Optimal Health Chiropractic Techniques

Sacro-Occipital Technique

Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) and Chiropractic Craniopathy is grounded in scientific
research. Since the early 1900's, SOT has consistently delivered exceptional results
while emphasizing patient comfort. SOT is a total body technique. Its broad scope
includes not only the back and neck but also the internal organs, extremities and cranial
structures. In SOT the primary focus is upon structural stability and integrity as well as
neurological function. The basis of the human structure is the pelvis and the cranium.
The spine, shoulders, neck and head sit upon the pelvis and are subject to the stresses
and strains of gravity. These structures, as well as the rest of the body, are functionally
maintained and controlled by the brain through the nervous system. Brain function is
dependent upon optimal motion and alignment of the cranial bones and cranial dura.
Located below the pelvis is the locomotion system: the legs and feet. All structures of
the body are essential to the integrity of the whole. Additionally, organ function depends
upon proper nerve supply from the spine. The spine in turn receives nerve reflexes from
the organs that can compromise spinal mechanics. Therefore, the alignment, balance
and optimal function of the cranium, pelvis, each spinal segment, organs and all of the
extremities are essential to optimal health.

Neuro Emotional Technique

Neuro Emotional Technique, or NET is a Mind/Body technique that has generated an
extraordinary amount of excitement in both patients and practitioners since 1988. The
Neuro Emotional Technique is a methodology used to normalize unresolved physical
and/or behavioral patterns in the body. NET practitioners are trained to assist the body's
healing process by identifying and balancing unresolved emotional influences.
Emotions are traditionally thought of as being normal functions of human beings and
normally pose no neurophysiological problem. Occasionally however, emotional trauma
in the presence of a neurological or meridian deficit can cause a physiopathological
related pattern in the body that does not resolve by itself. NET seeks to normalize this
pattern through physiological change - a result of a physical intervention. NET is used to
help re-establish balance in the body using a physical correction. NET makes use of the
neuro-mechanisms of speech, general semantics, emotions, and chiropractic principles,
laws of the meridian system, cutaneous reflex points, principles of traditional
psychology, and more. When there is a stuck emotional component, NET does not target
the emotions, but rather attempts to treat the complete mind-body. Stuck emotions are
referred to as Neuro Emotional Complexes (NECs). NECs can be vulnerable to
re-triggering when specific conditions relating to the original formation of the NEC are
present . NET addresses these "fixations of emotions" held within the body. The
end-product is a more neurologically integrated and healthier person. Patients report
that this quick and easy process is pleasant and often life changing.

Applied Kinesiology

Applied Kinesiology is an interdisciplinary approach to health care which draws
together core elements of complementary therapies, creating a more unified approach to
the diagnosis and treatment of functional illness. The origin of contemporary Applied
Kinesiology is traced to 1964 when George G. Goodheart, Jr., D.C., first observed that in
the absence of congenital or pathologic anomaly, postural distortion is often associated
with muscles that fail to meet the demands of muscle tests designed to maximally isolate
specific muscles. He observed that tender nodules were frequently palpable within the
origin and/or insertion of the tested muscle. Digital manipulation of these areas of
apparent muscle dysfunction improved both postural balance and the outcome of
manual muscle tests. Goodheart and others have since observed that many
conservative treatment methods improve neuromuscular function as perceived by
manual muscle testing. These treatment methods have become the fundamental Applied
Kinesiology approach to therapy. Included in the AK approach are specific joint
manipulation or mobilization, various myofascial techniques, cranial techniques,
meridian therapy, clinical nutrition, dietary management, and various reflex procedures.
With expanding investigation, there has been continued amplification and modification
of the treatment procedures. Although many treatment techniques incorporated into AK
were pre-existing, many new methods have been developed within the discipline itself.
AK uses muscle testing to examine how the body is functioning and to make a
diagnosis. A patient's health history is required, along with examination and laboratory
findings, to determine the treatment required. AK uses functional assessment measures
such as posture and gait analysis; manual muscle testing as functional neurologic
evaluation; range of motion; static palpatation; and motion analysis. The practice of AK
requires that it be used in conjunction with other standard diagnostic methods by
professionals trained in clinical diagnosis. As such, the use of AK or it's component
assessment procedures is appropriate only to individuals licensed to perform these
procedures. AK exam is designed to enhance standard diagnosis procedures, not
replace them. The Applied Kinesiologist finds a muscle that tests weak and then
attempts to determine why that muscle is not functioning properly. The practitioner will
then evaluate and apply the therapy that will best eliminate the muscle weakness and
help the patient.

Activator Methods

Activator Methods is based on the postulate that understanding body mechanics and
force is the key to understanding how to move bones. A leg test is utilized to tell the
doctor if the subluxation exists, chiefly in the lumbo-sacral area or cervical region of the
spine. With further research into body mechanics, W.C. Lee D.C. and A.W. Fuhr D.C.
were able to analyze the body and produce from the analysis consistent changes using
a light non-force specific chiropractic adjustment. Lee and Fuhr understood that force
was not necessary to correct subluxations in the body. Two components are necessary
for fast, effective reduction of nerve pressure caused by subluxations. They are speed
and line of drive. Speed and line of drive are what make chiropractic the distinct and
dynamic art and science that it is. The activator instrument was designed to deliver this
specific dynamic thrust. It is a small hand-held mechanism that delivers a percussive
thrust upon triggering. The activator instrument controls the force and speed of the
adjustment exceptionally well and with the activator, the line of drive can be more
specific too.