The Cotswold Academy - Complementary Health & Sport

17/11/2025

The borders and floor of the posterior triangle of the neck

The posterior triangle of the neck is an anatomical area located at the posterolateral aspect of the neck.

The posterior triangle of the neck has three borders:

Anterior – posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid.
Posterior – anterior border of the trapezius muscle.
Inferior – middle 1/3 of the clavicle.
The roof is formed by the investing layer of fascia, and the floor is formed by the prevertebral fascia

The posterior triangle of the neck contains many muscles, which make up the borders and the floor of the area.

A significant muscle in the posterior triangle region is the omohyoid muscle. It is split into two bellies by a tendon. The inferior belly crosses the posterior triangle, travelling in an supero-medial direction, and splitting the triangle into two. The muscle then crosses underneath the SCM to enter the anterior triangle of the neck.

15/11/2025

Learn advanced facial massage techniques, product knowledge, and the art of preparation and application for a truly transformative facial experience.

Course Highlights:

Natural and Effective: Holistic facials harness the power of specialist massage techniques and natural products, eschewing reliance on expensive, artificial products. This approach enhances the skin’s natural processes while providing deep relaxation for clients.

Customised Exfoliators and Masks: Learn to craft and apply your own exfoliators and masks, offering a personalised touch to each facial treatment.

Client Wellbeing and Rejuvenation: Through holistic facials, clients will experience heightened overall wellbeing, a rejuvenated glow, smooth radiant skin, relaxed facial muscles, and a visible reduction in stress and worry lines.

This is one of our most popular and well-loved courses so books up fast!

There are currently still spaces available for our February course date!

15/11/2025

14/11/2025

📌Control of a forward lean in the

👉(A) initial phase and
👉(B) latter phase of the movement.

The lumbar erector spinae, gluteus maximus, and hamstring muscles act eccentrically to control a flexor moment about an axis fixed in the femoral heads. Note that the moment arm of the hamstring muscles (small black arrowhead) increases with increased trunk flexion, allowing them to control a large flexion moment with somewhat reduced motor unit recruitment.

Details📝

◼️ The control of leaning forward

Described as an activity performed every day

The mechanics of this movement involve a shift in muscle activity dependent on the body's center of mass

👇

◼️ Phases and Muscle Actions in Controlling a Forward Lean

🟩 1. Initiation

The movement begins with the activation of the abdominal muscles, which initiates trunk flexion

🟦 2. Transition of Control

Once the mass of the head/arms/trunk passes anterior to the body's center of mass (COM), the activity of the abdominal muscles ceases

🟧 3. Controlling the Flexion

Following the cessation of abdominal muscle activity, there is activation of the lumbar erector spinae and hip extensors

👉

◼️ Role of the Hip Extensors in Controlling the Flexor Moment

💠 The lumbar erector spinae, gluteus maximus, and hamstring muscles act eccentrically to control a flexor moment about an axis fixed in the femoral heads

💠 Research has demonstrated that the moment arms of the hamstring muscles make them more effective hip extensors than the gluteus maximus during both phases of a forward lean

💠 The moment arm of the hamstring muscles increases as trunk flexion increases, which allows them to control a large flexion moment with a somewhat reduced motor unit recruitment

💠 If an individual maintains an extended knee position as the forward lean progresses, the increased passive tension in the hamstring-tendon actuators provides additional control while simultaneously sparing some metabolic cost

14/11/2025

A few homely touches go a long way 🪴

We’ve refreshed our classroom — a lovely reminder that small changes can make a big difference to how your clients feel in your space.

Try it with us! Take a fresh look at what your clients see (even from the couch!), check the temperature, lighting, ambiance, aroma, clear the clutter, and add a hint of calm.

13/11/2025

Let's start thinking about reinvigorating cold leads - https://mailchi.mp/cotswoldacademy/pd0m1nlc81-3119313

13/11/2025

The sciatic nerve - always seems to be getting the blame for everything

Here are some cool facts about this powerful nerve:
(But remember - it’s merely an extension of the spinal cord)

It’s the longest and thickest nerve in the human body – The sciatic nerve can be up to 2 cm wide (about the width of your little finger) and runs all the way from your lower spine through your buttocks and down to your toes.

It’s actually a bundle of nerves – What we call the “sciatic nerve” is formed from five spinal nerve roots (L4–S3) that merge in the lower back, then branch out again down the leg. So it’s more like a nerve superhighway than a single wire!

It controls both movement and sensation – The sciatic nerve is a mixed nerve, meaning it carries signals to your muscles (motor) and from your skin (sensory). That’s why irritation can cause both pain or numbness and weakness or loss of movement in the leg.

The coolest part?
2 sets of our suboccipital muscles in the neck connects to the dura mater (protective covering of the spinal cord and brain), and tension in these muscles can affect tension along the dura mater, ultimately having the possibility of affecting the sciatic nerve further down!

Credit: &

12/11/2025

12/11/2025

Coming up over the next few months…

🗓️ Dates for your diary over the festive period & beyond!

10/11/2025

09/11/2025

Your lymphatic system might not get much attention in everyday conversation, but it’s quietly working for you every second of every day—balancing fluids, supporting immunity, and maintaining internal harmony. Yoga, when practiced with awareness and intention, provides one of the most natural, el...

08/11/2025

In-Depth Exploration of the Leg Muscle Anatomy

"Unravel the intricate web of muscles that power our legs with this captivating anatomical illustration. Discover the key muscle groups, like the quadriceps and hamstrings, that work in harmony to facilitate walking, running, and other lower body functions. An enlightening exploration of the biology behind our physical mobility.