SACRO-OCCIPITAL TECHNIQUE
Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) was originally formulated by Major Bertrand DeJarnette (The Major) who was a Doctor (chiropractor and osteopath) and Engineer in the 1920’s. The Major was inspired to go beyond simple spinal adjusting and developed methods of correcting the Cranium, Pelvis, Extremities and Organs.
This study brought a system of adjusting patterns in the body, not just single body parts. The most significant pattern was the relationship between the sacrum and occiput (which became the name of the technique).
An important distinction of SOT is the use of indicators. Each adjustment has a sign or signal that we use to know when and where to adjust. For example, muscle tension at the knee may indicate the pelvis needs correction, and connective tissue fibers at the base of the skull (called occipital fibers) indicate different vertebra in the back or spine may be in need of an adjustment.
SOT offers very specific methods that are effective and specific for each individual patient’s needs. Each patient is treated individually and in some instances other SOT methods are needed to improve function of organs (CMRT – chiropractic manipulative reflex technique), cranial bone and TMJ (jaw), and foot, ankle, knee, hip as well as hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder function.
SOT cranial therapy is more extensive and varies from craniosacral therapy because SOT doctors are chiropractors trained as primary healthcare providers and can diagnose, treat, and refer for various patient presentations as compared to laypersons who have no such training or licensing.