomical
structures and tissue layers of the human body. This innate sense and awareness are a necessary
cornerstone in creating and maintaining a therapeutic relationship and personal rapport.
Philosophy Statement: The Relevance of Palpation to Manual Therapy
The development and understanding of palpation and kinesiology are imperative to the actual
application of manual therapy and bodywork technique. Professional success and client safety are
dependent upon anatomical knowledge and skilful hands-on technique. This positive synergy of
information and action, when appropriately applied, is likely to result in a therapeutic exchange.
The course will be conducted in English with simultaneous interpretation into Lithuanian.
Seminar time: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Registration: 9:30–10:00 a.m.
Lunch: 1:00–2:00 p.m.
3-day course, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
34 academic hours (34 x 45 min.)
PROGRAM:
1 Day
09:00 – 09:30 Intro What is palpation Suggestions, hints, advice and safety of practical
palpation. Types of palpable tissues. Bones and bony landmarks. Muscles and types of
muscles. Tendons and ligaments. Blood vessels and nerves. Overall body topography and
navigation
PRACTICAL ANATOMY AND PALPATION (Kinesiology and biomechanics) – Shoulder Girdle and
arm
1. Trapezius
2. Latissimus Dorsi
3. Rhomboid Major and Minor
4. Deltoid
5. Pectoralis Major
6. Pectoralis Minor
7. Subclavius
8. Rotator Cuff muscles
9. Teres Major
10. Supraspinatus
11. Infraspinatus
12. Subscapularis
13. Levator Scapula
14. Serratus anterior
15. Coracobrachialis
16. Brachialis
17. Brachioradialis
18. Biceps Brachii
19. Triceps Brachii
20. Extensors of wrist and hand
21. Flexors of wrist and hand
22. Other structures
2 Day
09:00 – 09:30 Summary and revision. Thigh Topography Structures and bony landmarks
PRACTICAL ANATOMY AND PALPATION (Kinesiology and biomechanics) – Pelvic Girdle and leg
1. Gastrocnemius
2. Soleus
3. Tibialis Anterior
4. Extensor Hallucis and Digitorum Longus
5. Peroneus Longus and brevis
6. Tibialis Posterior
7. Flexor Hallucis and Digitorum Longus
8. Structures of the foot
10. Rectus Femoris
11. Vastus Lateralis
12. Vastus Medialis
13. Vastus Intemedius
14. Biceps Femoris – long and short head
15. Semitendinosus
16. Semimembranosus
17. Tensor Fascia Latae
18. Iliotibial Band
19. Sartorius
20. Gluteus Maximus
21. Gluteus Medius
22. Gluteus Minimus
23. Piriformis
24. Gemelli
25. Obturator Internus and Externus
26. Quadratus Femoris
Day 3
09:00 – 09:30 Summary and revision. Q’n’A. Topography Structures and bony landmarks
PRACTICAL ANATOMY AND PALPATION (Kinesiology and biomechanics) – Thigh, abdomen,
spine
1. Gracilis
2. Adductor Magnus
3. Adductor Longus
4. Pectineus
5. Rectus Abdominis
6. External oblique
7. Internal Oblique
8. Transversus Abdominis
9. Intercostals
10. Iliacus
11. Psoas
12. Diaphragm
13. Sternocleidomastoid
14. Scalenes: Anterior, Middle, Posterior
15. Masseter
16. Temporalis
17. Platysma
18. Spinalis
19. Longissimus
20. Iliocostalis
21. Quadratus Lumborum
22. Transversospinalis
23. Splenius capitis and cervices
24. Sub occipitals – Rectus Capitis major and minor, Obliquus Capitis superior and inferior