Beyond Symptoms: How SOT Helps Us Understand the Body’s Deeper Signals
In our previous post, we introduced Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT)—a chiropractic method that looks at the body as a whole, emphasizing the relationship between spinal alignment, pelvic stability, and nervous system balance.
SOT is more than just a technique for adjusting the spine. At its core, it’s an indicator-based system—and that changes how we approach your care.
Symptoms Are Clues—Not the Whole Picture
Most people come to the chiropractor because something hurts. And while symptoms are important, they’re often just the surface layer of a deeper imbalance.
Pain is the body’s way of signaling that something may need attention. But that pain isn’t always in the same place as the cause. For example:
A sore knee may result from uneven pelvic alignment
Shoulder tension might come from poor posture or breathing mechanics
Recurring headaches may stem from spinal imbalance elsewhere in the body
If we only chase symptoms, we may miss the opportunity to address the true root of the problem.
What Are Indicator Systems?
An indicator system is a structured way of observing how the body is functioning. In SOT, we use physical indicators—such as muscle tone, joint movement, neurological reflexes, and postural changes—to assess what the body needs.
These indicators help guide decisions like:
Where to adjust
How to adjust
Whether the body is responding well to care
When it’s appropriate to continue, modify, or pause treatment
This approach ensures that care is not only targeted—but also responsive to how your body is adapting over time.
The Value of Objective Findings
Using an indicator system allows for care that’s based on function, not guesswork.
Even if your pain goes away quickly (which is great), your indicators may still show that your body is compensating or adapting inefficiently. Continuing care in those moments isn’t about “treating” pain—it’s about helping your body regain stability, mobility, and resilience.
This is particularly helpful for people who want to:
Stay proactive about their spinal health
Perform better physically or mentally
Recover from long-standing imbalances
Prevent issues from resurfacing due to stress or lifestyle habits
Function First. Relief Follows.
By focusing on how your body functions—not just how it feels—we aim to support your nervous system, promote better posture and movement, and help you navigate life with less strain.
SOT’s indicator approach gives us a detailed look at how your body is doing beneath the surface, so we can support it appropriately at each stage of care.
Final Thoughts
Our goal isn’t just to help you feel better—it’s to help your body function better. Through the use of indicator systems like those in SOT, we can offer care that is precise, responsive, and grounded in how your body actually works.
If you're curious about how indicator-based chiropractic care can fit into your wellness routine, reach out to us—we’d be happy to answer your questions and help you get started.
This post is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized health advice. For specific concerns, consult a licensed healthcare provider.
