Anatomy by Planes Archives

Anatomy by Planes

In these AxP or Anatomy by Planes blog posts Willem explains the ins and outs of the “Anatomy by Planes” anatomy atlas. They address the common focus on dissection that many soft-tissue therapists have and present a new movement-based approach instead. By understanding how skin, muscles, joints, and movement interconnect, we can improve our practice and clients’ well-being.

Written by

Willem Kramer

January 2, 2026

An Anatomy Atlas for Soft-Tissue Therapists

Movement—the bread and butter of soft-tissue therapists—happens within the anatomical planes of motion, where the integumentary, muscular, skeletal, and other systems collaborate as an integrated whole. This anatomy atlas is movement-based.

January 7, 2026

Motion does not happen muscle-by-muscle

Movement does not occur muscle-by-muscle, but within the anatomical planes of motion—where the integumentary, muscular, skeletal, and other organ systems collaborate as one integrated whole. When anatomy is viewed primarily through static dissection, we are inclined to see and treat parts rather than the movement they create.

February 20, 2026

Walking Involves All Organ Systems: A Systemic View of Movement

This Health Science video explains the health benefits of walking. It highlights a fundamental fact: walking involves all organ systems and positively affects each one.

February 23, 2026

Motion-Based Anatomy for Massage Therapists

Traditional dissection anatomy has a clear and necessary value; it establishes terminology, structure, and topography. But massage therapy requires an anatomical model that also reflects interconnectedness and motion.

March 4, 2026

The Anatomy by Planes Atlas in Clinical Practice

Most anatomy atlases show what skin, muscles, and joints look like. This atlas shows which skin, muscles, and joints work together and when. After three decades working with professional athletes and executives, that distinction has made all the difference in how I assess, treat, and get consistent results.

May 5, 2026

Muscles: A Small Part of a Larger Whole (part 1)

Muscles interact with skin, joints, nerves, and other organ systems. Treating them as if they work in isolation is a flawed approach. They never do.

May 7, 2026

Yoga and Anatomy by Planes: How Holistic is Yoga

Motion is holistic. It involves every organ system in our body. Yoga is a form of motion, but with 52 distinct styles ranging from passive to vigorous to heated, how holistic is it really? This article maps yoga's organ-system engagement across styles, based on peer-reviewed research.

May 17, 2026

An Introduction to Treating Complex By Complex

A complex-by-complex treatment is motion-driven, inclusive, and accurate. This introduction shows how the approach works, using a recurrent ankle sprain as an example.