SACRO-OCCIPITAL TECHNIQUE (SOT)

What is it: SOT stands for "Sacro", which relates to the sacrum or tail bone, "Occipital", refers to the lower part of the skull, and "Technique". Therefore it is a system of diagnosis and treatment used to rebalance the integrity and function of the whole spine which affects the function of the brain and nerves that emmanate from the spinal cord. In SOT it has been found that patients will generally have one of 3 general categories of imbalance and these are treated with specific protocols. 
Category 1: This usually involves an apparent short leg on one side due to the way the body compensates by twisting the pelvic bones. The meninges (the protective and nutritional coverings of the nerves which flow down the spine) are attached at various points and in Category 1 the respiratory mechanism between the occiput and sacrum is affected to the point of causing tension in the meningeal attachments thus reducing movement, the flow of cerebro-spinal fluid and blood flow. 
Category 2: This occurs in patients who have problems with their sacro-iliac (pelvic) joints; because of the complex series of interconnections in the body, this condition can lead to postural imbalances, muscular dysfunction, problems with the workings of the jaw joints and skull bones. If the condition in category 2 is not treated soon enough, it can become more deep seated and lead to a category 3 imbalance. 
Category 3: This is where the patient has acute backpain often with sciatica (pain, numbness, tingling, and possibly pins/needles down the side or back of the leg), and the possibility of a full blown disc herniation (where the pad/s between the bones are disrupted).

Treatment: a number of techniques are used such as blocking, which involes the patient lying down over 2 wedge shaped cushions to help realign the pelvis, the use of a percussion instrument called an "Activator", and gentle pressure techniques using the hands placed over the skull.

History: SOT was created by Major Bertrand DeJarnette who was born in Nebraska, USA, in 1899. He originally became a mechanical engineer, but took up an interest in osteopathy when he had treatment for serious injuries he suffered in an explosion. He went on to qualify both as an osteopath and chiropractor. Over the years he developed a unique chiropractic diagostic and treatment system, and this culminated in the publication in 1984 of the "Manual of Sacro Occipital Technique". He died in 1992.

Conditions: Low back/neck pain, headaches, dizziness, conditions of the extremities. SOT is often used for a wide range of further conditions as restoring optimum flow of nerve conduction and energy has a beneficial effect on the whole body system.