What does the Dorn Method involve?

Dorn therapy begins with checking leg length. A very high percentage of people suffering from back pain show a difference in the length of their legs, however this is often not due to a physical difference in leg length, but instead is a result of poor joint seating in the hips (see image here).

This can lead to an imbalance of the pelvis and may therefore result in an asymmetrical, crooked or displaced spinal column. Gentle techniques to correct any imbalances are then used if necessary and this may also involve working on the knee and ankle joints. Following this the pelvis is checked for misalignment with corrections made, after which the vertebrae of the back (lumbar, thoracic and cervical vertebrae) are checked and corrected if necessary.

All corrections happen in a 'dynamic' way with the client actually assisting the Dorn therapist by swinging their leg, arm or head depending upon the area being worked on to generate muscle movement or 'distraction'. This active participation by the client helps joints to be brought back into their proper positions quite easily, without the need for strong force, making Dorn a very safe and gentle treatment.

The treatment can be combined with a Spinal Massage called the Breuss Massage. It is a very gentle massage that safely stretches, nourishes, aligns and energizes our back. Herbal oil is used to massage into and around the spine to help expand the discs which increases the distance between the vertebrae and results in improved flexibility. This sensitive pressure technique alleviates pain, back muscles relax, spinal mobility can be regained and blood circulation improved. If the person being treated is very tense, treatment will start with a massage, but usually the massage is done afterwards in order to stretch and nourish the spine.