FAQs

What is spinal mechanics?

Spinal mechanics is the subject of how the bodies joints articulate. There are many theories. The best of these is John Bayliss’s synergetic theories. It was thought a long time ago that Fryette’s theories were valid but research using imaging technologies by Gregersen and Lucas, back in the 1980’s, disproved them.

What is PPT manipulation?

PPT (Passive Patient Technique) manipulation is the most advanced form of genuine joint manipulation available. Unlike classical techniques, that use applied force to gap a joint, PPT’s reverse the forces that caused the lesioned/subluxated joint. This means there is very little trauma to the joint muscles and ligaments afterwards; therefore, more joints can be manipulated comfortably in any one session, cutting down the number of sessions needed.

Are PPT manipulations genuine techniques?

Yes, they are genuine. They are not muscle or vibration release. PPT’s silently slide the joints back in their original position. Because there is no click, some imagine that they are not as powerful as classical techniques. However, the reverse is true; PPT’s are as powerful, and in many cases, more powerful.

Who originated PPT manipulation?

PPT as an effective patient friendly way manipulating joints. UK retired Osteopath John Bayliss originated PPT manipulation. John has a background in engineering and looked at the articulation of the spine from an engineering point of view with fresh eyes. He worked out how the pelvic joints, spine and legs all worked in harmony to produce the synergetic movements humans take for granted. He was then able to work out what would happen if the forces that create movement become corrupted. From this, he was able to work out how joint facets get locked against each other, bony against bone. This had never been done before, as previously it was theorized that joints get locked by ligament and muscle in spasm.

Who is John Bayliss?

John is the author of the books ‘Advanced Osteopathic Technique’ and ‘The Pelvic Book for Osteopaths and Chiropractors’.

John studied Osteopathy at the college of Osteopaths in the 1980’s when the course was five years long. During that time, he was lucky enough to work for an amazing local Osteopath called Felicity Shrosbee who taught him so much. Felicity recommended John Wernham, so John attended many of his seminars. John Wernham was renowned for his knowledge of spinal mechanics. However, while his knowledge was good, it was limited. His seminars along with Michael Burt’s teaching were enough to raise John Bayliss’s curiosity and get him thinking about spinal mechanics for himself and with original thought.

What is a Pelvic lesion?

A pelvic lesion is what locks sacroiliac and iliosacral lesions in place. Pelvic lesions are reinforced with every weight bearing step humans take. Very little was known about pelvic lesions before John Bayliss wrote his book ‘The Pelvic book for Osteopaths and Chiropractors’.

When looking at the spine, the pelvis can most often be seen as uneven, rotated and side-shifted to one side. This transposition, is the pelvic lesion. The local facet displacement on the lesioned sacroiliac and iliosacral joint is a few millimetres at most. Taken at face value and on their own, they would not account for such huge pelvic side-shift etc however, they are the precursors. John Bayliss worked out what takes place to cause the pelvic side-shift etc that results in distorting the spine, shoulders, and leg angles. Once a pelvic lesion is established, it cannot be corrected by simply correcting the sacroiliac and iliosacral lesions, as the omitted pelvic lesion will put them back into lesion on weight bearing - especially when using classical techniques. John Bayliss worked out a way of correcting a pelvic lesion using PPT manipulation. Again, another monumental advancement.