SOT stands for Sacro Occipital Technique. “Sacro” refers to the sacrum, which is the base of the spine. Though often called the tailbone, this term isn’t entirely accurate. “Occipital” relates to the back of the head.
SOT aims to normalize the relationship between the sacrum and the occiput. This connection is necessary for the proper functioning of the brain and spinal cord.
Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) was founded in 1925 by Dr. MB De Jarnette and has been developed over the years. It provides chiropractic care and relief.
Below is a brief guide to SOT, including its categories, the SOT modules, and an overview of the process.
What is SOT?
Sacro Occipital Technique is named for the connection between the sacrum (base of the spine)and occiput (base of the skull). This technique is based on the idea that the sacrum and cranium work together to support the flow of Cerebral-Spinal Fluid (CSF) in the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system.
CSF acts like a circulatory system for the brain and spinal cord to regenerate nerve tissue. SOT increases the flow of CSF throughout the central nervous system and restores the functional relationships between the head, pelvis, and spine.
A key feature of SOT is the use of indicators. For instance, muscle tension in the knee might suggest that the pelvis needs adjustment. Similarly, connective tissue fibers at the base of the skull can indicate that other vertebrae in the spine may require attention.
These indicators also help us assess the effectiveness of previous corrections during the next visit. Based on these signs, we create a unique adjustment plan for each session to pay close attention to the body’s needs.
The Process
In a SOT treatment session, blocks or wedges are carefully placed under the pelvis. This helps realign the head, spine, and pelvis of the body. The patient’s body weight, along with gentle pressure from the chiropractor, helps in gradual realignment of these body parts.
The 3 SOT Categories
SOT chiropractors use a system to see how your body adapts to life stresses, which can show up as certain postures or symptoms. Three categories describe changes in the pelvis. It’s important to remember that altered pelvic alignment can also impact the diaphragm, rib cage, shoulders, neck, and jaw.
Each category outlines different compensation patterns, which help the chiropractor choose the best method for each person’s needs.
Category 1 : Cranial-Dural Issue
The sacroiliac joints can become misaligned, and cause hip rotation and sacral tilting. This tilting reduces the bumping motion of the sacrum, which lowers the circulation of CSF. As a result, nutrients decrease and toxins can build up in the nervous system.
To fix this misalignment, soft padded blocks are placed at specific points under your pelvis. Your body weight, gravity, and breathing together help stimulate nerve receptors. This process normalizes the sacroiliac joints and increases CSF flow.
Category 2: Sprain of the Pelvis
The ligaments around the sacroiliac joint can become stretched or sprained. This affects the body’s ability to bear weight, which further causes instability and balance issues. It can impact the nervous system and spine, particularly in the knees, shoulders, neck, jaw, and head. People in this condition often experience recurring injuries.
To fix this misalignment, soft padded blocks are used along with your body weight. This helps reposition and strengthen the sacroiliac joint and improves body stability.
Category 3: Lower Back, Disc, and Nerves
The vertebral discs act as shock absorbers and create space for nerves to exit. These nerves connect to your arms, organs, muscles, and legs.
When our bodies are out of balance, these discs can get damaged, thus, put pressure on the sciatic nerve and the back fascia. This disrupts normal nerve function.
With soft padded blocks, fascia tension, reduced disc bulges, and nerve interference can be reduced.
The SOT Models
SOT involves different modules focused on chiropractic techniques. These modules provide a complete approach to treat various health issues.
The first three modules, Categories 1, 2, and 3, help chiropractors assess and correct the pelvis. There are also several additional techniques to support these adjustments.
Each technique targets specific parts of the body and the nervous system. This allows practitioners to customize treatment for individual needs, including joint alignment, cranial adjustments, fascial release for organ function, and paediatric care.
The additional techniques include:
Extremities
Extremity joints can be affected by problems in the pelvis, spine, or skull. Issues in an extremity joint can disrupt the biomechanics of the entire body. Techniques that target extremity joint mechanics help improve the alignment and function of the whole musculoskeletal system.
Cranial Techniques
The dural-meningeal connective tissue attaches firmly to the cranial bones. Cranial techniques involve touching these bones, applying gentle force, and using diaphragmatic breathing to help move cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and support the nervous system.
CMRT
Organs are connected to a fascia system that links to the spine and pelvis. This means they can be affected by misalignments in the musculoskeletal system. This interconnectedness can also impact the jaw and lead to TMJ disorders and related symptoms.
Paediatrics
Pregnancy places significant strain on the pelvis and surrounding tissues. This process releases dural-meningeal tissue between cranial sutures to increase cranial movement and rhythm. This approach is mainly used for precise cranial adjustments through intraoral access.
How is SOT Different from Other Chiropractic Adjustments?
SOT (Sacro Occipital Technique) includes precise and effective clinical procedures. Dr. Major B. DeJarnette dedicated much of his life to researching what works in chiropractic care. He often tested methods on himself to understand the results firsthand. He also had others serve as patients during his experiments.
Through these repeated and reviewed tests, he discovered the true nature of spinal subluxation and the best ways to correct it.
He also found that the correction of spinal subluxations alone was sometimes not enough. So, he developed visceral manipulation procedures. These procedures improve organ function without using drugs or surgery.
SOT also explains the importance of normal cranial function for overall health. Issues with cranial bones and structures can lead to central nervous system problems, often missed by many other chiropractic approaches.
The Benefits of SOT
SOT practitioners understand that all body systems are connected and that structure affects function. This approach provides a broader view of the person to analyze their issues. It focuses on structure and movement, especially how breathing depends on the diaphragm, pelvis, and nervous system regulation.
SOT focuses on not just the obvious symptoms but also the underlying patterns that cause misalignment and discomfort.
Personalized SOT means that treatments are adjusted to fit each person’s needs. This method is helpful for patients with chronic issues that haven’t improved with other therapies.
Patients receiving SOT treatments often notice improved joint movement and a more balanced nervous system. Many also find relief from chronic pain such as lower back pain and sciatica.
FAQs
What function of the body does SOT correct?
SOT helps correct spinal issues and related nerve problems, such as back pain, headaches, and dizziness. SOT practitioners use specific techniques to improve organ function and can also treat head-related symptoms, including vertigo, TMJ, headaches, and ear infections.
Will it make the pain go away?
The primary goal of SOT is to normalize the body’s overall functions. When normalized, pain often decreases naturally. Thus, pain relief is simply a side effect of restoring balance to the cranial sacral respiratory mechanism.
Is this a proven method?
SOT has proven effective in thousands of clinics around the world. This healthcare method is improving and finding new evidence of its success. Many chiropractic techniques are based on principles first discovered by Dr. DeJarnette.
