S.O.T. CHIROPRACTIC TECHNIQUE

Sacro Occipital Technique (S.O.T.) is a gentle, highly analytical chiropractic technique which was developed by Dr. M.B. DeJarnette. It was one of the earliest techniques (dating back to 1925) and remains one of the most progressive, contemporary, and thoroughly researched techniques available to chiropractors today. In S.O.T., the doctor understands three main subluxation patterns alter normal body function. S.O.T. is also the only chiropractic technique that incorporates specialized, proven TMJ/orthodontic co-treatment protocols. Each pattern is called a category.

S.O.T. practitioners utilize full spine adjusting techniques as well as pelvic wedges to balance the pelvis and facilitate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid throughout the central nervous system. This allows the body to efficiently adapt to both environmental and gravitational stress.

In addition, S.O.T. doctors address soft tissue, extremities, viscera, and the cranium in their analyses and correction of the various subluxation patterns. When considering all those areas mentioned, S.O.T. becomes one of the most unique and comprehensive approaches to chiropractic today.

Each category has its own analysis and adjusting procedures.
- Category I: Addresses subluxation patterns which involves the central nervous system directly.
- Category II: Comprises a primary subluxation of the posterior Sacroiliac joint, and the musculoskeletal compensations which result from pelvic instability.
- Category III: Consists of a primary lumbar instability or vertebral subluxation, and its resulting complications.

WHAT IS CRANIOPATHY?
Craniopathy is a gentle, non-invasive technique addressing the skull and the restoration of proper function. It is an advanced form of Sacro Occipital Technique (S.O.T.) developed by Major Bertrand DeJarnette, a chiropractor and osteopath who studied with Cranial Osteopath Dr. William G. Sutherland. The focus of craniopathy is the physical position of the 22 interlinked bones of the skull and the resulting function of the central nervous system. Cranial adjustments may be utilized as prevention, treatment, for health improvement, and as part of a complete system of health care.

The primary purpose of this treatment is to promote the optimal function of the central nervous system. This is done to improve overall health and wellness as well as to treat a variety of conditions. These conditions include but are not limited to:
- Migraines
- Cranial/dental issues
- Orthodontic issues
- Ear infections and tinnitus
- Vertigo
- Head injuries
- Concussion complications
- Tongue and lip ties
- Speech problems
- Eye pain/pressure
- Sinus headaches
- Teeth grinding
- TMJ pain/clicking
- Facial pain
- Hypertension/hypotension
- Emotional trauma
- “Flat head syndrome”
- Sleep disturbances
- Hormone imbalances
- Insomnia
- Loss of memory/brain fog
- Loss of energy

CRANIOPATHY FOR BABIES & YOUNG CHILDREN
Craniopathy can be used to treat babies and young children by using gentle manipulation to repair the distortions to the delicate plates in the skull that can cause discomfort and pain. The most common cause of these faults is difficulty in the birth process. Even a “natural” birth, without complications, can result in cranial misalignments. Long or short labor, and c-sections, are much more likely to result in cranial misalignments.

These misalignments often do not self-correct and can even have an impact on the growth and development of the face and skull. The good news with babies and young children is that they are still in the developmental stage. The earlier the problem is diagnosed and treated, the better the results!

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CRANIAL ADJUSTMENT
Cranial adjustments require assessing the sutures (moveable joints) in the skull, as well as the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord, called the dura. After the doctor determines the exact location of the misaligned cranial bone (subluxation) using the S.O.T. system of analysis, an adjustment is performed. The correction is made by applying gentle pressure to one of the cranial bones, in a specific direction while the patient breathes in or out in a pattern that will assist the correction.

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, which is the joint connecting the lower jawbone (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull. This bilateral joint is essential for jaw movements, allowing us to perform everyday functions like chewing, speaking, and swallowing.

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) encompass a group of conditions that affect the TMJ and the surrounding structures. These disorders can arise from various factors, such as jaw misalignment, muscle tension, trauma and stress.

An estimated 75% of the U.S. population has experienced signs or symptoms associated with disorders involving the TMJ.

Symptoms of TMJ
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Pain or discomfort in the face, jaw, neck, or shoulders
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Limited range of motion in the jaw
- Locking of the jaw joint
- Ear aches or pain around the ears
- Headaches, especially in the temples or around the temples
- Tired or tense facial muscles
- Toothaches or sensitivity without dental issues
- Changes in how the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Dizziness or vertigo in some cases

THE ROCABADO METHOD FOR TMJ DISORDERS

The Rocabado Method is a specialized approach designed to address TMJ disorders and related craniofacial and cervical conditions. Named after its developer, Dr. Mariano Rocabado (Dr. Jenny’s mentor), this method focuses on a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to treating patients. The Rocabado approach consists of evaluation of the head, neck and TMJ joints to determine the cause of jaw clicking, jaw pain, headaches, migraines, and ear and neck pain. A physical therapist will complete a thorough examination of the spine, starting at the pelvis to evaluate alignment up to the cranium and TMJ.

The Rocabado approach restores the proper position of the head on the neck, called the cranio-vertebral angle. Slouching can promote loss of alignment and development of a “straight neck” or “inverted cervical lordosis”. Cervical lordosis promotes healthy neck joints and use of the neck with the least amount of load or compression.
Loss of cervical lordosis can promote lower cervical degenerative changes such as osteophytes, bone spurs, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs and more. Restoring proper posture promotes improved neck range of motion, normal lordotic curvature of the neck, restoration of cranio-vertebral angle, decreased facial and shoulder tension, and more.

Children with poor posture are on their way to becoming adults with poor posture and can experience chronic tension and pain in the body. Children frequently are undertreated and should be evaluated.

An evaluation is also recommended for any child prior to initiating orthodontia or braces to determine if an underlying mouth/TMJ condition or posture may worsen with monthly orthodontic treatments that require wide opening.

WHAT IS OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY?

Myology means the study of "muscle". Oral myology deals with the movements and functions of all the mouth muscles during rest, chewing, swallowing, and breathing.

Having the muscles functioning correctly is important, though we are never taught it. Many activities "teach" the muscles from birth on, and often the wrong habits are established. Then, the muscles influence the growth of the face, jaws, and teeth improperly, resulting in a number of early warning signs.

Myofunctional Therapy is the re-patterning of the tongue, lips, jaw and facial muscles through a series of specialized exercises and behavior modification techniques. Dr. Wells is a certified Specialist in Orofacial Myology and is passionate about helping patients experience health and wellness at their full genetic potential.

What are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD's)?
- Forward head and slouched posture
- Long face
- Mouth/lips open resting posture, mouth breathing
- Tongue thrusting in speaking/swallowing
- Thumb/finger sucking, tongue, lip sucking
- Nail biting or lip licking
- Restricted frenums (Tongue tie)

Consequences of OMD's:
- Affects the long-term stability of orthodontic treatment
- Could lead to orthodontic relapse/crooked teeth
- Facial growth and development
- May affect breastfeeding
- Development of a forward head posture
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunctions
- Frequent headaches and migraines
- Related to Sleep Breathing Disorders (SBD)
- Gum disease
- Middle ear drainage issues
- Impacts the work of professions in orofacial area

WHO DOES MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY HELP?
Those undergoing TMD treatments
Those undergoing any type of orthodontic treatment
Those experiencing orthodontic relapse
Mouth breathers
Those who clench and grind
Those who have had nasal surgery or tonsillectomy
Those with facial asymmetry
Tongue thrusters
Those with a tongue tie/tongue restrictions
Those with bad oral habits such as nail biting, tongue or thumb sucking
Those who used a sippy cup, pacifier, or bottle for too long
Those with allergies, enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or turbinates
Those with ADD/ADHD
Those with sleep breathing disorders
Pre- and Post-op frenectomy’s (tongue ties/tethers)
Post-op Orthognathic surgery

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is an interdisciplinary practice. A Specialist in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy works in partnership with other professionals such as dentists, doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, nurses and psychologists.

LIP & TONGUE TIE
Tethered oral tissues (TOTS) is a term meaning either a condition where the normal range of motion of the tongue and/or lip(s) is restricted due to being too highly attached to the floor of the mouth or the face. Simply said, a tie cannot go away on its own and a child cannot “grow out of a tie”. However, the symptoms and compensations caused by a tongue tie can change at different points in our lives.

Most tongue ties (even a “minor/mild” one) prevent normal development of the palate, facial structures, nasal cavity and the airway. The consequences of these growth and development changes can be far reaching.

A frenectomy is an outpatient procedure performed by a highly trained specialist with local anesthesia only. A laser, or other method, is used to reduce the tension preventing the tongue tie from moving freely.

Some common areas affected by lip/tongue ties are:
- Sleep
- Breastfeeding
- Muscle tension, spinal alignment and posture
- Jaw joints (TMJ)
- Head, ear, nose, and throat
- Teeth, bite, and oral hygiene
- Facial appearance
- Breathing
- Speech

Dr. Wells is a certified specialist in Orofacial Myology, and has completed advanced training in the evaluation of tethered oral tissues as well as the therapy needed when a frenectomy is performed.

WHAT IS A CRANIOPATHICALLY-GUIDED RELEASE?

A physician with specific post-graduate training in craniopathy and tethered oral tissues (TOTS) can help the highly trained TOTS surgeon to identify fascial and other soft tissue restrictions as thoroughly as possible - not only in the mouth, but also those affecting the rest of the body. The craniopathically-guided portion of the procedure is performed during the surgery. Once the frenum and soft tissue restrictions are released, the craniopath works to re-pattern tongue function to maximize surgical results.
In order to rebuild the necessary orofacial function in older patients an initial Tongue Movement Assessment, pre- and post-surgical assessment, and orofacial myofunctional therapy exercises are critical parts of maximizing the success of a Functional Frenectomy.

Dr. Kelly Wells is chiropractic craniopath trained in assessing cranial bone movement, soft tissue tension, and myofascial strains throughout the body related to cranial motion. She has worked side-by-side with Dr. Milton Geivelis, a Breathe Institute affiliate, since 2018 helping hundreds of patients get the more thorough and effective release.

Breathing Re-education serves to identify and correct dysfunctional breathing. The goal of breathing training is to restore normal, functional breathing by addressing these key elements:
1. Re-establish nasal breathing during awake and asleep hours
2. Switch to using the correct muscles meant for breathing
3. Correct the habits of breathing too much air in and out, and breathing too fast

How can breathing re-education help?
✓ Increased oxygen delivery to every cell in the body
✓ Easier breathing
✓ Calmer state of mind
✓ Deeper, more restful sleep
✓ Reduction of Sleep Disordered Breathing Issues (snoring, apnea, insomnia)
✓ Better focus and concentration
✓ Decrease in airway-related symptoms
✓ Improved dental health / risk of cavities
✓ Improved physical conditioning / better sports performance
✓ Frequent yawning, breathlessness or shortness of breath

Can just breathing through your nose fix the problem?
The simple answer is no. Correcting dysfunctional breathing patterns requires more than simply closing the mouth during breathing. When mouth breathing has been occurring for years, adaptions and chemical changes take place in the body. It takes approximately 60-70 days for the brain and nervous system to truly “learn” new habits.

Dr. Wells is a Buteyko Breathing Diplomate and a Certified Oxygen Advantage Instructor/Coach. She received her training in-person with Patrick McKeown & Buteyko Clinic International, in Ireland. Dr. Wells is trained to identify the subtle changes that result from dysfunctional breathing. Many of these changes go unnoticed, even by physicians at times. Patients at our practice are taught specific exercises based on their individual needs, while being supported by our experienced staff as they learn these new habits.