Spinal Mechanics
Synergetic Spinal Mechanics and PPT Manipulation
Synergetic Spinal Mechanics and PPT Manipulation
Questions and Answers on PPT Manipulation
PPT Manipulation Questions and answers
With so many manipulative techniques currently available, what makes PPT’s so special?
Why haven’t PPT’s been developed before?
Are PPT’s the definitive answer?
Where can I find published research on this subject?
What are the benefits of PPT’s?
Do PPT’s treat the whole body?
Can the PPT protocol help with cranial work?
Do I have to treat the whole body in one session?
How long does a full PPT treatment last?
With so many manipulative techniques currently available what makes PPT’s so special?
Nearly all of the current HVT techniques are based around the ambiguities of “Fryette’s” laws, the “Nutation”/ “Three Pole” pelvic theories. They work by putting the joint into a position of maximum torsion and then levering the joint with an audible click. There are other more subtle techniques that rely on vibrations, harmonics or putting the joint into certain positions of strain or counter strain. There are even guns that hit/shove a locked joint with a single hit. However, none of these techniques would appear to reverse all of the forces that created the locked joint in the first place. For this reason their effectiveness is questionable.
PPT’s are based on all the research and development that went into identifying the forces that create pelvic/spinal/ribcage articulation in a way that is harmonious and synergetic to normal human movement. This is something that “Fryette’s” laws and the “Three Pole”/ “Nutation” pelvic theories are unable to comply with. PPT’s reverse engineer all of the forces that create joint locking and not just the obvious presenting features. For this reason their effects have the potential to provide longer lasting and substantial results.
Why haven’t PPT’s been developed before?
PPT’s have not been developed before because the professions consistently look backwards for inspiration instead of forwards. All past and current research is based on existing hand me down theories and techniques. Everyone is research crazy. However, before research, a viable working theory is needed otherwise the same old results are going to be replicated and regurgitated.
You may say I don’t agree and that we have in place viable working models or the current techniques work fine for me. No one denies that manipulation professionally applied will get a patient out of pain and provide a level of posture symmetry and mobility that is not possible with mere exercise alone. What the synergetic model provides is a blue print for human articulation and how joints can become so locked that they create changes to the local soft tissue. PPT’s are purpose designed to counter these forces and have the potential to provide better and more lasting results.
Are PPT’s the definitive answer?
The answer is probably yes. Having said this there may well be many more techniques waiting to be developed. Once more professionals understand the forces that create skeletal articulation and how joints become locked, the better the future is for the physical professions who use manipulation at the heart of their treatment. John Bayliss’s PPT’s are a first step, be it a gigantic one.
Where can I find published research on this subject?
Currently there is none. The subject of synergetic spinal mechanics and PPT manipulation is too new. It has been suggested by the N.C.O.R that single aspects are taken, looked at individually and researched. However this creates a real problem; the pelvis/spine and rib cage move as a complex interrelated and harmonious structure, each part being dependant on the other. Therefore, you cannot look at one part without looking at another and then another. Focusing on one joint is a bit like homing in on a single cog in a grandfather clock and explaining its function without reference to the swing of the pendulum and how the other cogs interrelate.
For example, let’s look at the ‘Nutation’ pelvic theory which is a focus theory and meant to account for how humans walk forward, backwards, run and climb stairs etc. This focus theory apart from being unable to convincingly replicate any of the aforementioned functions makes no physiological sense. Further, no account is taken of how this theory fits in with how the rest of the spine and rib cage articulate. Some theory! The problem arose because the research was based singularly on the sacroiliac joints from the inside out, rather than how it would fit in with skeletal articulation as a whole.
The ‘Nutation’ theory is often referenced in published research as one of the best
theories. In other words, new research based on imperfect research. The ‘Three Pole’
pelvic theory fairs no better. Laughably, both theories rely heavily on the fact
that the sacroiliac joints have the magical ability to semi-
There is further contradiction regarding ongoing published research. The ‘Journal
of Osteopathic Medicine’ published a paper by M.C. McGrath of the New Zealand University
of Otago in 2004 which concluded that “Manipulation of the sacroiliac joint has been
shown to leave the position of the joint unchanged when compared with its pre-
To look at the mechanical spine you need to look at the way the whole skeletal frame
articulates without semi-
What synergetic spinal mechanics has done is to kick the square ball that physical therapists have been kicking around in their back gardens, understanding that the ball needs to be round, and then kicking it into the world park for all to play?
You will often hear the manipulative professions talking about their holistic approach. So here is their chance to work with a set of theories that are truly holistic.
What are the benefits of PPT’s?
Sacroiliac, spine and rib joints rarely make a crack when they lock, therefore there should be no reason why they should crack when you put them back into place. Because PPT’s attempt to retrace the forces that created the locking, there is no noise and very little force is needed. This makes the techniques not only safe and quiet but very efficient and effective. PPT’s open up a whole new vista in body symmetry and mobility and the benefits they provide.
Do PPT’s treat the whole body?
Yes. The DVD shows how the sacroiliac, spine, ribs, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles joints can be corrected speedily and with ease.
Can the PPT protocol help with cranial work?
PPT’s can enhance cranial treatments, muscle and ligament release and tension techniques. The protocol can even enhance medical palpation.
Do I have to treat the whole body in one session?
You will get much better results if you treat the whole body. For example, if you correct the spine and neck and leave the rib cage and sacroiliac joints, as soon as the body is weight bearing the misaligned rib cage and sacroiliac joints will in all likelihood undo your work by the time the patient gets home.
Having said this, if the way you work is to just correct a few selected joints you still can. In the end PPT’s are manipulative techniques.
How long does a full PPT treatment last?
It can take between 10 to 15 minutes to correct all of the joints shown in the DVD. Most often you will need to reposition the spinal joints several times. This is because certain joints will have forced other joints to tighten and when released the joints could put tension on other joints. If you realign the joints again (a bit like planing a piece of wood) the spinal symmetry gets ironed out until you have a very straight spine.
PPT Manipulation: Questions and Answers