Balanced Ligamentous Tension in Osteopathy is a technique commonly known as “BLT”. Osteopathy, is a manual therapy approach that focuses on restoring balance and tension within the body but in this case this technique directs its attention to the often neglected function and balance of the ligaments around the joint. This technique is also based on the founding principles of osteopathy, a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasises the body’s self-healing abilities.
Understanding Balanced Ligamentous Tension
Rather than manipulation of the body’s ligaments and joints such as the commonly seen and used thrust and popping techniques, BLT aims to rebalance the ligaments by taking them into a position of ease to restore balance and tension.
Ligaments in themselves are tough bands of connective tissue that connect bones to each other, providing stability and support to the joints. When joints become strained, injured or there is inflammation it can disrupt the balance of these ligaments where they become tight or strained, it can lead to pain, restricted movement, and other health issues on a wider scope.
By using specific gentle techniques to release tension and restore proper alignment, BLT aims to improve the body’s overall function and reduce pain.
How Does BLT Work?
Osteopathy practitioners use their hands to assess and treat the body’s structure and function as a whole, not just the ligaments. However, by applying gentle repositioning techniques, they can help find a balance point where all the ligaments and the joint are in a neutral position and wait for a resolution where the ligaments and the joint returns to normal function.
Osteopathy as a whole, (including Cranial Osteopathy and Classical Osteopathy) is a manual therapy approach that aims to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote the body’s natural healing processes. Osteopathy can be used to address a wide range of health issues, including musculoskeletal pain, headaches, digestive disorders, and more.
Dr. William Garner Sutherland, DO
William Garner Sutherland was an American osteopath who is credited with developing the concept of osteopathy in the cranial field, which laid the foundation for techniques such as BLT. Sutherland believed that the bones of the skull could move subtly and that restrictions in these movements could impact the body’s overall health. His work inspired further research and development in the field of osteopathy, leading to the creation of various techniques aimed at restoring balance and function in the body.
Dr. Anne Wales, DO
Anne Wales was a prominent American Osteopath who further developed the concept of Balanced Ligamentous Tension Technique. She expanded on Sutherland’s work, refining techniques to address imbalances in the body’s ligaments and promote overall health and well-being.
Wales’ contributions to the field of osteopathy have helped to improve the effectiveness of manual therapy approaches, providing patients with non-invasive treatment options for a wide range of health issues.
Benefits and Applications of Balanced Ligamentous Tension
BLT in Osteopathy offers a variety of benefits for patients, including reduced pain, improved mobility, enhanced overall well-being and more. By restoring balance and tension within the body’s ligaments, BLT can help promote the body’s natural healing processes.
Balanced Ligamentous Tension Training
Tom Smith studied BLT with the Sutherland Cranial College on their once a year weeks course M4 in Stroud Gloucestershire in 2024. You can learn more about the college and its courses here.
I found the course with the Sutherland Cranial College amazing and Stroud is one of the most beautiful places I have been. The BLT approach itself is absolutely wonderful. I have heavily relied on high velocity thrust techniques in the past however these techniques are much more gentle where the body tells you what those ligaments needs. I look forward to using them with my patients.
Tom Smith, M.Ost, DO, ND
Conclusion
In conclusion, Balanced Ligamentous Tension is an Osteopathy Technique that focuses on restoring balance and tension within the body’s ligaments. Developed by pioneers such as Dr William Garner Sutherland and Dr Anne Wales, BLT aims to address imbalances in the body’s connective tissues and promote overall health and well-being.
With its gentle approach at taking the joint into a position of ease rather than stretching and popping, BLT offers a non-invasive treatment option for a wide range of health issues.