Bonesetting

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. Traditionally, they practiced without any sort of formal training in accepted medical procedures. Bonesetters would also reduce joint dislocations and "re-set" bone fractures.

The practice of joint manipulation and treating fractures actually dates back to Ancient Times and can be traced to having roots in most countries.

The earliest known medical text, the Edwin Smith papyrus of 1552 BC, describes the Ancient Egyptian treatment of bone-related injuries. These early bonesetters would treat fractures with wooden splints wrapped in bandages or make a cast around the injury out of plaster-like mixture. It is unknown if they also performed amputations as well.

In the 16th century, many monks and nuns with some knowledge of medicine went on to become healers and bonesetters after the dissolution of monasteries in the British Isles. However, many bonesetters were non-religious and the majority of them were self-taught. These skills were then passed on from generation to generation created families of bonesetters. Famous families include the Taylor family of Whitworth and the Matthew family of the Midlands.

With the advancement of modern medicine beginning in the 18th century, bonesetters began to fall into a new category. At the time there were the practitioners who were considered legitimate and then the self-taught healers who were considered to be "quacks". In Great Britan, the most famous of quacks was the bonesetter, Sally Mapp. Known as "Crazy Sally", she was highly successful in her time. Coming from a family of bonesetters, Sally was known for her arm strength and ability to reset almost any bone. Though she experienced great wealth and flaunted it at every opportunity, popular culture supported that idea of "Crazy Sally". So while she was good at her trade, she was never considered to be a real practitioner due to the jokes and negative portrayal of her in the public eye. This example showcases the contradictory perception society had of the role of the bonesetter - they were necessary for health but they weren't good enough to be seen as a part of true medical practice.

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Wikipedia