The therapeutic arsenal of modern chiropractors, however, is not limited to manipulation. According to the indications, they implement various methods of muscular and reflex treatment, articular mobilization, cranial massages and physiotherapeutic measures controlled extension, ultrasound, electrotherapy, cryotherapy. You will need the physical therapist for this work. Also part of the daily practice of chiropractors is the prescription of orthopedic aids, support bandages, gymnastic exercises, dietetic and ergonomic advice, and in part even the use of acupuncture and acupressure. If necessary, they also prescribe additional medication or food treatment analgesics, anti-inflammatories. Typically, chiropractors have their own x-ray facility. They can also entrust external service providers with the radiological or laboratory investigations necessary to establish their diagnosis.
Systematic history
A thorough history is a prerequisite for any treatment. In addition to current methods of investigation orthopedic, rheumatological, and neurological chiropractic also implements specific investigative processes, such as static and dynamic palpation of the musculoskeletal system, among others. Various tips, including posture and exercise, are part of the treatment. Like all therapies, chiropractic knows its limits, and their teaching is an integral part of clinical training, contraindications to chiropractic treatment.
Distant origins, recent development
Founded on universal practices dating back to antiquity, rediscovered and scientifically founded in the United States in the 19th century, chiropractic did not acquire its citizenship in Europe and Switzerland until the middle of the 20th century.
Already the elders of China, Egypt, Greece and Rome
Chiropractic is not as old as the world, but joint manipulation is. Indeed, this mode of treatment was known to the ancients, in China, Egypt and Greece. In the days of Imperial Rome, Galen was already using this therapy to get the gladiators back on their feet.
Scientific foundations in the United States in the second half of the 19th century
The scientific era of chiropractic began a little over a century ago with Daniel David Palmer (1845-1913). While Louis Pasteur, in Europe, discovers the role of certain microorganisms in the genesis of infectious diseases, DD Palmer, in the mid-west of the USA, rediscovers the benefits of vertebral manipulation. We still do not know how this scholar acquired this knowledge, perhaps in contact with Indian healers. The fact remains that he observes that the importance of the spine exceeds that of its supporting function of the body.
Located at the crossroads of the central and peripheral nervous systems, it plays a capital role in the balance of health: the disturbances of the spinal mechanics are likely to have repercussions on the neurological system, and if the column functions badly, the information conveyed by the nervous system will then be disturbed. The study of this theory will be continued by the son of the founder, Bartlett Joshua Palmer (1882-1961). At the end of the 19th century, the Palmers consecrated the entry of chiropractic into the sciences by founding the first research and teaching institute in Davenport, Iowa, the “Palmer College of Chiropractic”.
Zurich Swiss pioneer in the first half of the 20th century
It was in the 1920s that the vocation prompted the first Helvetians to leave the country to cross the Atlantic and head for the austere rooms of Palmer College in the USA. With a diploma in hand and back to the fold, these new doctors successfully provided care to patients to whom the usual treatments had brought no comfort. The news spread and the method developed with such vigor that, despite the skepticism of the medical profession at the time, the politicians had to resolve to legislate.
