Bonesetter

::"This article is about therapists, for John D. "Bonesetter" Reese, see John D. Reese."A bonesetter is a practitioner of joint manipulation. Before the advent of chiropractors, osteopaths and physical therapists, bonesetters were the main providers of this type of treatment in the world. Bonesetters would also reduce joint dislocations and 're-set' bone fractures.

The original spinal adjustment was a variation of a procedure known today as spinal manipulation. This form of treatment has documented use as far back as Hippocrates, the ancient Egyptians and Asian Cultures and was carried through the ages by families of bonesetters. The modern form of spinal manipulation techniques have charactersitic biomechanical features, and are usually associated with an audible "popping" sound.

In some older Eastern families and communities bonesetting was learned in conjunction with acupressure / acupuncture as the main healing art and treatment for the remote location and family members. For many years this type of training was normal practice in these families and communities being passed on from generation to generation. These teachings and uses could be easily found in regular use in the Samurai culture of Japan. This type of ancient formal training has almost completely vanished due to the modern chiropractic / medical boards and certifications. However you can still find a small number classically trained martial arts practitioners practicing this art in traditional ways today. Other "Lay" bonesetters still practice in some parts of the world. [cite journal|author=Aries MJ, Joosten H, Wegdam HH, van der Geest S|title=Fracture treatment by bonesetters in central Ghana: patients explain their choices and experiences|journal=Trop Med Int Health|year=2007|volume=12|issue=4|pages=564–74|pmid=: 17445148] [cite journal|author=Huber BR, Anderson R|title=Bonesetters and curers in a Mexican community: conceptual models, status, and gender|journal=Med Anthropol|year=1996|volume=17|issue=1|pages=23–38|pmid=: 8757711]

Present day bonesetting in the United Kingdom

Bonesetting involves the bonesetter adjusting the position of the bones in relation to another without the use of anaesthetics.

The Profession

Bonesetters practice in the United Kingdom and are listed with Unified Bonesetters Ltd. The practicing title of Bonesetter in the United Kingdom is protected. All members are subject to a continuing peer review system to assess fitness to practice. This is carried out in the practitoner's own practice.

Therapeutic Principles

Bonesetters accept the general principles that relief of pain and restoration of function through manipulation of the bones will allow the body as a whole to improve its function of both nerves and arteries.

Treatments

Bonesetters treat pain and dysfunction and include in the treatment plan patient review and self management.

References