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Historical records indicate that manipulative (skillful work done by hand) therapies have existed
throughout recorded time. Soft tissue (muscle, ligament and tendon) manipulation was
documented in Chinese literature as far back as 2000 years ago.
Manipulation of the spinal joints has been traced to historical documents from ancient Greece
which are now 2500 years old. Although these are the first written records describing
manipulative therapy, it is believed that the actual procedures have roots which go much further
back in time.
Hippocrates (circa 460-377 B.C.) is known as the father of modern medicine. He wrote dozens of
manuscripts concerning the healing arts including one focusing on manipulative therapy. These
writings represent the first historical account of spinal manipulative therapy. Hippocrates
recognized the relationship of the spine to health and disease. It is said that he instructed his
students to, "Get knowledge of the spine, for this is requisite for many diseases."
In the centuries following Hippocrates, a handful of physicians practiced his methods of spinal
manipulation. For the most part, manipulative therapy survived by being handed down informally
from one generation to another. During this time manipulative therapy was often described as
"bonesetting". In the late 1800's manipulative therapy was revived and later claimed by both the
professions of osteopathy and chiropractic (although under different premises) as a principal
mode of treating human ailments.
throughout recorded time. Soft tissue (muscle, ligament and tendon) manipulation was
documented in Chinese literature as far back as 2000 years ago.
Manipulation of the spinal joints has been traced to historical documents from ancient Greece
which are now 2500 years old. Although these are the first written records describing
manipulative therapy, it is believed that the actual procedures have roots which go much further
back in time.
Hippocrates (circa 460-377 B.C.) is known as the father of modern medicine. He wrote dozens of
manuscripts concerning the healing arts including one focusing on manipulative therapy. These
writings represent the first historical account of spinal manipulative therapy. Hippocrates
recognized the relationship of the spine to health and disease. It is said that he instructed his
students to, "Get knowledge of the spine, for this is requisite for many diseases."
In the centuries following Hippocrates, a handful of physicians practiced his methods of spinal
manipulation. For the most part, manipulative therapy survived by being handed down informally
from one generation to another. During this time manipulative therapy was often described as
"bonesetting". In the late 1800's manipulative therapy was revived and later claimed by both the
professions of osteopathy and chiropractic (although under different premises) as a principal
mode of treating human ailments.
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