Chiropractic Techniques

Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) is a gentle, safe and effective approach to the care of the chiropractic patient.

SOT goes beyond looking at individual spinal bones and evaluates global neurological patterns that include the cranium (head), pelvis, extremities and organs. These patterns are the nervous system’s response to subluxation, in the form of compensations and adaptations, that seek to maintain function and comfort. Unless a person suffers an acute injury, most symptoms are the end result of years of compensating for old issue and subluxations that can date back to early childhood.

By continually examining and monitoring neurological indicators, the SOT practitioner works through the many layers of compensations in the body to get to, and correct for, subluxations that are at the root of the problem. Such an approach must address all of the involved anatomy: the bones of the skull, spine and pelvis, the dural-meningeal system (connective tissues covering the brain and spinal cord) and the CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid). The bones house and protect the nervous system. The connective tissue supports the brain and spinal cord by tethering them to the bones from the inside. Finally, the CSF is a fluid that surrounds the brain and flows around  the brain and spinal cord. It helps bring nutrients to the nerve cells, remove toxins and metabolic waste (like the lymphatic system of the body) and helps regulate brain temperature. Adjustments realign bones, reduce and equalize connective tissue tension and improve CSF flow. The adjustment reduces the irritation and increased aberrant stimulation of the central nervous system and promotes its well being.

For more information, visit soto-usa.com.

Craniopathy is the method of performing specific chiropractic adjustments to the skull bones. Adjustments to the skull, like the spine, helps to improve the function and health of the central nervous system: aberrant pressure and stimulation to the nervous system is reduced and the circulation of blood and cerebrospinal fluid is improved. Craniopathy is a part of the Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) and is practiced by chiropractors who are trained in SOT.

In addition to helping the overall function of the central nervous system, craniopathy can be helpful in managing headache, neck pain, TMJ issue, sinus problems, lower back pain and dizziness.

Craniosacral Therapy is a very gentle hands-on body therapy that uses light forces and specific holds to release blockages within the bodily tissues. The technique is based on the premise that unprocessed physical and emotional trauma is stored in the body's tissues in an attempt to wall-off its harmful effects.

The circulation of cerebrospinal (CSF) fluid around the brain and spinal cord creates a subtle pulsation (expansion and contraction) that is palpable to the trained hand. The unrestricted and efficient circulation of the CSF nourishes the sensitive neural structures of the brain and spinal cord and helps to promote pain relief and relaxation.

Craniosacral therapy was developed by the osteopath John Upledger in the United States. This work has it's roots in the gentle form of manual therapy called cranial osteopathy. In essence, it is a very gentle way to assess and treat the tissues of the body in order to restore their structural alignment and function. It can be used for problems related to the bones and joints, as well as, to the soft tissue of the body including the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia.

Graston Technique® is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.

The Graston Technique® instruments allow the clinician to isolate adhesions and restrictions, and treat them very precisely. Since the instruments metal surface does not compress, as do the fat pads of the fingers, deeper restrictions can be accessed and treated than by hand alone.

Graston Technique® is an interdisciplinary treatment used by more than 7,500 clinicians worldwide—including athletic trainers, chiropractors, hand therapists, occupational and physical therapists. It is utilized in over 800 outpatient facilities and industrial on-sites, by more than 125 professional and amateur sports organizations, and is part of the curriculum at 32 respected colleges and universities.

For more information on this technique, please visit grastontechnique.com.

ART is a patented soft tissue system that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with this technique.

Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. These treatment protocols – over 500 specific moves – are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. This method ensures that patients receive a treatment unique to their needs.

For more information on this technique, please visit activerelease.com.