Dorn Method - The Method

The Method

The Dorn method is based on the correction of uneven leg length, which, according to Dorn, can be diagnosed in almost every human. Because of that, the pelvis is said to become twisted, and this can supposedly result in an asymmetrical, crooked or displaced spinal column.

Dorn uses a non-manipulative approach to correct such problems. Corrections of joint or spinal cord misalignments are done in a 'dynamic', moving action. According to Dorn, our muscles always try to hold the positions of the joints and spine, and when they are out of order the muscles assume this 'wrong' position as the correct one and hold it there. Dorn proponents maintain that a static correction, such as that used in chiropractic therapy, is difficult because it needs to overcome the strength of the holding muscles, and because the patient is often tense since the treatment is done 'on' him and not 'with' him.

The Dorn method therefore uses motion to divert the muscles' tension, and in this relaxed state it is apparently possible to realign the bones.

During a treatment, the practitioner palpates the patient's spine. If any 'unbalanced' areas are found, possible underlying misalignments are treated with gentle pressure using the thumb or hand against the spinous processes, while the patient enacts guided movements such as swinging the leg or arms to distract the muscles' inertia; this is similar to the principle of mechanics known as 'counter pressure'. In case of pain, the patient is advised to stop the procedure in order to avoid any damage to the body.

Patients often report positive results immediately after treatment. Afterwards, they learn specially designed self-help exercises that simulate the 'corrections' made during the treatment.