If you’ve been searching for a gentle chiropractor in Franklin who doesn’t rely on forceful twisting or cracking, Sacro-Occipital Technique may be exactly what you’re looking for. SOT is a comprehensive, low-force chiropractic system that restores balance to the spine, pelvis, and nervous system — and it’s the foundation of everything we do at Shakti Chiropractic.

What Is Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT)?

Sacro-Occipital Technique is a chiropractic method that evaluates and corrects imbalances in the spine, pelvis, and cranial structures to support optimal nervous system function. The name comes from the relationship between the two ends of the spine — the sacrum and the occiput — and how that relationship influences neurological function, structural balance, and the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid that nourishes and protects your brain and spinal cord.

How SOT Is Different From Traditional Chiropractic

SOT is gentler and more analytical than traditional high-velocity adjusting. Instead of forceful manual adjustments, SOT often uses padded wedges called blocks, placed under your pelvis while you lie comfortably on the table. Your own body weight and breathing do the correcting — gradually and precisely. SOT also uses specific indicators that tell Dr. Shivani exactly what to adjust, when, and when the correction is complete, so you never receive more force than your body needs.

What SOT Can Help With

• Low back pain and sciatica

• Headaches and migraines

• Neck pain and postural strain

• TMJ discomfort and jaw tension

• Pregnancy-related pelvic and back pain

• Pediatric concerns, from colic to torticollis

• Chronic patterns that haven’t responded to traditional adjusting

Is SOT Safe for Pregnancy, Babies, and Kids?

Yes — SOT is one of the safest, gentlest chiropractic systems available, which is exactly why it’s so well suited to prenatal care and pediatric care. Blocking uses body weight rather than force, and the analysis adapts to every age and stage — from a days-old newborn to a mom in her third trimester.

CMRT: Supporting Organ Function Through the Spine

SOT care also includes Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex Technique (CMRT), a system that addresses the relationship between the spine and organ function through soft tissue reflexes. CMRT provides a whole-body approach for chronic subluxation patterns and long-standing health concerns.

Cranial Work: The Craniopathy Advantage

One of the most distinctive parts of SOT is craniopathy — chiropractic cranial adjusting — which addresses the alignment and movement of the 22 bones of the skull. Very few chiropractors in Middle Tennessee offer this level of cranial training.

Certified Proficient Through SORSI and Certified SOT Spinal Pediatric Practitioner Through Peak Potential Institute

Dr. Shivani Patel is Certified Proficient in SOT through SORSI (Sacro Occipital Research Society International), the technique’s certifying research organization, with additional training and Certified SOT Spinal Pediatric Practitioner certification through the Peak Potential Institute and ongoing certification work in pediatric SOT. Learn more about her training.

Common Questions About SOT

Does SOT involve cracking? No. Most SOT corrections use gentle blocking, light sustained pressure, and precise low-force contacts.

What are the blocks? Firm, padded wedges placed under your pelvis. Your breathing and body weight make the correction — most patients find it deeply relaxing.

Have more questions? Visit our full FAQ page for plain-language answers about SOT.