Massage by Marie

Dear Clients,

Unfortunately, I need to let you know that I will have to cancel all appointments over the next two weeks.

Although I had hoped to continue working until the 17th of August, I was admitted to hospital last night and have since been discharged with strict medical advice to remain on bed rest for the health and safety of both myself and my baby.

I have a follow-up appointment with my specialist on Monday, where we will discuss the plan for the remainder of my pregnancy and the safest way forward. With only two weeks until my due date, my priority must now be following medical advice and focusing on the wellbeing of both myself and my baby.

I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to thank you all for your understanding, patience, and continued support during this time.

My booking system will reopen from the beginning of November, and I look forward to welcoming you back then. Should anything change, I will keep you updated.

In the meantime, I have been in contact with a wonderful therapist who will be covering some days in my treatment room, offering reflexology and potentially a selection of other treatments. I will share further details as soon as everything has been finalised.

Thank you once again for your kindness, understanding, and well wishes. They are greatly appreciated, and I look forward to seeing you all again once I return.

With love,

Marie
Massage by Marie

𝐆𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

The gluteal muscles do far more than shape the hips—they are the foundation of efficient movement, pelvic stability, and force generation. Dysfunction of these muscles is associated with low back pain, hip pain, knee injuries, poor athletic performance, and abnormal gait mechanics.

🔹 The Three Gluteal Muscles

1️⃣ Gluteus Maximus – The Primary Hip Extensor The largest and most powerful muscle in the human body.

Functions:

✔ Hip extension
✔ External rotation
✔ Assists hip abduction (upper fibers)
✔ Assists hip adduction (lower fibers)
✔ Controls trunk flexion during lifting
✔ Provides propulsion during walking, running, jumping, and climbing stairs

Biomechanical Importance • Generates powerful hip extension during the push-off phase of gait • Reduces lumbar spine overload by sharing extension forces • Stabilizes the sacroiliac joint through the thoracolumbar fascia • Controls femoral internal rotation during dynamic activities

2️⃣ Gluteus Medius – The Pelvic Stabilizer

Often called the "guardian of single-leg balance."

Functions:

✔ Hip abduction
✔ Pelvic stabilization
✔ Controls femoral alignment
✔ Assists internal and external rotation depending on hip position

Biomechanical Importance During single-leg stance (walking, running, climbing stairs):

➡ Prevents the pelvis from dropping on the opposite side.

➡ Maintains frontal-plane stability.

➡ Keeps the body's center of mass over the stance leg.

Weakness can lead to:

❌ Trendelenburg gait
❌ Hip drop
❌ Dynamic knee valgus
❌ Increased ACL injury risk
❌ Patellofemoral pain syndrome

3️⃣ Gluteus Minimus – The Deep Stabilizer

Though smaller, it plays a critical role in hip mechanics.

Functions:

✔ Hip abduction
✔ Internal rotation
✔ Dynamic stabilization of the femoral head

Biomechanical Importance

• Maintains congruency of the hip joint
• Controls femoral motion during gait
• Improves hip stability during weight transfer

🔬 Biomechanics During Walking

During the stance phase:

✅ Gluteus medius and minimus prevent pelvic drop.

During the terminal stance:

✅ Gluteus maximus generates hip extension to propel the body forward.

During landing:

✅ All three muscles eccentrically control hip flexion, femoral internal rotation, and knee alignment.

Without proper gluteal activation, the body compensates through the lumbar spine, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calf muscles, increasing injury risk.

⚠ What Happens When the Glutes Are Weak?

Weak gluteal muscles can contribute to:

🔸 Chronic low back pain
🔸 Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
🔸 Hip impingement
🔸 Iliotibial band syndrome
🔸 Patellofemoral pain
🔸 Dynamic knee valgus
🔸 ACL injuries
🔸 Hamstring strains
🔸 Poor running mechanics
🔸 Balance deficits
🔸 Reduced athletic performance

🏋️ Evidence-Based Glute Strengthening

✔ Glute Bridge / Hip Thrust
✔ Clamshell
✔ Side-Lying Hip Abduction
✔ Monster Walks
✔ Lateral Band Walks
✔ Bulgarian Split Squat
✔ Romanian Deadlift
✔ Step-Ups
✔ Single-Leg Squat (with proper alignment)

Focus on quality of movement, not just resistance. Proper pelvic control and neuromuscular activation are essential for optimal function.

📌

The gluteal muscles are not merely hip movers—they are essential stabilizers that coordinate the pelvis, hip, knee, and spine during every step, squat, jump, and lift. Restoring glute strength and motor control should be a priority in rehabilitation for lower limb injuries, lumbar disorders, and performance optimization.

💬 Do you routinely assess gluteal function in patients with hip, knee, or low back pain? Share your clinical experience below.

— Dr Ashutosh Srivastav PT

Persistent neck stiffness is rarely caused by just "one thing." Instead, it is usually a complex combination of overactive, tight muscles and underactive, weak muscles working against each other. 🧠💥
When deep neck flexors or lower trapezius muscles lack strength, the body overcompensates by overworking muscles like the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and suboccipitals. Add daily habits like "tech neck," high stress, and unsupportive sleep positions into the mix, and you get a perfect recipe for chronic tension and limited movement.

I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone for all the kind words and well wishes yesterday. It really meant so much to me.

Baby is doing well, and as for me, I just have a few levels that need sorting out, but otherwise I’ll be back to it tomorrow. 😊 Thank you all again for your support and kindness—it truly means the world. ❤️

Apologies to everyone booked in today Iv had to cancel due to collapsing this morning. I’m off to hospital but as soon as they let me escape I will be in touch to reschedule.

❤️