Several pathways in the evolution of chiropractic manipulation - Chiropractic Treatment

Several pathways in the evolution of chiropractic manipulation
Received 11 December 2001
Joseph C Keating Jr, PhD
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Elsevier

Abstract
ChiropractorsÌ manual methods of healing have diverse origins. Unlike the older traditions of bonesetters, chiropractors apply their techniques to health problems beyond the musculoskeletal system. The ideas of the Palmers were seminal, but innovation has been a prominent characteristic in the evolution of technique, and borrowing of methods between Ïbrand-nameÓ techniques has been common. Manipulative strategies have also been influenced by various instruments for diagnosing (ie, detecting) putative subluxations. Influences from beyond the profession (eg, from osteopathy) are also apparent; chiropractors have not confined themselves to the high-velocity adjustive procedures that marked the professionÌs inception. Technique has been a source of controversy within the profession, but little has been done to determine the relative merits of various manual assessment and intervention procedures. The proprietary nature of many chiropractic methods has promoted both innovation and secrecy. Extensive research will be needed to separate the chaff from the wheat.

Keywords: Chiropractic, History
a Homewood Professor, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Secretary and Member, Board of Directors, National Institute of Chiropractic Research, Phoenix, Ariz., USA

Submit requests for reprints to: Joseph C. Keating, Jr., 6135 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA

☆ Preparation of this article was supported the National Institute of Chiropractic Research. The author is solely responsible for its content.

PII: S0161-4754(02)54125-7

doi:10.1016/S0161-4754(02)54125-7

© 2003 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2007 Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved