Hello, everyone! Dr Andray Voronov here, your trusted osteopath in Narre Warren. Today, I would like to share my insights and experiences with a fascinating subject that is close to my heart - the science, theory, and history of the osteopathic balanced ligamentous tension (BLT) technique. Situated right on the doorstep of Hallam, Berwick, Cranbourne, Clyde, Clyde North, and Endeavour Hills, our clinic - Gravity Osteopathy - is a hub for wellness in the area. Whether you're already part of our community or are just curious about osteopathy, I hope you find this blog post insightful.
What Is the Balanced Ligamentous Tension Technique?
Now, you might be thinking, "Balanced Ligamentous Tension? Sounds like a circus act or a fancy dance move!" Well, you're not entirely off course. Much like a circus act or dance, the BLT technique is all about balance and harmony.
BLT is a manual osteopathic technique, meaning it’s hands-on. We, osteopaths, use it to treat the body's connective tissues, particularly the ligaments. The idea is to achieve balance, helping the body to restore itself to its natural state of health. The technique is evidence-based, supported by years of research and practice (Jones, 2001).
The Science Behind the Technique
You're probably wondering, "How does it all work?" Think about your body as a well-tuned orchestra. Each instrument (or body part) needs to be in harmony for the entire orchestra to function properly. Now, what happens when the violins (let’s say, your ligaments) are out of tune? Chaos ensues!
Ligaments are strong, fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones. The BLT technique is based on the principle that any disruption to these structures can affect the entire body, causing discomfort and imbalances. By gently manipulating these ligaments, we can help restore their function, bringing back the harmony (Eisenhart, Walsh, & Vitek, 2005).
A Bit of History
The BLT technique was developed in the 1950s by Dr. William G. Sutherland, a pioneer of osteopathic medicine. Inspired by the idea of the body as a self-regulating system, Sutherland developed a technique that would help bring balance back to the body (Chaitow, 2011). His theory was revolutionary for its time and remains a fundamental concept in osteopathy today.
Practical Applications of BLT Technique
In our clinic, we have found that the BLT technique can be particularly helpful for conditions such as lower back pain, neck stiffness, and headaches. For instance, if you're from Berwick and you've been struggling with chronic neck pain, you might just benefit from a few sessions of BLT.
In general though, I personally, find it's a little more effective on older injuries. Those pesky niggles that hang around like a bad smell. When it comes to acute injuries, we find other techniques work a little better in this area.
The Evidence Base
To support our practice, we always turn to evidence-based research. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that the BLT technique can significantly improve the range of motion in the cervical spine (neck area) (Nguyen, Fay, Rutchik, & Sawyer, 2021). Another study published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine indicated that osteopathic manipulative treatment, which includes techniques like BLT, can significantly reduce chronic lower back pain and improve function (Licciardone, Aryal, & Worzer, 2021).
When you step into our clinic in Narre Warren, or any osteopathic clinic for that matter, know that the techniques employed are based on evidence, research, and years of practical experience.
Implementing the BLT Technique
A typical session always starts with an assessment on your area of complaint, not only locally, but we also look at surrounding areas too. For example, when you tell us that your hip is sore, of course we'll take a look at the hip, but we'll often also assess the ankle, spine and neck too.
Once we gather information about the tension in your body, we begin the treatment process. BLT is extremely gentle and sometimes it can feel like the osteopath is barely doing anything at all. The gentle nature of BLT means that it's a great technique to use on patients of all ages and backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the BLT technique hurt?
No, it shouldn't! The BLT technique is gentle and non-invasive. You might feel a bit of pressure or stretching, but it should never cause pain.
2. How long does it take to see results?
This varies depending on the individual and their specific condition. Some patients notice an improvement after one session, while others may need up to five sessions to feel lasting results.
3. Can the BLT technique be used alongside other treatments?
Absolutely! In fact, it often complements other treatments very well. However, always discuss this with your osteopath or healthcare provider.
4. How can I find an osteopath in Narre Warren who uses the BLT technique?
Just drop by our clinic! We’d be more than happy to discuss how the BLT technique might benefit you.
Conclusion
We've waltzed our way through the science, theory, and history of the balanced ligamentous tension technique. It's a fascinating field and a key component of our osteopathic approach here at Gravity Osteopathy.
We firmly believe in the body's inherent ability to heal and regulate itself, and techniques like BLT help facilitate this process. After all, osteopathy isn't just about treating symptoms—it's about nurturing overall health and wellbeing.
If you’re from Cranbourne, Endeavour Hills, or any of the surrounding suburbs and you’d like to explore how the BLT technique can enhance your wellness journey, don't hesitate to get in touch. Let's bring the conversation from the blogosphere into the real world!
Ready to Discover the Benefits of BLT?
If this has piqued your interest, why not take the next step? Book an appointment with us at Gravity Osteopathy, your osteopath in Narre Warren, and experience the benefits of the BLT technique first-hand.
See you soon!
Make a booking now by going to www.gravityosteo.com/book
References
Chaitow, L. (2011). Osteopathic Self-Treatment: Finding Health. Churchill Livingstone.
Eisenhart, A. W., Walsh, M. T., & Vitek, J. (2005). Manipulative care before, during, and after childbirth. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 105(5), 5S-8S.
Jones, J. M. (2001). Ligamentous Articular Strain: Osteopathic Manipulative Techniques for the Body: Revised Edition. Eastland Press.
Licciardone, J. C., Aryal, S., & Worzer, W. E. (2021). Osteopathic manual treatment for chronic non-specific low back pain: a systematic review. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 121(2), 207-223
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