Bone Setting, Chiropractor and Osteopath?

It has been observed that locally, (in Singapore) there are a few bone setters using the term Chiropractors and Osteopaths when actually they are not qualified to do so. While we do not dispute the qualifications or their effective treatment per-se, we do raise concern regarding the labels and tags unqualified people calls themselves because it may impact the entire industry.  

‘Bone setting’ refers to the general description given to traditional manual therapy that is aimed at adjusting and realigning bones and joints to relieve pain and improve function. This type of therapy is often used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Bone setting as an umbrella term can be performed by a variety of healthcare professionals, including chiropractors, osteopathic physicians, physical therapists, and others. Each of these professionals may have different levels of training and experience in bone setting and other manual therapies, and may use different techniques and approaches to care.

• Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions, including those related to the spine. Chiropractors typically use manual techniques, such as spinal manipulation, to restore normal movement to the affected joints and improve overall function. They are the experts in HVLAT (High velocity Low Amplitude Thrust Technique) 

• Osteopathic physicians and Manual Osteopaths (theres a stark difference) are healthcare professionals who use manual therapy, along with other conventional medical treatments, to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including those related to the musculoskeletal system. Osteopathic physicians also use manual techniques, such as joint mobilization and soft tissue therapy, to restore normal movement to the affected joints and improve overall function. Osteopathic Physicians are normally attached with the initials D.O. after their name usually US qualified Osteopaths. Manual Therapist can be from various background from a DOMP (Diploma of Osteopathic Manipulation Practitioner) to BSc.O, BSc.Ost, MSc.Ost. As for myself, im a Naturopath PhD with MSc.Ost. which simply imply that I am A Naturopath who is capable of manipulation/manipulative therapies in acccordance to the Osteopathic discipline.

• Bone setting refers to a more traditional type of manual therapy aimed at adjusting and realigning bones and joints to relieve pain and improve function. This type of therapy is often used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches. (Almost the same as the 2 profession above)

It’s important to work with a qualified and experienced healthcare provider to determine the best approach to treatment for your individual needs, and to discuss any concerns or risks associated with manual therapies.

One may ask, If the techniques are about the same, then what is the beef about? You see, performing Manual Therapy does not automatically mean that  one is a Chiropractor. It is the underlying principles of which the manipulation is to be performed plays a big part in the successful treatment of a patient. Chiropractors and Osteopaths have their own systems in place to facilitate the various techniques (Chiropractors uses Toggle Recoil method, Activator method etc while Osteopaths employs FPR, Craniosacral, understanding of Somatic Dysfunction to name a few).  

There are also other professionals in the medical industry who employs the same method of treatment but not a mainstay in their treatment methods which is the Physiotherapists (at post graduate level) and Orthopedic Doctors (albeit not all). 

In the realm of Natural medicine some Naturopaths on the other hand, are trained in Naturopathic Manipulation or Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT) as their post graduate studies. And as far as TCM is concerned, I would say TCM professionals also are experts in Tit-tar Bone setting (Tit-tar or Tuina).  This comparison is to the best that I can recall being in the industry for 15 years. 

But just in case, I want to re-iterate that we are not disputing the right and wrongs in applying technique over a patient but in this blog, we are addressing the unethical use of the title Chiropractor and Osteopath. 

About this Practice

As mentioned earlier on my other blog post Osteopathic and Naturopathic medicine are two distinct approaches to healthcare that share some similarities, but also have some important differences.

Osteopathic medicine is a type of manual therapy that aims to improve the functioning of the musculoskeletal system, as well as overall health, by manipulating the bones and joints to restore normal movement and alignment. Osteopathic physicians/ Osteopathic Manual Therapists use manual techniques, such as joint mobilization and soft tissue therapy, in addition to conventional medical treatments, to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions.

Naturopathic medicine, on the other hand, is a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasizes the use of natural remedies and treatments to support the body's ability to heal itself. Naturopathic practitioners use a variety of techniques, such as dietary changes, herbal remedies, massage, and other manual therapies, to support overall health and wellness.

The combination of Osteopathic and Naturopathic medicine can provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to healthcare, using both manual therapy and natural remedies to support the body's ability to heal and function optimally.