Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) — Frequently Asked Questions

The answers below are adapted for San Antonio patients from the core patient education materials of the Sacro Occipital Research Society International (SORSI). Dr. Dan Foss is Advanced SOT certified through SORSI and uses these principles in every adjustment at Pura Vida Chiropractic.

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What does SOT stand for?

SOT stands for Sacro Occipital Technic (or Technique).

• Sacro — the sacrum, the triangular bone at the base of your spine that sits between the two hip bones. The sacrum is the foundation of the entire spinal column. It is sometimes called the tailbone, though that is not quite correct.
• Occipital — the occiput, which is the bone at the back and base of your skull.

SOT is a method of normalizing the relationship between the foundation of the spine (sacrum) and the top of the spine (occiput). This relationship has been shown to be essential to the normal functioning of the brain and spinal cord — and therefore the entire body.

Why is it called "Technic" sometimes and "Technique" other times?

Dr. DeJarnette, the developer of SOT, was an engineer before he was a chiropractor. In engineering, these two words have different meanings:

• Technic — a set of specific procedures that can be reproduced by any trained practitioner and applies to all situations. Like a protocol.
• Technique — an individual practitioner's application of skill, knowledge, and judgment, which produces slight variations of what was learned.

Dr. DeJarnette used "Technic" in the titles of his core Sacro Occipital Technic books and "Technique" for his Cranial and CMRT books, which depend more on the art and intuition of the individual doctor. Both terms are correct — they refer to different aspects of the system.

How is SOT different from ordinary chiropractic?

Most chiropractic techniques work on the spine and stop there. SOT is a complete system that addresses:

1. The spine and pelvis, using pelvic blocks and neurological indicators.
2. The organs, through Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex Technique (CMRT).
3. The cranium, through SOT Craniopathy.

SOT also uses objective indicators — measurable neurological tests — to determine exactly which category of dysfunction your body is in on any given day. You are not adjusted on a routine. You are adjusted based on what your body needs right now.

Exactly what does SOT correct?

SOT primarily addresses the cranial sacral respiratory mechanism (CSRM) — a subtle, wavelike pulsation in the membrane system that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. This rhythm is essential for normal nervous system function.

Because every system of the body is connected to the nervous system, normalizing CSRM has ripple effects across the body. SOT also corrects:

• Spinal subluxations and nerve interference
• Back pain, neck pain, and disc problems
• Headaches, migraines, and dizziness
• Organ dysfunction through CMRT — including GERD, digestive issues, reproductive dysfunction, and hormonal imbalance
• Cranial dysfunction through SOT Craniopathy — including TMJ, tinnitus, post-concussion syndrome, and ear infections

Will SOT make my pain go away?

Yes — but pain relief is a side effect, not the goal.

The true goal of an SOT adjustment is to normalize the function of the entire body, using the central nervous system as the pathway. The brain and spinal cord control every other function of your body. When their function is restored, pain resolves as a natural consequence.

Most patients notice meaningful pain reduction quickly. But the deeper goal is restoring how your body works, not silencing a symptom.

Will I have to keep coming back forever?

No. SOT is known for producing lasting results in a short time. Many patients feel dramatically better within the first few visits.

That said, SOT's diagnostic indicators are precise enough to catch problems before they cause pain. Many patients choose to continue periodic wellness care — not because they have to, but because preventing the next problem is easier than treating it. The decision is always yours, based on findings, not on a contract.

Is SOT proven?

SOT has been clinically practiced in thousands of offices worldwide for over 90 years. Many principles used by other modern chiropractic techniques were originally discovered and published by Dr. DeJarnette and the SORSI research community.

SORSI maintains an active research program and an Evidence-Based Research Network (EBRN). New studies continue to validate SOT principles in areas ranging from pediatric colic to concussion recovery.

See our Research and Evidence page for citations.

Will SOT make me healthier?

Yes. Every SOT adjustment improves some aspect of nervous system function, which is the foundation of health. The improvement may not always be obvious in the moment, but clinical experience over many decades shows SOT patients tend to enjoy better long-term function and fewer chronic issues.

Does SOT require changes to my diet?

Often, yes. Dr. DeJarnette was ahead of his time in recognizing that modern diets are full of empty calories and lacking in the nutrients the nervous system needs to heal — what he called "overconsumption malnutrition."

Dr. Foss may recommend specific dietary changes or targeted supplements as part of your care plan. Nothing is required, but nutrition is often what separates a patient who plateaus from a patient who fully recovers.

Does the adjustment hurt?

No. SOT adjustments are among the gentlest in all of chiropractic. They work by positioning your body so that your own weight, gravity, and the rhythm of your breathing produce the correction.

Many patients feel deeply relaxed during the adjustment. Some fall asleep on the table.

You may feel specific tender points during the exam or adjustment — this is how the doctor and your body communicate that a correction point has been found. It is a "good" sensation, not a painful one.

Can I be hurt by an SOT adjustment?

The risk of serious injury from any chiropractic adjustment is extremely low. Recent research places the rate at less than 1 in 6,000,000 visits.

SOT is even safer than average because it does not rely on high-velocity thrusts to the neck. Most documented chiropractic injuries have occurred with aggressive cervical manipulations — not the blocks-based, low-force adjustments that are the hallmark of SOT.

For perspective: the average chiropractor pays $1,000–$2,000 per year in malpractice insurance. Many medical doctors pay more than that per week. That gap reflects the real-world safety difference.

Is SOT safe for babies, children, and pregnant women?

Yes. In fact, SOT is one of the best-suited techniques for these populations precisely because it is so gentle. Dr. Foss regularly treats:

• Newborns — for torticollis, latch problems, colic, reflux
• Children — for ear infections, sensory issues, bed-wetting, ADHD support, growing pains
• Pregnant women — using the Webster Technique for optimal pelvic balance and breech presentation

Our practice sees multiple generations of San Antonio families.

What happens at my first SOT visit?

1. Intake and health history — we learn your story.
2. Physical and neurological exam — including SOT indicators.
3. X-rays if clinically indicated.
4. Report of findings — Dr. Foss explains what he found, what category you are in, and what the plan is.
5. Your first adjustment — specific to your findings today.

You get a real, individualized plan. Not a template.

Read the full first-visit walkthrough

Does insurance cover SOT care?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is insurance-friendly. We also offer auto-injury care with attorney lien arrangements. Call the office at (210) 685-1994 and we will verify your benefits before your first visit.

How do I book a free evaluation?

Call (210) 685-1994 or book online. Your free evaluation includes a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Foss to discuss your concerns and determine if SOT is a fit. If we cannot help you, we will point you to someone who can.

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