The Pelvic Diaphragm: Treating Pain and Dysfunction From a Global Anatomical Perspective

Treat pain and discomfort in the pelvic diaphragm with the latest research. The Pelvic Diaphragm: Treating Pain and Dysfunction From a Global Anatomical Perspective provides the latest research, fascial release techniques, self-release techniques, and movement practices to treat pain and discomfort in the pelvic diaphragm. Practitioners will explore an interconnected anatomical perspective, learning how the pelvic diaphragm connects to the respiratory diaphragm, cervical fascia, jaw, and tongue. With over 200 color photos and illustrations, this book provides a comprehensive overview of up-to-date research translated for clinical application. A fascia-based approach emphasizes fascial connections and continuity throughout the body, enabling therapists to use the body’s natural tension to improve outcomes in pain management and functional restoration. Hands-on fascial release techniques are included, as well as body reading strategies and assessment methods to improve accuracy in treatment planning. The book includes two chapters authored by experienced practitioners of manual therapy and Pilates. This gives readers the opportunity to see how concepts translate across clinical and movement settings. With a wealth of information on treatment strategies, The Pelvic Diaphragm offers practitioners a broad understanding of an interconnected anatomical perspective and the ways it can be used to treat each client’s unique situation. Pull back the curtain on the pelvic diaphragm and provide clients with appropriate, effective care.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1. Introduction: The WHY—Zooming Out to Look at the Bigger Picture! Introduction My Why Global vs Local Understanding Anatomy Gives a Clearer Intention Touch Body Reading How to Use This Book Equipment Needed Chapter 2. Fascial Origami: A Complex, Dynamic Structure that Connects, Divides, Adapts, and Supports Introduction Classification of Fascia Fascia Basic Components of Connective Tissue Sensory Receptors Fascia and Hormones Fascia and Aging Tensegrity References Chapter 3. Bony Pelvis: The Pelvis and Pelvic Diaphragm Are Balanced amongst the Outer Tensegrity Introduction The Bony Pelvis Palpation The Articulations/Joints Form and Force Closure Ligaments Tri-planar Movement of the Pelvis in Gait Key Takeaways References Chapter 4. Pelvic Diaphragm: It’s Not a Floor, It’s a Multilayered Adaptable, Interconnected Structure Introduction Pelvic Diaphragm Functions The Different Layers of the Pelvic Diaphragm Pelvic Diaphragm Contraction Pelvic Diaphragm Layers Experiential What Can Go Wrong Posture and the Pelvis What This Information Means for Clinical Practice Pelvic Tensegrity Key Takeaways Manual Techniques References Chapter 5. Connections from Below—the Feet and Legs: Support from the Ground Up Introduction Foot Anatomy Ankle Joints Extrinsic Muscles Down the Rabbit Hole—Intrinsic Muscles Windlass Mechanism Functional Link What Does This Mean? Athletes and Urinary Incontinence Shock Absorption Mechanisms Experiential—What Works for You? Fascial Link Body Reading the Foot and Lower Leg Common Postural Problems in the Foot and Limbs Key Takeaways Manual Techniques References Chapter 6. Respiratory Diaphragm: Your Inner Jelly Fish Introduction General Functions Anatomy of the Respiratory Diaphragm Down the Rabbit Hole—Phrenic Nerve Anatomy of the Breath Structure and Function Connections Fascial Layers Fascial Terms in More Detail Functional Connection to the Pelvic Diaphragm Breathing Pattern Dysfunction Posture and Diaphragm Function What Does All This Mean in Clinical Practice? Body Reading the Ribcage and Diaphragm Common Postural Patterns Key Takeaways Manual Techniques References Chapter 7. The Thoracolumbar Fascia Introduction Anatomy of the Thoracolumbar Fascia Down the Rabbit Hole—Lumbar Interfascial Triangle Down the Rabbit Hole—TLF as a Potential Source of Lower Back Pain What Does This Mean? Transverse and Vertical Connection between the TLF and Abdominals Quadratus Lumborum Key Takeaways What Does This Mean in Clinical Practice? Body Reading the TLF Manual Techniques References Chapter 8. The Floor of the Mouth, Larynx, and Jaw Introduction Fascial Connection The Deep Cervical Fascia Larynx Anatomy Down the Rabbit Hole—Muscles of the Larynx  The Functional Connection between Pelvic Diaphragm, Respiratory Diaphragm, and Larynx The Top of the Structure—the Larynx and Glottis What Does All of This Mean? The Fascial Breath The Jaw Connection Muscles of Mastication Down the Rabbit Hole—Tongue Anatomy Body Reading the Head and Neck Manual Techniques References Chapter 9. Self-Myofascial-Release Fiona Palmer Introduction Pelvic Diaphragm—Self-Release Feet and Lower Limb Connection to the Pelvic Diaphragm Respiratory Diaphragm Self-Release Thoracolumbar Fascia Self-Release Neck and Jaw Self-Release Key Takeaways  References Chapter 10. Treating Pelvic Dysfunction with a Global Lens through Pilates: “Stacking Up the Diaphragms” Sharon Michau Introduction The Foot The Respiratory Diaphragm Global Movement for Balancing the Diaphragms

About the Author :
Julie Hammond lives in Western Australia, where she runs a clinical practice and specializes in bodywork and structural integration. She is the director and lead teacher of Anatomy Trains Australia & New Zealand and lectures internationally. She organized the first Australian Fascia Symposium in 2020 and cofounded Balancing the Diaphragms. Hammond contributed a chapter on Anatomy Trains Structural Integration for Fascia, Function, and Medical Applications by David Lesondak.