David developed a manual spinal manipulation technique he called Light-Touch Mobilization Technique (LTMT). As I understood his description, it was basically a very light touching of a mis-aligned vertebra, which seemed to communicate to the body that it should relax any unnatural tension and allow the vertebra to move to a more natural, healthful alignment.
David taught a course in this technique for other British Columbia registered massage therapists (RMT’s). I believe much of the course covered how to recognize mis-aligned vertebrae and then assess whether the LTMT technique restored alignment.
David mentioned a dispute he had with someone who claimed LTMT was an energy technique. Although the patient may feel more energy flowing after his spine is better aligned, David was adamant that the technique was physical and evidence-based.
David had previusly enlisted a chiropractor to help in creating one of a very few double-blind studies ever done for a massage technique. The chiropractor’s role was to assess the patient’s alignment before and after either an LTMT treatment or a similar, non-therapeutic light touching of the patient was done. The study was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, April 1990.
Nevertheless, David felt that LTMT might be possible at some distance because energy fields are demonstrably physical and, besides, there is much that science does not yet understand. Unfortunately, David never set up a double-blind test for off-body LTMT, where the “touch” part would be done strictly with the mind’s and heart’s focused intent. Although he was interested in doing so, he did not find the time within his own lifetime.
David’s LTMT did not die with him, as there are students who took his training. Most of them live in or near Vancouver, BC. I do not know if anyone is actively promoting his technique currently. It would be wonderful if one of his former students (or even someone else) would do additional research on the technique.