Is the Skeleton Really Linear? Rethinking Alignment

Is the human skeleton really linear — or is that a fundamental misunderstanding of anatomy? In this episode, Joanne responds to a detailed YouTube comment that raises important questions about fascia, skeletal organisation, and so-called “linear” underlying structure of the bones. What follows is not a disagreement of style, but a clear challenge to biological inaccuracies that are commonly repeated in movement and manual therapy circles. Are bones straight? Is working to soften the tissue an advantage to everyone ? And does it always automatically restore function? Drawing on extensive fascia research, laboratory experience, embryology and lived movement experience, Joanne unpacks why the idea of a linear skeleton collapses under scrutiny and why misunderstanding this matters for anyone involved a movement or manual practice, therapy and teaching. This is a grounded exploration of anatomy, not a metaphor or a promotion. A reminder that living bodies are non-linear, adaptive, self-organising and unique. And that humans are not standardised mechanical frames waiting to be corrected. If you care about fascia science, skeletal structure, functional anatomy and embodied awareness, this conversation will sharpen your thinking. It will also, no doubt, invite more questions - which are always welcome. SIGN UP TO THE JOANNE AVISON NEWSLETTER Simply scroll down to ‘Join Our Collective’ and pop in your details. We DON’T spam and we DO respect privacy! FOLLOWING ON YOUTUBE? Do join us! Start here MORE: My website - My course - My book: - Instagram - joanneavison FREE ONLINE WEBINAR: Free Webinar - Podcast produced and edited by Megan Bay Dorman

You can listen to Is the Skeleton Really Linear? Rethinking Alignment online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Is the Skeleton Really Linear? Rethinking Alignment is an episode from Pain Removed Performance Improved by Joanne Avison.

This episode is 21:00 long.

This episode was published on Mar 2, 2026.

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