Use this beside the routine. Students should be able to explain what lies beneath each regional sequence before they perform it.
| Routine region | Major anatomy to know | Protect / think about |
|---|---|---|
| Scalp / occiput | Temporalis, occipital region, suboccipitals, upper trapezius attachments | Eyes, ears, hair traction, headache sensitivity, cervical comfort |
| Upper back/scapula | Trapezius, levator, rhomboids, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, scapular borders | Spinous processes, acromion, superficial nerves, client shoulder ROM |
| Low back | Erector spinae, QL, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest, 12th rib | Floating ribs, kidneys/deep abdominal region, spinous processes |
| Glutes | Glute max/med, deep lateral rotators, sacrum, greater trochanter, iliac crest | Sacrum/bone, sciatic region, consent/draping, client hip pathology |
| Posterior thigh | Hamstrings, adductors medially, IT tract laterally | Ischial region, medial-thigh boundaries, popliteal fossa distally |
| Posterior lower leg | Gastrocnemius, soleus, Achilles tendon | DVT red flags, varicose veins, popliteal fossa, fibular head |
| Foot | Calcaneus, plantar fascia, intrinsic foot musculature | Acute injury, neuropathy, wounds, fungal infection, client ticklishness/sensitivity |
| Anterior thigh | Quadriceps, sartorius, TFL/IT tract, adductors | Femoral triangle, medial-thigh boundaries, patella/knee pathology |
| Anterior lower leg | Tibialis anterior, extensor compartment, fibularis muscles laterally, tibia | Tibial crest, fibular head/common fibular nerve, edema/injury |
| Forearm/arm | Flexor/extensor compartments, biceps, brachialis, triceps, deltoid | Cubital tunnel/fossa, superficial veins, radial/ulnar/median nerve regions, axilla |
| Pectoral/chest | Pectoralis major, clavicle, anterior shoulder | Breast/chest boundaries, explicit consent, secure draping, subclavian/brachial plexus region |
| Neck | SCM, scalenes, upper trapezius, splenii, suboccipitals | Carotid sinus/artery, jugular veins, trachea, thyroid region, brachial plexus, cervical transverse processes |
A practical routine is also a kinesiology/pathology lesson. Every time you perform a stroke, ask: What tissue is under my hand? What action does that muscle perform? What nerve supplies it? What endangerment site is nearby? What pathology would make me change this?