Anatomy Trains by Tom Myers: Revolutionising How We Understand Fibromyalgia & Chronic Back Pain

At Physology, we apply Anatomy Trains principles through Myofascial Release & other Fascia-focused techniques to deliver Chronic Back Pain treatment and Fibromyalgia Pain Treatment in Bath.

Imagine thinking your back pain comes from your back... only to discover it's connected to your opposite hip through a continuous web of tissue - Fascia.

This is the game-changing insight from Tom Myers and his groundbreaking work, Anatomy Trains.

Fascia lines create tension around the skeletal system.

Traditional anatomy teaches us about individual muscles – like the hamstrings or pecs – as separate parts. But Myers shows us the body as one interconnected system through Myofascial meridians (often called "Anatomy Trains"). These are lines of Fascia – the body's connective tissue – that link muscles, bones, and organs into functional "trains" running head to toe.

Without understanding Anatomy Trains, it's nearly impossible to find the true root cause of chronic pain. Pain in one spot is often a symptom of restriction or imbalance along these trains, some distance away.

In this guide, we'll explain Anatomy Trains in simple, everyday language, show you the stunning visuals that make it click, and explore why this approach is essential for resolving issues like chronic pain, Lower Back Pain, and Fibromyalgia pain.

What Are Anatomy Trains? A Simple Explanation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSa6KbosJS0

Think of your body like a tent: the poles are bones, the canvas is muscles, but the guy-lines and fabric holding everything together is Fascia.

Tom Myers, a pioneer in Fascial anatomy, mapped how Fascia forms continuous "trains" or lines that transmit force across the body. These aren't random – they're predictable pathways that explain why a tight calf can cause neck pain, or why poor posture pulls on your low back.

There are 12 main Anatomy Trains (Myofascial meridians), including:

• Superficial Back Line: From toes, up the back of legs, spine, to forehead – explains why plantar fasciitis links to headaches.

• Superficial Front Line: Toes to jaw – restrictions here can cause forward head posture and breathing issues.

• Spiral Line: Wraps around the body like a double helix – key for rotation and twisting movements.

• Functional Lines: For throwing, reaching – why shoulder problems often tie to the opposite hip.

  
  

Myers' work shows the body isn't a collection of 600 separate muscles – it's one continuous Fascial network. Pull one spot, and the tension travels along the train.

Tom Myers Explains It Himself: The Famous Google Talk

A Deeper Look At Anatomy Trains | Tom Myers | Talks at Google

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOzsDItW7Bs

Visual: The New Muscle Maps – Anatomy Trains Redefines the Body

Traditional anatomy books show muscles as isolated (e.g., "biceps here, hamstrings there").

Myers' "new muscle maps" show them connected in trains: (Illustrations from Anatomy Trains book – Superficial Back Line, Spiral Line, and full-body meridian map.)

These are the new true muscle maps of the body. The old red muscle charts you see in doctors' surgeries are out of date and no longer seen as the true muscular structure

These maps reveal why treating just the painful spot rarely works long-term – the tension is coming from elsewhere along the train.

Why It's Impossible to Fix Chronic Pain Without Anatomy Trains

Chronic pain isn't usually from one "bad" muscle – it's from imbalances in the Fascial trains.

• Lower back pain: Often from tight Superficial Back Line pulling on the lumbar Fascia (not just weak core).

• Fibromyalgia: Widespread tenderness along multiple trains due to global Fascial restrictions.

• Neck/shoulder pain: Front Line shortness + Lateral Line imbalance from desk posture.

  
  

Without mapping the trains, therapists chase symptoms. With Anatomy Trains, we trace the line to the silent source – e.g., releasing foot Fascia to ease low back pain.

Myers' approach has transformed therapy: evidence shows Fascial release along trains reduces pain better than isolated muscle work (studies in the latest Anatomy Trains edition, 2020).

Anatomy Trains in Practice: The Physology Method in Bath & Bristol

At our clinic in Bath, we use Tom Myers' Anatomy Trains as the foundation for treating chronic pain, lower back pain, and Fibromyalgia pain.

By assessing and addressing root causes along the Anatomy Trains, we address root causes – not just symptoms. Patients often say: "No one ever made these connections to my body as a whole, and now I'm pain-free!"

Ready to map your trains and find real relief? Contact us for a Fascia-focused assessment.

Conclusion: See Your Body in a New Way

Tom Myers' Anatomy Trains isn't just theory – it's a practical map that explains why pain travels and how to stop it at the source.

Watch the Google talk, study the maps, and understand: your body is one connected train, not separate parts. We then combine this with other leading research to create a process taking you from pain to pain-free. We call this process The Physology Method. Everywhere you see us mention our work in the Premier League, the Physology Method is used at that level.

If you're looking for Back Pain Treatment or Fibromyalgia Pain Treatment in Bath or Bristol, send us a message now. To deep dive into your Fibromyalgia Pain from this up-to-date approach, check out our Fibromyalgia Focus Guide and our Back Pain Guide.