Balanced Ligamentous Tension (BLT) Technique

BLT is an indirect Osteopathic manipulative technique that is especially useful for extremity issues in which the practitioner moves the tissue or body part away from the restrictive barrier that has created the dysfunctional issue.  If a traumatic event occurs that results in asymmetric tension in the soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, and fascia), then the affected joint will have altered motion characteristics and may even appear out of alignment.  By merely forcing the affected joint to move through the restrictive barrier, as in a Chiropractic adjustment, the surrounding soft tissue strain is often not resolved, and the joint misalignment returns.  In BLT, the practitioner finds where to move the tissue or body part in 3-dimensional space to balance the tension in all the soft tissues and allow the inherent capacity of patient’s body to release the soft tissue strain pattern and restore normal joint function.  A key part of BLT is finding whether the body prefers compression or distraction to best balance the tissue tension.  When someone falls on an outstretched hand a compressive force is needed, whereas when a dog pulls on the handheld leash a distractive force is needed.