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.^[1] Bonesetters would also reduce joint dislocations and 're-set' bone fractures.

The original spinal adjustment was a variation of a procedure known today as spinal manipulation. This form of treatment has documented use as far back as Hippocrates, the ancient Egyptians and Asian cultures and was carried through the ages by families of bonesetters.