Valhalla Manual Therapies

02/03/2026

The phrase “second heart” refers to how calf muscles help your circulation, not that there is literally another heart. The group of muscles in your lower legs — particularly the soleus — acts like a powerful pump that pushes blood upward toward your heart each time you walk, stand, or flex your feet.

These muscle contractions squeeze the veins deep inside your legs. One-way valves inside those veins then keep the blood flowing in the right direction — back toward your heart and not down toward your feet. This process significantly supports your cardiovascular system by aiding the return of deoxygenated blood.

If your calf muscles remain inactive for long periods — such as when you sit or stand still for many hours — this pump action slows down. Blood can then pool in the lower legs, which increases pressure in the veins and raises the chance of forming dangerous blood clots like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Because of this, keeping your calf muscles active with simple movements like walking, ankle flexes, calf raises, or even frequent breaks from sitting greatly helps maintain healthy blood flow. Active calf muscle pumping reduces strain on the heart and improves overall circulation, especially during long flights, desk work, or recovery from surgery.

In summary, the calf muscle pump doesn’t replace your heart, but it plays a crucial supporting role in helping blood return to the heart and in reducing the risk of circulatory problems when you stay active.

Credit:

27/02/2026

When receiving manual therapy of various types, it's not unusual to experience periodic discomfort. In most cases, we're able to distinguish between the ‘good’ pain from the ‘bad’.

But how? When a manual treatment is exerting a therapeutic effect, it moves the body closer to a state of homeostasis (balance/ease of movement). When this happens, we can sense it. We feel the pain, but we also feel that shift. In the absence of that shift (skipping sessions) we're left with only the pain.

In the clinic I work with you to address the pain, I never ‘force’ a certain number of sessions, they are always done at your discretion and it can be different for everyone-no two of us have had the same life experiences.

If you feel better (yay!) and go on your way then find the pain returns , you can always pop in for another session at any time ☺️

25/02/2026

A foot stuck in pronation PUSHES your weight to the OPPOSITE side. A foot stuck in supination PULLS your weight to the SAME side. It both are stuck the same way, it basically fixes your pelvis in place allowing for little flexibility.

This is why I look at and check the feet when addressing body problems elsewhere…happy feet and ankles often result in happy knees and hips.

24/02/2026

A few appointments left this week for most types of bodywork:

Friday 27/02 - 12:00
Saturday 28/02 - 12:15

Message to book in, new and existing clients welcome 🤩

23/02/2026

Although pain can be referred, it is also possible to have two linked problem areas where each affects the other without one being the cause of the other.

Not all linked pain is parent-child in nature. Some are siblings (eg children of the same parents). In these situations, the solution can often be found in a third area where you feel no pain.

This is why I look at the body as a whole.

20/02/2026

"It's never gonna get better -- I've had it for ages!"

I hear versions of this all the time. Just because a problem hasn't gone away on its own or after one type of treatment doesn't mean it can't be resolved with the RIGHT treatment. How long it's been doesn't necessarily matter, but keep in mind one session likely won’t fix it. Much like you can’t go into the gym for an hour and come out looking like the Rock, one hour in a body work session can’t completely heal the issue.

You will likely feel better, and if that’s your aim: success! If you want to address the root cause so it doesn’t recur, more session will always be available at your discretion.

18/02/2026

Nerves love three things: movement, blood flow, and space. When they lack one or more, this can eventually lead to symptoms, either of the nerve itself or another area forced to compensate.
Don’t ignore pain. Take action when the body whispers, otherwise it will shout to get your attention.

16/02/2026

Keep in mind that addressing ankle mobility for knee pain is always a good thing. The tibia helps form both the knee joint and the ankle joint. The motion at one can affect the other.

Here are some ankle mobility exercises/stretches that may be helpful. https://www.rfr.bz/f896ebe

*use video at your discretion, it is not intended to diagnose or cure.

💪 Get our programs here: https://e3rehab.com/programs/ Are you looking to increase your ankle mobility for squatting or other movements? Check out this video to learn everything you need to know about improving your ankle dorsiflexion range of motion! 💪 PROGRAMS: https://e3rehab.com/programs/ ...

13/02/2026

Looking for a few people who experience chronic tension to be body models as I look to improve an existing technical skill in fascial release.

T&Cs:
-must have chronic tension in either neck or back
-not currently under GP care for any condition
-not recently out of or scheduled for surgery
-between ages of 30-60
-no requirement to have had prior bodywork
-flexible for timing of sessions
-minimum 2 sessions, max 4
-cost £25 per session (regularly £60)
-please note not all applicants may be suitable for sessions

If you fit this criteria please get in touch! A short health form will be required prior to first session. Duration between sessions will vary per person.

WhatsApp or message on 07773157285, comments won’t receive a reply.

Many thanks 🙏🏼

13/02/2026

Having trouble with overhead motion and external rotation? It might not be your shoulder.

Sometimes where the pain or inhibition is felt can be a referral from the actual problematic area. This is why I ask questions and trace back to find the root of the issue. Where it hurts is valid but working on that area doesn’t always solve the problem.

11/02/2026

Pain and Body Work

Why does pain sometimes shift after a session? It’s something many people notice.

The main pain reduces…

and then another ni**le becomes more noticeable.

This can feel confusing. But often, it’s not that something new has been “created.” It may simply reflect how the nervous system processes sensation.

*The body prioritises the loudest signal*

Pain is not just about tissues — it’s also about how the brain interprets information. The nervous system tends to focus on:

*the strongest signal

*the most recent irritation

*or the area that feels most protective

When one area has been particularly uncomfortable, it can overshadow quieter areas of tension. As that more dominant discomfort settles, other areas may become more noticeable.

It’s a bit like stubbing your wee toe when you already have back pain — suddenly the toe becomes the main focus. Not because the back disappeared, but because the nervous system shifted its attention.

A simple way to think about it is like this:

When the loudest pain settles, your body lets you feel the quieter ones. It doesn’t mean something new has been created — it may simply mean your system is recalibrating.

How KCR may help

Kinetic Chain Release KCR) is a gentle, structured protocol that works through the soft tissues of the body, particularly muscles and fascia.

Rather than focusing on one painful area in isolation, KCR considers how the body functions as a connected system — often described as kinetic chains.

If one part of the body becomes tight or restricted, other areas may compensate. Over time this may contribute to:

*altered posture

* reduced movement efficiency

*areas of increased muscular tension

*general stiffness or discomfort

KCR aims to support the body by:

* Reducing overall muscular and fascial tension

*Encouraging improved balance through the chains.

* Supporting more efficient movement patterns

* Helping the nervous system reduce protective holding patterns

As tension patterns change, the body may reorganise. During this process, different sensations can sometimes become more noticeable.

It is important to understand that KCR does not diagnose medical conditions. It does not repair structural pathology. It is not a substitute for medical treatment.

It is a complementary approach intended to support overall balance and wellbeing.

Responses vary from person to person, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. If symptoms persist, worsen, or are unexplained, GP referral is always recommended.

07/02/2026

Slipped Disc & Pr*****ed Disc And How Kinetic Chain Release Can Help

There is no difference between a slipped disc and a pr*****ed disc. A ‘slipped disc’ is a lay term. ‘Pr*****ed disc’ is a medical term.

They are describing the same spinal issue, just using different language.

*Despite the name, a disc does not actually slip*

What happens is that the soft centre of the disc pushes outward, which may irritate nearby nerves and create pain, tension, or altered movement.

How Kinetic Chain Release (KCR) Helps:

Kinetic Chain Release does not force the disc back into place.

Instead, it works with the whole body, recognising that disc issues rarely exist in isolation.

KCR can help by:

• Reducing tension through the full kinetic chain

• Improving postural balance and alignment

• Reducing strain and compression through the spine

• Supporting nervous system regulation

• Helping the body move more freely and efficiently

By addressing the underlying tension and compensation patterns, pressure through the spine can reduce and the body is better supported to heal.