Understanding My Approach to Care
Exploring the techniques, philosophies and practices that shape my approach to gentle, thoughtful care.
Every person and every body is different, and understanding the techniques I use is an important part of understanding my approach to care. Over more than four decades in practice, I’ve continued to learn, study, and refine my work in Cranial Care™, Sacro Occipital Technique® (SOT®), SOT Methods®, and Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex Technique (CMRT™).
This section offers an introduction to these techniques, how they fit into my practice, and the questions I’m most often asked. I hope to make the information accessible, encourage curiosity, and help you better understand the care I provide.
What are the Sacro Occipital Technic™ and SOT® Methods?
SOT™ and SOT ® Methods is a gentle, low force approach to Chiropractic care. A truly holistic approach to healthcare today. It was developed by Dr. DeJarnette, whose premise was “Normal Structure produces Normal Function”. SOT uses a systemic and systematic approach to removing neurological, structural and functional interferences to help restore the body’s innate healing ability. SOT ® Methods promote specific treatment approaches for issues involving the spine, pelvis, cranium, organs, extremities, nervous system, brain and muscles.
It is called Sacro Occipital Technique, or SOT, because of the several integrated procedures that include functional neurology, structural misalignment, soft tissue reflexes, visceral reflexes, vagus nerve interference and chiropractic craniopathy, which address the primary craniosacral/ respiratory mechanism.
SOT™ gives us the knowledge or a specific approach as to how to treat migraines, acute neck, back and hip pain. Plus TMJ disorders, gut issues, leg, shoulder, arm pain and so much more!! SOT™ and all it has to offer is one of the most researched, developed and utilized Chiropractic techniques around the world.
Research for SOT ® is ongoing through SORSI, or Sacro Occipital Research Society International. Hundreds of books, published papers and most importantly, satisfied patients continue to inspire me and my colleagues to study the works of Dr. DeJarnette and all the amazing doctors throughout the years in order to help people live their best life! For more information regarding SOT ™ and SOT ® Methods go to www. sorsi.com.
What is Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex Technique or CMRT?
CMRT is part of the integrated SOT ® procedure that specifically addresses organ function or dysfunction. It involves occipital fibers or tiny filaments which enter the skull at the base of the brain and attach to the dura, the covering of the brain. Dr.DeJarnette was the first to discover these fibers and what role they play in organ dysfunction back in 1931. It took him years to untangle this complex neurological system. With the help of Arthur Guyton, MD and others, CMRT was born! He claimed that it is seldom that you see a patient for a skeletal problem that doesn’t have an underlying visceral (organ) problem. He also said this was our visceral defense system and I agree! These small fibers react to nerve impulses from the brain when an organ is stressed. Organ function can be stressed by spinal nerve interference, nutritional deficiencies, emotional imbalance, medical conditions and more. Organ disturbance can cause swelling and tenderness in these fibers. The swelling it creates can be a contributing factor in chronic headaches if it goes undetected. The trained SOT ® doctor can palpate the fibers that lead to a specific organ and then support the involved organ with its particular reflex work. Every organ or organ system has a specific reflex and soft tissue technique. CMRT seeks to restore normal visceral position and function, removing interference from impinged structures, nerves, blood vessels, and restoring normal lymph channels. This visceral
technique encourages normal circulation and normal nervestimulation. It also enables the SOT ® doctor to guide thepatient with proper nutrition and nutritional supplements thatwill continue to support healthy organ function.
Cranial Technique™ and Chiropractic Craniopathy
Chiropractic Craniopathy: “The philosophy, art and science of treating the cranium, structurally and functionally as performed by {trained} Chiropractic Physicians.” Dr. Joseph Unger * Dr. DeJarnette began this work in the 1920s following the footsteps of W.G. Sutherland D.O. but integrating a system of checks and balances. It involves the Cranio Sacral Respiratory Motion, or the flow of cerebral spinal fluid through the central nervous system within the dura, the protective covering of our nervous system. Cranial Technique is extremely valuable in the treatment of headaches, migraines, TMJ disorders, sinus issues, traumatic brain injuries, strokes, concussions, Bell’s palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia and so much more. Since the brain houses approximately 80% of our nervous system, it's important that we treat it with gentle, specific care by a trained Chiropractic physician.
Further information regarding Cranial Technique™ can be found at www.sorsi.com
*Dr. Joseph F. Unger is the author of “Brain Matters...The Missing Link.” His book provides us with a comprehensive look at Chiropractic Craniopathy, SOT ® and CMRT™.
Wellness Wisdom, Delivered
The conversation continues here. Join me for seasonal reflections, Wellness Wisdom, practical ideas, recipes, research, and the things I'm thinking about along the way.
A little something to read, consider, and perhaps take into your day.