SOT (Sacral Occipital Technique)

What is SOT?

SOT (Sacral Occipital Technique) is a specialized chiropractic technique that was developed in 1925 by M.B Dejarnette who was both a chiropractor and osteopath. This technique is a system of chiropractic with craniopathy, thats goal is to optimize one’s innate healing abilities. This is achieved by integrating procedures including functional chiropractic neurology, nutrition, soft tissue techniques and craniosacral respiratory system. With this technique the chiropractor acknowledges that there are three main subluxation patterns that can affect optimal function. Each pattern is called a category, and each category has indicators that determine treatment.

3 Main Categories of SOT (Sacral Occipital Technique)

  • Category 1

    Involves a subluxation pattern that involves the spinal and intracranial dura matter and directly involves the central nervous system.

  • Category 2

    Involves a dysfunction of the weight bearing sacroiliac joint/s. This usually involves a sprain/strain or tear of the weight bearing ligament and causes muscular imbalances with pelvic instability, temporo mandibular dysfunction, and proprioception dysfunction.

  • Category 3

    Involves primarily the lumbar spine and discs. This is most often the category of acute back pain, and SOT care for these patients is safe and effective. SOT is not only well researched, but also very patient compliant. SOT practitioners use pelvis wedges and full spine adjusting where necessary. The wedges in combination with cranial work, is a much gentler chiropractic technique.