Manipulation of the joints of the body has been recorded as far back as the early Greek civilizations. D. D. Palmer was the founder of Chiropractic after performing the first chiropractic adjustment and later opening the world’s first College of Chiropractic in Davenport, USA in 1897.
In the late 19th century, a gentlemen and bone manipulator known as A. T. Still founded the belief that ‘the artery is supreme’ and that good improved blood flow was essential for a healthy bodily environment. D. D. Palmer however believed nerve function was of greater importance for optimal health. Both developed the art of spinal or vertebral manipulation to improve body function, yet this philosophical difference in opinion was significant. A. T. Still went on to become known as the founder of Osteopathy and the osteopathic profession. D. D. Palmer was seen as the founder of Chiropractic and the Chiropractic profession.
The word “chiro-practic” was coined by Rev. Samuel Weed from the Greek “to practice or treat by hand”. Palmer was initially jailed after a lawsuit taken up by the osteopathy profession for attempting to practice medicine without a licence. However, during the early 1900’s, chiropractic was recognized as its own specific and credible profession. New technologies were introduced such as the use of xrays by D.D. Palmer’s son, B.J. Palmer who oversaw the further growth and development of Chiropractic. Unlike osteopathy and physiotherapy, education in radiology and use of xray technology would later become a large component of modern day chiropractic.
The profession has grown a tremendous amount in the last 100 years and is now a globally accepted primary healthcare profession. An excellent standard of modern day quality scientific research has also assisted the worldwide development of Chiropractic.
Modern day Chiropractic is also now internationally governed and has established international standards for education and practice.
