International Research and Philosophy Symposium

A Brief History of the International Research and Philosophy Symposium

Since 2004 there have been an annual International Research and Philosophy Symposium (IRAPS) that has been held at Sherman College, Spartanburg, South Carolina. IRAPS is a wonderful union of the philosophy and science of chiropractic. The art of chiropractic is the expression of its philosophy and science and at the IRAPS conference organizers and attendees are very open to scientific inquiry, discussions, and paper presentations. For more information please click here.

The IRAPS appears to be a continuation of the Annual Vertebral Subluxation Research Conferences which continued for 11 years. SOTO-USA had a paper accepted for the 10th Annual Vertebral Subluxation Research Conference in Hayward, California, featured below and attempted to support this wonderful conference annually with paper submissions.

The following are the Abstracts from the 2014 IRAPS, Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Holbeck M, Tomson A, Blum, CL, Monk R. Effects of the sacro-occipital technique on the quality of life in a lung cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment. . October 17-19, 2014.

Introduction: A 57-year-old female patient undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for lung cancer was seen for chiropractic treatment for gastrointestinal discomfort secondary for the oncological care she was receiving.

Interventions/Methods: Sacro occipital technique (SOT) chiropractic manipulative reflex technique (CMRT) was used to balance iscerosomatic/somatovisceral reflexes associated with the stomach, lungs and diaphragm along with some nutritional supplementation.

Results: The patient noted that while receiving CMRT care, her digestive disturbances were significantly lessened and occasionally completely alleviated while receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Discussion: Of significance is that co-treatment of patients presenting with various comorbidities such as cancer may be viable options for allopathic and chiropractic collaborative efforts. Commonly patients are reaching their pharmaceutical limits and allopathic physicians are looking for options to help patients so that if they cannot be helped at least they might be made more comfortable.

Conclusion: It may be that chiropractic can offer options for improving patient’s quality of life in cases of patients undergoing care for cancer assuming the oncologist is clear that the chiropractic care will not make the patient’s condition worse.

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. 6th Annual SOT Research Conference. October 17-19, 2014.”]

Introduction: A non-randomized retrospective sequential review of patient records at this chiropractic office [n=48] with presenting symptoms in the cervical spine was included in this case series review. The purpose of the assessment portion of this paper is to be able to measure incremental improvement as well as to be able to state, to the patient, the initial expectations of the outcome.

Interventions/Methods: A review of patient records isolated 48 patients who presented at this chiropractic office with chronic cervical spine symptoms as their reason for seeking chiropractic care. SOT cervical techniques (stairstep and figure eight) was utilized to adjust the cervical spine as well as to continually analyze and assess the technique’s progress during the adjustment.

Results: Of the 48 patients studied, improvement of range of motion function was noted in all 48. Each subject was adjusted at least five times within a six-week period. Of the 48 patients all but three reported a decrease of cervical pain, improved range of motion, and a return to full activities of daily living.

Conclusion: Greater studies with controls and comparative therapies should be performed to better determine the efficacy of using SOT category and cervical stairstep analysis and treatment with patients presenting with cervical pain and decreased range of motion.

Getzoff H. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sacro occipital technique (SOT) chiropractic: A case report. October 17-19, 2014.

Introduction: The intent of this paper is to study the Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) chiropractic care of a patient experiencing a sore throat, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing along with various digestive symptoms such as cramping, bloating, and stomach pains. A 43-year-old female patient, presented with a sore throat, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and various digestive symptoms such as cramping, bloating, and stomach pain.

Interventions/Methods: SOT category 2 adjusting methods were utilized, inclusive of SOT blocks, cervical stair step and figure 8 adjusting, and cranial suture adjusting primarily at the right maxillary malar suture. Incorporated into the SOT category 2 adjusting method was the Line 2 Occipital Fiber Technique, Thoracic 5 line 2 adjusting, and SOT Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex Technique (CMRT).

Results: Measured cervical right rotation initially at 80 degrees improved to 90 degrees. The line 2 occipital fiber, the associated thoracic vertebrae (T5), and the anterior soft tissue reflexes were still present, yet were less sensitive to palpation, according to the patient. All GERD related symptoms were greatly improved and was able to eliminate the medication (Prilosec) and replace it with a digestive enzyme containing hydrochloric acid.

Conclusion: This case study’s method of clinical care could be useful in the management of patients with GERD symptoms. Further research and study is needed into the role of the interventions studied in this case report.

Boro WJ. Intervention in menorrahagia through chiropractic adjustment and spondylotherapy: A case report. October 17-19, 2014.

Introduction: Low back pain and female reproductive problems are the source of frequent consultations to a chiropractor. The purpose of this case report is to describe the clinical course, treatment, and immediate response of a 37-year-od female patient suffering from uncontrolled uterine bleeding of over two weeks duration to the application of chiropractic adjustments and the use of spondylotherapy.

Interventions/Methods: Three treatments were performed to care for this patient’s specific menorrahagic condition. Sacro Occipital Technique Category II supine block placement was used to reduce pelvic torsion and improve sacroiliac joint juxtaposition. With the patient in standing posture and assuming postures of flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation adjustments were made to the lumbar spine (L1-5) with an activator instrument; and adjustments to femoral heads bilaterally. Spondylotherapy was administered to C7, L3, and L5 at a percussive rate of 200 beats per minute. Van Rumpt’s cranial analysis involves subluxation listings on the temporal, sphenoid and mandibular bones.

Results: The patient has returned to this office on 8 other occasions for various reasons (mostly for hip pain), but has had no menstrual or bleeding complaints throughout this time.

Conclusion: Further research is needed to determine if the care rendered in this case study might offer a low risk alternative for menorrhagia for a subset of patients that may be responsive to this novel chiropractic intervention.

Thompson JE, Bockhold H, Blum CL. Sacro Occipital Technique: Palpating Occipital Fibers on Animals – A Pilot Study. October 17-19, 2014.

Introduction: Sacro occipital technique (SOT) used occipital fiber analysis and treatment (OFT) to find regions of the body that have interrelationships through direct musculoskeletal and/or indirect reflex to the occipital region, spinal segments, and possibly to visceral referred pain pathways used with chiropractic manipulative reflex technique (CMRT). The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if experienced SOT doctors could palpate occipital fibers on canines and if it could be determined that certain fibers were more prominent on one side or the other.

Interventions/Methods: Three canines occipital fibers were palpated by 11 experienced SOT doctors that had no knowledge of each dog. The doctor would palpate subject one, two, and three without anyone else in the room, except for the canine’s owner and the doctor gathering answers to survey questions.

Results: All doctors in this study reported that they could palpate occipital fibers on the three canines, however the number of fibers palpated was inconsistent, with the number 7 being the most common finding [6 of 11 doctors].

Conclusion: This study is the first attempt to demonstrate palpable occipital fibers on a canine. Future study is needed to better address the questions asked as well as determine how to gain clearer data. Since there have been no other studies to date published on the palpation of OFT in animals, this pilot study was is an important first step.

Thompson JE, Bockhold H, Blum CL. Review of Cases using SOT/CMRT on Equine and Canine. October 17-19, 2014.

Introduction: This case study review (n=4) illustrates a possible relationship between the utilization of sacro occipital technique evaluation in the treatment of equines and canines.

Case #1: AB, a 12 year old Dutch Warm Blood (equine) began having shortness of breathe during work as a level 3 Dressage competitor. Case #2: Rio, a 10-year old gelding quarter horse with known symptoms of anxiety and stress induced behavior changes (described by the owner as the appearance of “worry and/or unhappiness”) presented for chiropractic care. Case #4: Barnaby, a 12-year-old neutered male German Shepard mix with daily fecal incontinence presented for SOT evaluation.

Interventions/Methods: Equines and canines have seven occipital fibers relatively similar to humans. All cases were assessed with occipital fiber analysis (OFT) and treated with chiropractic manipulative reflex technique (CMRT).

Results: Following care significant improvement was noted in all cases from normalization of sinus and bowel function to reduced distress.

Conclusion: Based on a reduction in symptoms and the owner’s interpretation of the animal’s response before and after treatment there was reason to believe that some positive change had occurred. Due to these findings it is reasonable to assume that further investigation into the use of OFT and CMRT for equines, canines, and possibly other animals is warranted.

Klingensmith RD. Chiropractic manipulative reflex technique (CMRT) treatment for GERD of a 3 year old male child: A case report. October 17-19, 2014.

Introduction: This is a single case study involving a 3 year old male being treated medically for gastroesophageal reflux disease with various antacids (Prilosec) since the age of 2 months and Prilosec since the age of 24 months. Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex Therapy (CMRT) was used to treat the patient for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Interventions/Methods: The patient received 5 treatments of CMRT protocol for occipital fiber-3, line-2 T5 with the stomach reflex manipulated at intervals of one day and then 3 days.

Results: By the fifth visit was two weeks after the initial treatment and the mother reported no reflux pain, sleeping well, no “belly aching,” and that she had discontinued the Prilosec after the second treatment.

Conclusion: Positive outcomes such as this offer the incentive to warrant further pediatric studies to determine consistency of outcome with chiropractic interventions and particularly CMRT for GERD. While it is essential to determine what subset of pediatric patients with GERD may benefit from this care a short period of trial therapy may function as a diagnostic test and a viable option to GERD that is unremitting in a young child.

The following are the Abstracts from the 2013 IRAPS, Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Boro WJ. Chiropractic Intervention of Zenker’s Diverticulum Case Report. International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Oct 19-20, 2013.

The following are the Abstracts from the 2013 IRAPS, Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Boro WJ. Chiropractic Intervention of Zenker’s Diverticulum Case Report. International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Oct 19-20, 2013.
Getzoff H. The Relationship of Cranial Facial Growth and Development to the Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) Category System: Three Case Studies. International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Oct 19-20, 2013.
Getzoff H. The role of the atlas vertebrae in the Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) category system. International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Oct 19-20, 2013.
Perri VL. Conjugate gaze visceral release in female chronic pelvic pain: A case study. International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Oct 19-20, 2013.
Pollard R, Blum CL. Chiropractic care and its effects on a patient with a moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). Oct 19-20, 2013.
Remeta EM, Blum CL. Chiropractic sacro occipital technique (SOT) and cranial treatment model for traumatic brain injury along with monitoring and supplementing for neurotransmitter balance: A case report. International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Oct 19-20, 2013.
Thompson JE, Bockhold H, Blum CL. Review of Four Cases using SOT/CMRT on Equine and Canine International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Oct 19-20, 2013.

The following are the Abstracts from the 2012 IRAPS, Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Feenstra H, Blum CL. Integrating temporal-sphenoid reflexes, sacro-occipital technique procedures, and reflexology for treatment of chronic cervical cervical pain and reduced range of motion: A report of two cases. International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Oct 20-21, 2012.
Getzoff H. SOT: Category Three: Predictability of outcomes: A case series. International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Oct 20-21, 2012.
Getzoff H. Sitting disc technique and the relationship to the straight leg raise: A retrospective case series of thirty patients. International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Oct 20-21, 2012.
Remeta EM, Blum CL. Chiropractic cranial treatment protocol increases successful outcome of the multidisciplinary care model for traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients: a case series International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Oct 20-21, 2012.

The following are the Abstracts from the 2011 IRAPS, Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Rosen MG, Blum CL. SOT Chiropractic Care of a Six-Year Old Boy Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and Related Conditions. International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Oct 22-23, 2011.
Rosen MG, Blum CL. Chiropractic care of a two year-old diagnosed with reflux and a hiatal hernia: A case report. International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Oct 22-23, 2011.
Rosen MG, Blum CL. Case Management of a 2 1/2 Year Old Female with a Thirty-five Degree Scoliosis and Two Hemivertebra: A Case Report. International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Oct 22-23, 2011.
Getzoff H, Blum CL. Cervicocranial and craniocervical syndromes: A case report. International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Oct 22-23, 2011.
Blum CL. Sacroiliac Joint Hypermobility Syndrome: A Chiropractic Perspective Survey. International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Oct 22-23, 2011.
Blum CL. Forward Head Posture (FHP) in Women and its Relationship to Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). International Research and Philosophy Symposium. Oct 22-23, 2011.

The following are the Abstracts from the 2005 IRAPS, Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Blum CL, Non-synaptic messaging: Piezoelectricity, Bioelectric Fields, Neuromelanin and Dentocranial Implications, Proceedings of the 2005 International Research and Philosophy Symposium: Sherman College of Chiropractic, Spartanburg, SC, Oct 22-23, 2005: 32-5.
Blum CL, Anatomical variants in the sciatic foramina and their relationship to piriformis muscle syndrome, Proceedings of the 2005 International Research and Philosophy Symposium: Sherman College of Chiropractic, Spartanburg, SC, Oct 22-23, 2005: 42-3.

The following is an Abstract from the 2004 IRAPS, Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Blum CL, Resolution of gallbladder visceral or mimicry pain, subsequent to surgical intervention, International Research and Philosphy Symposium Sherman College of Chiropractic, Spartanburg, SC, Oct 9-19, 2004: 10-11.

The following is an Abstract from the 10th Annual Vertebral Subluxation Research Conference in Hayward, CA, Dec 7-8, 2002.

Klingensmith RD, Blum CL. The relationship between pelvic block placement and radiographic pelvic analysis. 10th Annual Vertebral Subluxation Research Conference. Hayward, CA, Dec 7-8, 2002.

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This IRAPS Conference Proceeding Compendium of Abstracts and all its contents herein are published by SOTO-USA solely for the purpose of education and should not be used by patients or unlicensed persons to diagnose or treat any condition.

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