Balanced Ligamentous Tension in Osteopathic Practice

Foreword by Renzo Molinari
Foreword by Rachel Brooks
Acknowledgements
About the Author and Contributors
Abbreviations
Clarification of Some Key Terms
Some Key Figures in Osteopathic History Referred to in the Text
Introduction Susan Turner
1. Foundations of Balanced Ligamentous Tension Susan Turner
Part 1: What is BLT?
Part 2: Essential elements of the application of BLT
Part 3: Why ligaments?
Part 4: Tensegrity
2. The Spine Susan Turner
Part 1: Segmental relationships
Part 2: Transitional areas
3. The Pelvis Lynn Haller and Zenna Zwierzchowska
Part 1: Anatomical overview
Part 2: Anterior approach to the sacral alae
Part 3: The ‘differential’ technique
Part 4: Lap technique to ‘reseat’ the sacrum
Part 5: Standing iliosacral correction
Part 6: Pubic symphysis and pelvic floor
4. The Ribcage Susan Turner
Part 1: Ribs 1–10
Part 2: Ribs 11 and 12 and their influence on physiology
5. The Fascia Susan Turner
6. The Liver Turn Kok Weng Lim
7. The Shoulder Complex Susan Turner
8. The Elbow Kok Weng Lim
9. The Forearm Zenna Zwierzchowska
10. The Wrist and Hand Zenna Zwierzchowska
11. The Hip Kok Weng Lim
12. The Knee Kok Weng Lim
13. The Fibula and Interosseous Membrane Zenna Zwierzchowska
14. The Ankle and Foot Zenna Zwierzchowska
15. Supporting Lymphatic Flow Susan Turner
16. Engaging with Traction and Addressing Specific Muscles Kok Weng Lim
Part 1: The use of traction
Part 2: Specific muscles
17. Intraosseous Engagement Kok Weng Lim and Susan Turner
18. The Body-Mind Interface Susan Turner
19. Engagement with the Living System Susan Turner
Bibliography
Subject Index
Author Index

This user-friendly book will guide the reader to understand how Balanced Ligamentous Tension (BLT) can be used as a therapeutic principle in the practice of osteopathy. BLT is seen by many as an indispensable bridge between the better known 'structural' and 'cranial' approaches and is an essential part of the osteopathic heritage. In using 'the gentle exaggeration of the lesion', this approach is rooted in the original teaching of AT Still, the founder of osteopathy and that of his student W G Sutherland, who realised that from the point of balanced tension 'the ligaments move the bones back into place' spontaneously. This teaching was passed on directly to the author by William Sutherland's friend and student, Anne Wales D.O.

The application of BLT is powerful, precise and specific but is also comfortable for the patient. It has therefore been welcomed with interest by osteopaths around the world who seek to work precisely, with comfort and safety for the patient. As well as giving technical guidance and acting as a reference, this book is steeped in osteopathic philosophy and seeks to nurture understanding of the reciprocal relationship between structural integrity and healthy function. By illustrating how the contact we make on the outside of the body influences the spatial environment of physiology within, this approach gives the practitioner the potential to engage therapeutically with the patient's body and being, with effective results.

Sue Turner has been teaching osteopathic principles and practice for over 40 years. This engaging book, written by Sue and her experienced contributors is a must for all practitioners of osteopathy.