History of chiropractic
Chiropractic is a form of manual therapy, meaning hands-on treatment, traditionally focused on spinal care. Its origins trace back over a century ago to Davenport, Iowa in the United States. There D.D. Palmer performed the first chiropractic manipulation, also known as an adjustment, on a patient in 1895.
The original concept of chiropractic centered around the idea that misaligned vertebrae put pressure on nerves. By freeing the vertebrae through adjustments, various ailments could be alleviated. Since then, the understanding of the effects of manipulative techniques has evolved. This newfound knowledge is now more accurately and effectively applied in real-world practice.
Manipulative treatments themselves weren’t new inventions during Palmer’s time but rather an age-old practice utilized for millennia. Chiropractic essentially approached this ancient method from a different perspective.
The term ”chiropractic” was coined by D.D. Palmer’s pastor friend, who combined the Greek words kheir (hands) and praxis (to treat, to do). So chiropractic literally means treatment or action done by hand.
Chiropractic quickly gained ground in North America, with dozens of chiropractic schools established by the 1920s.
Today, chiropractic has evolved significantly since Palmer’s era. Both chiropractic and manual therapies have been extensively researched over the years. Consequently, our understanding of the applications of manual therapy and its effects on the human body has grown immensely.
The safety and efficacy of manual therapy in many musculoskeletal conditions have also become increasingly evident. For instance, according to the American Chiropractic Association, approximately 35 million Americans seek help from chiropractors annually.
Chiropractic has come a long way from its founder’s days. Its role in modern healthcare is based on continually evolving scientific evidence and the excellent education of chiropractors. As a result, chiropractic has become recognized and favored in Finland as a treatment for many musculoskeletal issues.