Thomas W. Myers is an American bodyworker, anatomist, and author who developed the Anatomy Trains framework — a mapping of continuous myofascial meridians (lines of fascial tension) that run through the body. The framework builds on Stephen Levin’s biotensegrity model and provides a practical anatomy for understanding how force distributes through the fascial network and how restrictions in one region produce compensatory patterns in distant regions.
Myers trained in structural integration (Rolfing) with Ida Rolf and in movement education. His Anatomy Trains framework identifies several major myofascial meridians, including the superficial back line (plantar fascia through erector spinae to galea aponeurotica), the superficial front line, the lateral line, and the spiral line. These meridians aren’t separate structures but continuous tension pathways within the fascial web.
The framework is used in manual therapy, movement education, and somatic practice to understand how local interventions affect the whole body and to guide therapeutic strategy based on the specific fascial meridians involved in a client’s movement dysfunction.
Notable works
- Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists (1st ed. 2001; 4th ed. 2020)
Related
- tensegrity in movement — the concept that Anatomy Trains maps in practice
- Stephen Levin — orthopedic surgeon whose biotensegrity model underlies Anatomy Trains