What is Balanced Ligamentous Tension (BLT)?

 

Balanced Ligamentous Tension (BLT) is a gentle, yet powerful, indirect osteopathic technique. It involves guiding the body towards its areas of ease or balance, rather than forcing it into a corrected position, and is works on the principle that ligaments, which connect bones and stabilize joints, play a crucial role in maintaining proper body alignment and function.  By restoring balance to the ligaments, BLT aims to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and enhance the body's natural healing mechanisms. 

BLT is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including joint dysfunction, pain, and limited range of motion. 

Here's how it works, in simple terms:

Your body is held together and supported by ligaments—like strong elastic bands—that connect bones to other bones. When a joint is injured or strained (from something like a fall, poor posture, or repetitive movement), those ligaments can become overstretched or imbalanced. This can lead to pain, tension, or restricted movement.

BLT works a bit like this:

  • The osteopath gently positions the joint or area in a way that takes the strain off the ligaments—almost like putting a slack in a tug-of-war rope.

  • They then hold that position, allowing your body to "reset" and release the tension naturally.

  • Once the balance is restored, the joint can move more freely and the surrounding tissues can start healing properly.

Benefits of BLT:

  • Pain relief 

  • Gentle and safe, ideal for adults, babies, pregnant women

  • Helps the body return to balance so it can heal itself more efficiently

  • Improves mobility and flexibility

  • Has been shown to decrease sympathetic nervous system stimulation and improve heart rate variability. It can also have a positive effect on anxiety, depression and mood disorders. 

  • Useful for both recent injuries and long-standing tension or dysfunction

What can BLT help with:

  • Joint strains or injuries

  • Pelvic girdle pain - pre and post natal

  • Acute sporting injuries

  • Acute neck and back pain

  • Headaches, migraines

  • Mood disorders, anxiety, depression

  • Infant & newborns - commonly used as very gentle

  • Whiplash

  • TMJ (jaw) dysfunction

BLT is often part of a broader osteopathic treatment approach and is especially helpful when the body needs a soft, precise touch.

 
Elizabeth Dwyer