Dr. M.B. DeJarnette

Rose Ertler Memorial

DeJarnette Library

Why the Blocks Work

WHY THE BLOCKS WORK

This is a technical description and does not deal with how to do SOT. But if one understands the "why," the "how" becomes much easier. I am using the example of scoliosis, but the principles would apply to all blocking.

Orthopedic blocking is a specific for scoliosis. (1, 2). The application of the blocks in scoliosis depends on the definition of "flexion" and "extension" on page 48.(1) That definition is: "A straight line is extended" and "A flexed line is curved".

With scoliosis, we are dealing with a curvature so it is a flexion. The blocks act as traction devices on the end of the curvatures to pull on it and straighten it. Traction is generated by the fact that they resist the flexion action of the spine as the patient lies on the block. This blocking gives the flexion action of the spine something to push from or on, which gives it more force, which allows it to go into complete flexion and then release into extension.

The above is based on the DeJarnette principle, "The only factor in the creation of force is resistance". By giving the flexion action of the spine more resistance, it is able to generate more force.

It also utilizes the subluxation of motion. The spine is in an excess motion into flexion in the curved section. By placing the block in a spot which hinders the excess motion, that motion is resisted, which gives it more force. This allows it to complete its effort to move into flexion. Once it completes that part of the cycle of action, it is able to move from flexion into extension. And, thus it resumes the rhythm of life.

These facts also explain why DeJarnette will reverse what he said about orthopedic blocking from one reference to the next. The exaggeration of the aberrant motion can take place in two ways - by blocking it or by assisting it. The blocking position would be reversed. But either works in orthopedic blocking. DeJarnette seemed to settle on the resistance method in his later writings. (4)

The assisting of the aberrant motion does not work in the Category blocking or in the sacral dural flexion or extension blocking. DeJarnette did not ever reverse his statements about those forms of blocking.

The above also utilizes the fact that the body is surrounded and supported by an electronic gel. This gel converts into a sol under contact or pressure, either mechanical or due to gravity. The blocks activate the gel to sol conversion and allow the body to flow to a new configuration. (3)

Also consider Rolf's observation; "Once the body has been organized around the vertical, and dynamic movements have become optimized, 'gravity becomes the therapist'." (5) The category blocking accomplishes all of this.

The genius of this approach is that it utilizes gravity to correct what gravity has distorted. By this method, it takes the body out of the problem by retracing the exact road the body followed to get into this problem. This is the only way to get a true correction of the body.

I must admit, after 28 years of practice, that I have not seen SOT solve all of the problems of mankind. But by its makeup and method, it comes closer to getting to the root of the problem than any other technic. The only higher approach would be the spiritual.