Sacro-occipital Technique (SOT)Dr. Daniel Lipman using SOT on a patient

What Is It?

Sacro-occipital technique (SOT) is a chiropractic technique that is based on a system of analysis. It guides the doctor and patient toward the type of treatment that will be the most effective at any particular time.

How it works

This system is based on the concept that the body has an inborn, innate intelligence and knows what it needs. A doctor trained in SOT knows how to identify these needs. This is accomplished by locating certain indicators. These indicators come in various forms; most often a specific muscle that is weak and tight (contracted). As the name suggests, an indicator indicates the need for a specific treatment which is then applied. After the treatment is performed, the indicator is then checked again. If the indicator clears (i.e., the weak and tight muscle becomes strong and relaxed), then both the doctor and the patient are certain that the treatment has accomplished its goal.


Although SOT is primarily a system of analysis, there are types of treatment specifically associated with it. For example, SOT Blocks and Chiropractic Craniopathy. In addition, most SOT chiropractors incorporate other common techniques/adjustments within it as Dr. Lipman does.

SOT Blocks

SOT Technique demonstration 2Wedge shaped blocks are used to adjust the sacrum (base of the spine) where it attaches to the hip bones. This is done by placing 2 blocks in very specific locations under the low back/pelvis. The blocks act as a fulcrum which uses gravity and respiration as the force. This creates a very gentle, yet very effective adjustment.


SOT is one of the oldest chiropractic techniques dating back to the mid 1920s. It was founded and developed by Dr. M.B. DeJarnette, an American, who was both an osteopath and a chiropractor. SOT continues to be researched today making it both well established and cutting-edge.

Click here to learn more about Craniopathy Technique.