Dynamic spine and joint therapy

(Advanced Dorn method)

History

The classical Dorn method was developed by Dieter Dorn 30 years ago. It is based on the idea that the pelvis represents the center of the body, and all spine and joint problems can be traced back to misalignment of the pelvis. This method is distantly similar to chiropracty, but is practiced in a fundamentally different way, and contains elements of traditional Chinese medicine as well as aspects of the theory of meridians or energy channels in the organism.

Techniques and applications

Very many people with back ailments have from birth on, or as a result of muscle strain or accidents, a twisted or dislocated pelvis and hip area, which can then lead to misalignment of the entire bone structure. Typical disorders which can be very effectively treated with the Dorn method are, for example, complaints of the locomotor system such as blocked vertebrae, wry neck, legs of different lengths, and disk problems.

Methodology

Dynamic spine and joint therapy, as a modification of the classical Dorn method, is a very gentle and mild technique of adjusting the vertabrae and joints. The therapy begins with a back massage using St. Johns Wort oil. The muscles are warmed and softened with powerful stroking and stretching movements, the spine is stretched, and the pressure is reduced on the disks.

This method is different from the Dorn method in that it does not work directly on the vertebrae, but with the corresponding muscles. During the treatment I exert pressure on particular points of the musculature, in order to ease the tug of the muscles on a given vertebral joint. At the same time, the patient makes dynamic arm, leg or hip movements on the opposite side, which also causes the muscles to release their pull on the joint. The vertebra then has room to slide back into its original place, and blockages in the joints can be dissolved.

I don't normally use this method as a long-term treatment. My experience shows that it is more effective to treat chronic back ailments with a 2-hour basic Dorn session and then afterwards continue with acupuncture and/or massage.

For longer-lasting results and prevention of further problems, I give my patients specially chosen tips and individually tailored exercises they can do at home, to help avoid new displacements and blocks.