On this page
Short answer
Balanced ligamentous tension (BLT) is a technique based on bringing a joint into the position in which the tension of the surrounding ligaments is balanced and holding it in that position. Its roots go back to the approaches of William Garner Sutherland. High-quality clinical studies of BLT are scarce, and the evidence is insufficient for a definite conclusion about its effectiveness.
Origins
Balanced ligamentous tension (BLT) originates from the approaches that William Garner Sutherland applied to the whole body. In the decades that followed, his followers developed and taught these ideas. A closely related approach is described under the name “ligamentous articular strain” in a textbook published in 2001.
Principle
The osteopath brings the joint into the position in which the tension of the surrounding ligaments is balanced and holds it in that position. In the WHO classification, BLT belongs to the group of balancing techniques.
Scientific evidence
High-quality clinical studies of BLT are scarce. The evidence is insufficient to draw a definite conclusion about the effectiveness of the technique.
Sources
- World Health Organization (2010). Benchmarks for training in osteopathy. ISBN 978-92-4-159966-5. who.int (opens in a new window)
- Speece C., Crow W., Simmons S. (2001). A textbook on ligamentous articular strain. Eastland Press.
- Roberts A. (2022). A classification of osteopathic techniques. Medicines. DOI: 10.3390/medicines9050033 (opens in a new window)
This article is for educational purposes and does not replace a physician's advice.