Sacro Occipital Technique

A Holistic Approach to Chiropractic Care

At Grieb Chiropractic Clinic in Wexford, PA, we utilize a variety of chiropractic techniques to help our patients achieve optimal health and wellness. One of the most comprehensive and integrative approaches we offer is the Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT). This unique method goes beyond traditional chiropractic adjustments, addressing the intricate relationship between the spine, sacrum (pelvis), and cranium (skull) to support whole-body function.

What Is the Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT)?

Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) was developed by Dr. Major Bertrand DeJarnette in the 1920s and is based on the idea that the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) and the occiput (the base of the skull) work together to influence spinal alignment, nervous system function, and cerebrospinal fluid flow.

SOT is a gentle, low-force chiropractic method that corrects dysfunction in the spine, pelvis, and occiput to restore the body's ability to heal itself naturally. Rather than focusing solely on joint manipulation, SOT incorporates postural balancing and soft tissue techniques to provide comprehensive spinal and neurological care.

What Conditions Can SOT Help?

At Grieb Chiropractic Clinic, we use SOT to help patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, including:

Low back pain and sciatica – SOT balances the pelvis and restores nerve function.
Headaches and migraines – Cranial techniques improve blood flow and relieve tension.
Postural imbalances – Helps correct spinal misalignments linked to poor posture specifically involving trapezius and occipital trigger points.
Chronic pain and nervous system dysfunction – Supports neurological balance and healing.

How Does SOT Compare to Other Chiropractic Techniques?

SOT differs from traditional chiropractic techniques in several key ways:

Whole-Body Focus – Unlike techniques that focus primarily on spinal adjustments, SOT integrates occipital and pelvic corrections to support the entire body.
Gentle Approach – SOT does not rely on forceful spinal manipulations but instead uses precise positioning, light pressure, and specialized blocking techniques.

Research and Effectiveness of SOT

Studies support the effectiveness of SOT in treating various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions:

A study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that SOT adjustments significantly improved low back pain and pelvic dysfunction (Owens & Holland, 2006).
A study in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies found that SOT adjustments improved posture and spinal alignment in patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions (Cooperstein et al., 2015).

These findings highlight SOT’s role in addressing both spinal and neurological health while offering a gentle and effective alternative to traditional manual adjustments.

Why Choose SOT at Grieb Chiropractic Clinic

At Grieb Chiropractic Clinic in Wexford, PA, Dr. Eric Grieb and Dr. Rowan Grieb specialize in a variety of chiropractic techniques, including SOT, to ensure our patients receive the most comprehensive and individualized care. Whether you are suffering from back pain, headaches, sciatica, or postural imbalances, SOT can provide the relief and stability your body needs.

References

Owens, E. F., & Holland, W. G. (2006). Effects of sacro-occipital chiropractic adjustments on pelvic and low back pain: A randomized trial. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 5(3), 101-109.
Pick, M., Shapiro, S., & Sexton, J. (2001). Cranial adjustments and their effects on headache and TMJ disorders: A clinical study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 24(6), 389-396.
Cooperstein, R., Lisi, A., & Simpson, J. K. (2015). Effects of sacro-occipital technique (SOT) on postural balance and spinal alignment: A case study analysis. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 23(1), 15-22.

If you’re looking for a non-invasive, holistic chiropractic approach, Sacro Occipital Technique might be the perfect fit for you.