BLT & LAS Techniques

BLT stands for Balanced Ligamentous Tension. Its goal is to restore balance in ligaments.

LAS stands for Ligamentous Articular Strain. It occurs when joint ligaments are stressed, leading to dysfunction.

BLT and LAS are often used interchangeably and both focus on achieving ligament tension balance.

1. Disengage - separate/loosen the joint slightly.
2. Exaggerate - move the joint towards the position of injury/ease, not against restriction.
3. Balance - hold the joint at a neutral 'balance point' until release happens.

Mechanoreceptors and proprioceptors in ligaments act as sensors for position, pressure, and stretch. They send signals when ligaments are stressed, leading to reflex muscle changes that help maintain balance and stability in the body.

BLT (Balanced Ligamentous Tension) and LAS (Ligamentous Articular Strain) therapies work by restoring balanced tension across ligaments. This balance allows the body to self-correct and maintain proper alignment and function.

In a healthy joint, ligament tension is balanced in all directions.

Injury pushes a joint past its physiologic range, leading to strain and an imbalance in ligament tension.

BLT/LAS uses inherent body forces such as circulation, lymph flow, CSF motion, and respiratory motion to help release tension.

In the case of a stubbed toe, the joint is compressed. BLT (Balanced Ligamentous Tension) slightly exaggerates this compression to find the balance point, allowing the tissues to reset and recover.

BLT and LAS are considered indirect techniques that move toward ease.

The sequence used in both BLT and LAS treatments is disengage → exaggerate → balance.

Mechanoreceptors and proprioceptors in ligaments help explain why treatment works by providing feedback about tension and position.

The balance point is the neutral position where ligaments and tissues feel equal tension.

BLT relies on the body's inherent forces such as fluids, PRM, and lymphatics, rather than the physician's force.