Intulo Health Sports & Remedial Massage

26/03/2026

Ever heard of the contralateral sling system? 🤔

It’s one of the body’s most important movement systems—and most people don’t even know it exists!

The contralateral sling system connects muscles on opposite sides of your body. For example, your right glute works together with your left shoulder/lat. This cross-body connection is what allows you to walk, run, twist, and stay stable.
Why does it matter?

• Helps you move efficiently and powerfully
• Supports good posture and balance
• Protects your lower back from unnecessary strain
• Plays a huge role in sports performance and everyday movement

When this system is weak or not working well, it can lead to poor movement patterns, pain (especially in the lower back), and reduced strength.

The good news is you can train it!

Exercises like walking, running, bird dogs, dead bugs, and cross-body movements all help strengthen this system.

Your body is designed to move as one connected unit and not in isolated parts. Train it that way 💪

Anterior superficial gait connections of fascia and meridians….

It’s getting there, arm and leg pairings. This is the first one I got correct years ago by tracing the fascia from homolateral to contralateral patterns, and was told by an acupuncturist this is Yangming (stomach and large intestine). This started really connecting dots between embryology, contractile fields, myofascia, meridians and movement!

The X vs ll….our brains love the crisscross,engagement of the spiral 🌀?
Tuesday thoughts

19/03/2026

This is something I teach my clients to do ALOT! Breathing correctly … creating enough intra abdominal pressure that enforces stability … something as simple as lying on your back with your knees at a 90 degree angle with feet up against the ground wall and blowing into a balloon is a fantastic core stability exercise! This exercise engages all the deep core stabilising muscles … it’s a game changer for back pain! When the lower back is more inclined to fall into lordosis (duck ass I call it) then you’re inevitably going to have some malalignment at the pelvis and this can cause added strain on the lower back and inhibit core activation. The rib cage flares as a result of the lordosis and inhibits a natural breathing pattern. To change that we have to train the rib cage to come out of the flared position by creating enough intra abdominal pressure to get the diaphragm and the pelvic floor muscles to work together. It’s easier on the floor … this way we can ensure that the back muscles aren’t over engaging which they are inclined to do for clients who are naturally lordotic (duck ass). Working on the deep core stabilisers is instrumental when it comes to eliminating back pain! Try it and let me know how you get on x

🧠 Deep Core Anatomy: The Hidden Stabilizing System

Beneath the superficial abdominal muscles lies a complex and powerful system often referred to as the deep core. This region integrates the diaphragm, psoas major, quadratus lumborum, transversus abdominis, and pelvic floor muscles, forming a cylindrical support system around the lumbar spine and abdominal cavity.

At the top of this system sits the diaphragm, the primary muscle of respiration. Its dome-shaped structure separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities while also playing a crucial role in pressure regulation and spinal stability. During inhalation, the diaphragm descends, increasing intra-abdominal pressure and contributing to core stiffness.

Running along the lumbar spine is the psoas major, a deep hip flexor that connects the spine to the femur. It plays a dual role in hip movement and spinal stabilization, linking lower limb mechanics directly to the lumbar region. Closely associated with it is the quadratus lumborum, which stabilizes the pelvis and assists in lateral flexion of the spine.

The transversus abdominis wraps around the abdomen like a corset, providing circumferential support. When it contracts, it increases intra-abdominal pressure and works synergistically with the diaphragm and pelvic floor to stabilize the spine during movement and load-bearing activities.

At the base of this system lies the pelvic floor, including muscles like the levator ani. These muscles support pelvic organs and act as the foundation of the core cylinder. Together with the diaphragm above, they create a pressure-regulating system that enhances both stability and movement efficiency.

Biomechanically, this entire system functions as a pressure canister. When properly coordinated, the diaphragm, abdominal wall, and pelvic floor generate and control intra-abdominal pressure, which reduces load on the spine and improves force transmission throughout the body.

This deep core system is essential not only for posture but also for functional activities such as lifting, walking, breathing, and maintaining balance. Any disruption in this coordination—whether due to weakness, poor breathing patterns, or muscle imbalance—can lead to reduced stability, compensatory movement, and increased risk of lower back pain.

Understanding this anatomy highlights a key principle of movement:
👉 True core strength comes from coordination of deep stabilizing muscles, not just surface-level strength.

18/03/2026

If you sit at a desk all day with your hand on a mouse in front of you, invariably you’re going to gain what we call a forward head position as the neck muscles attach onto the shoulder. If the shoulder moves forward so it drives the head forward. Forward head posture causes headaches, migraines, jaw tension, grinding of the teeth, potential tinnitus issues in the ears and that all eventually leads to shoulder pain. If you’re struggling with any of the above then get in touch with Intulo Health Sports & Remedial Massage… we can help with soft tissue release and the right rehabilitation exercises to correct movement patterns.

Deep Neck–Shoulder Connection: Stability Meets Mobility

This image beautifully captures the intricate relationship between the cervical spine, scapula, and upper limb, highlighting how deep and superficial muscle layers integrate to control both stability and movement.

At the core of this system are the deep cervical muscles (like longus colli and longus capitis), which provide segmental stability to the cervical spine. These muscles act as fine-tuners, maintaining alignment and controlling small movements that protect the spine during dynamic tasks.

Layered over them are the posterior cervical extensors and fascial networks, which contribute to posture and load distribution. These structures connect seamlessly with the thoracic spine and scapular stabilizers, forming a continuous kinetic chain.

The levator scapulae (highlighted running from the cervical spine to the scapula) plays a key role in linking neck position to shoulder mechanics. When the scapula moves, the cervical spine responds—and vice versa. This explains why shoulder dysfunction often presents with neck pain or stiffness.

On the anterior side, muscles such as the scalenes and sternocleidomastoid contribute to both neck movement and breathing mechanics, while also influencing rib positioning and thoracic mobility.

The brachial plexus, passing through this region, further emphasizes the importance of space and coordination. Any imbalance in muscular tension or posture can alter this space, potentially leading to symptoms like radiating pain, tingling, or weakness in the arm.

Biomechanically, this region functions as a force transmission corridor. Loads from the upper limb travel through the scapula into the cervical and thoracic spine, while head and neck positioning directly influence shoulder mechanics and efficiency.

When this system is well-coordinated, it allows for smooth, pain-free movement with optimal load distribution. However, dysfunction—such as forward head posture, scapular instability, or muscle imbalance—can disrupt this harmony, leading to compensatory patterns and overuse injuries.

👉 The neck and shoulder don’t work in isolation—they are part of one integrated system.

03/03/2026

Olivia has an 11 am appointment available this Thursday if any of you would like to have a treatment? Please let me know xx

27/02/2026

At Intulo Health – Sports & Remedial Massage, we do things a little differently.

I’m a soft tissue massage therapist with 15 years’ experience in the industry, and my approach is precise, clinical, and results-driven. I combine deep, targeted massage with rehabilitation and biomechanics to address the root cause of pain and restriction, not just the symptoms.

Because my work is specific and effective, you don’t need to spend 60–90 minutes on the massage table to get results. I use advanced fascial release techniques and focused soft tissue work to get tissue moving and gliding efficiently. The goal is quality over time — getting real change without unnecessary hours of treatment.

Alongside me is Olivia, our sports therapist, who shares the same treatment ethos. Our approach is built around rehabilitation, strength, and stability — with stability forming the foundation of everything we do. We don’t just treat injuries; we help build resilient bodies.

If you’re dealing with pain, tightness, recurring injuries, or you simply want treatment that is targeted and effective, we’d love to help.

You don’t need to spend ages on the table to feel the difference — you just need the right approach.

Message us to book an appointment or to find out more.

Contact telephone number is 07789810752

24/02/2026

Mothers Day - Sunday 15th March

Mums do everything—and usually put themselves last.

This Mother’s Day, give her permission to slow down.
A sports & remedial massage helps ease tension, aches, and everyday stress… and gives her a chance to lie down and not think about anything xx

🎁 Mother’s Day Gift Vouchers now available…

Easy to organise. Meaningful to receive… and all you have to do is get in touch and I’ll do the rest ❤️

24/02/2026

Olivia has some availability this week at Intulo Health Sports & Remedial Massage at Shelley Manor:

Wednesday

10 am
12 pm

Thursday

11 am
1 pm
3 pm

Please let me know if you would like to come in and have a treatment xx

24/02/2026

Over the last few months, a lot of you have asked about appointment availability, especially during the daytime, so I wanted to share a little update and hopefully give you another great option 😊

While I’m still working evenings due to my role with AFC Bournemouth, I’m really fortunate to be working alongside Olivia, who is available during the day and is doing some fantastic work with clients.

One of the biggest benefits of seeing Olivia regularly is consistency. Daytime appointments are often easier to stick to, which means:
• more regular treatment
• better progress with ongoing issues
• less “fire-fighting” and more long-term results

Olivia’s approach is calm, thorough, and very much aligned with how I work, many of you who’ve seen her already have said how comfortable and looked after you felt, which is exactly what I want for you.

Of course, I’m still here too. If you’d like to see me in the evenings, you absolutely can, I’d just recommend booking ahead as those slots tend to go quickly.

In the meantime, if daytime suits you better, or if you’re looking to build a really consistent treatment routine, I’d genuinely encourage you to give Olivia a try. You’ll be in very safe hands.

As always, if you’re unsure who would be best for you, just drop me a message and I’m more than happy to advise.

Thank you, as ever, for your continued support, it really does mean a lot. As always I’m trying to continue to build the business and your confidence in Intulo Health Sports & Remedial Massage

20/01/2026

I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce Olivia to you all…

Olivia has revolved her life and passions around physical activity, health and wellness. Olivia did a Sports Science degree at Loughborough University which is where her sports massage and sports therapy training began 20 years ago. Olivia is also a pilates instructor and handstand coach and specialises in balance, calisthenics and kinaesthetic awareness. She is a professional dancer and acrobat and runs a Dance Circus Company called Joli Vyann. Olivia's expertise in dance and acrobatics plus massaging many dancers and acrobats, has given her a great deal of knowledge working with athletes. However, Olivia also loves to treat a huge range of bodies, working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds with different professions from office workers to sports professionals.

19/01/2026

✨ Two Professionals. One Goal: Helping You Move Pain-Free. ✨

We’re excited to officially introduce Olivia, who has been working alongside me for nearly four months and has quickly become a favourite with our existing clients!

👋 Meet Olivia
• Qualified Sports Therapist
• Gymnastics Coach with extensive experience
• Passionate about movement, rehab, and long-term results

Together, we combine years of industry experience to offer more than just treatment,
we provide the right rehabilitation, tailored advice, and hands-on therapy to help you transform pain, improve symptoms, and get back to doing what you love.

Whether you’re dealing with:
✔️ Ongoing aches and pains
✔️ Sports injuries
✔️ Postural issues
✔️ Rehab after injury
✔️ Training or movement-related discomfort

We will guide you through the right style of rehab, not just quick fixes.

🗓 Availability
• Olivia: Wednesdays & Thursdays (daytime)
• I’m available Wednesdays & Thursdays, 4pm–8pm (evenings)

💬 If you’ve been putting off treatment, or want expert guidance from two professionals who genuinely care about long-term outcomes, now’s the perfect time to book in.

📩 Message us to book or to find out which session is right for you.

25/12/2025

Merry Christmas to you all 😘
I hope you have a wonderful day, blessed with family presence, lots of love and happiness and your bellies are full from an abundance of food and merriment! Lots of love Amanda 🤶

13/12/2025

With the Christmas period looming I just want to confirm that the clinic will be closed on the 24th, 25th, 31st and 1st January xx