What do I need?
This is the most common question we are asked; physio, chiro or soft tissue therapy? It is a complex question and a little bit of history is quite illuminating.
Osteopathy was invented first by Andrew Still in 1870s as a response to the relatively poor outcomes from medicine at the time. Chiropractic then appeared a decade or so later after D.D. Palmer reversed a personβs suddenly acquired deafness by βpoppingβ their spine. Both practices were rooted in naturalism, spiritualism and alternative practices but both founders tried to apply a degree of scientific rigor which still stands.
Physiotherapy and massage came about around the same time; initially as a way to assist with medical management. Interestingly, in Britain it was the first profession established by and wholly for women, as the Society of Trained Masseuses, chaired by Lucy Robinson. This changed to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy around the time of the first world war when all professions suddenly found themselves managing injuries not previously seen in such numbers.
The invention of penicillin changed everything; diseases became βmedicallyβ managed and all practices changed to suit their client bases. Physios, who had been working alongside doctors for some time joined the NHS and treated a lot of wounded soldiers after WWII and developed the principles of modern injury and illness rehabilitation. Chiropractors remained in the community and developed their practices to respond to (mainly) musculo-skeletal conditions.
As for now; weβre all the same really yet weβre all different. What each practitioner offers is entirely down to their own skill set. Acupuncture, manipulations, massage, spinal βthrustsβ, cupping. Whatever your problem, get in touch. Between us we have the skills.
Wotton Health
01453 367144
www.wottonhealth.com