Specific Adjusting Technique

The Specific Adjusting Technique (SAT) is a unique combination of structural and functional adjustment of a traumatized spine. It was first practiced in the 1950s by Parnell Bradbury and further developed by Tom Dummer, who taught it to students at the ESO. Gez Lamb worked with Tom in the early 1980s and has kept this tradition alive to this day.

The workshop teaches the principles of SAT and guides participants through the diagnostic model, applying Littlejohn mechanics principles to the living spine, including guidance on observing and understanding the relationship between curves and fulcrums.

Adjustment of the upper cervical vertebrae and the base of the spine—the areas most commonly affected by trauma—is taught so participants can effectively restore mobility where normal adjustment techniques fail.

Guidance is provided on treatment planning and on performing the primary adjustment along the entire spine, with working “specifically” then requiring adjustment of only one segment per treatment.

Although bony adjustment is at the heart of the technique, it is applied in a highly functional way and has proven effective in relieving the body at all levels along the spine.

Objectives:

• Presenting the concepts, ideals, and practice of the Specific Adjusting Technique (SAT) using the work of Mr Tom Dummer, D.O., and Mr Gez Lamb, D.O., as examples.
• Integrating the approach of involuntary mechanisms into the SAT concept and SAT philosophy.

Learning objectives:

By the end of the course, participants will have learned and practiced the following:

• A practical application of Littlejohn mechanics to understand the relationships between fulcrums and curves
• The specific and minimalist treatment approach
• How to experiment with different types of observation and perception to obtain an overall assessment
• Developing a procedure for observing and analyzing the hip drop test
• The Triunity diagnostic routine for selecting the primary or priority lesion
• Developing a short-form assessment from the Triunity diagnostic routine
• The sacral toggle technique for resolving primary pelvic lesions
• Exploring the concepts of positional lesions, segment selection, and performing the adjustment
• The “floating field” concept for correcting traumatically induced positional lesions
• X-ray diagnosis of positional lesions
• Motility assessment of osteopathic lesion components as an indicator of the body’s readiness for change
• The SAT principles for treating each area of the spine, pelvis, and fulcrums to ensure accurate resolution of the vectors contained in the lesion
• An introduction to “tissue field” diagnosis with the aim of making treatment more field-specific
• A look at the treatment and resolution of shock as a necessary addition for successful treatment.

The course will have a strong practical component so participants receive as much supervised practice as possible. Participants will be guided through a range of palpation techniques and the exploration of centering exercises. They will be asked to work with colleagues on problem-solving strategies. They will be guided to experience the techniques with an open mind. Participants’ active involvement in their own development will be fundamental to the success of the seminar.