J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1991 Jan; 14(1): 38-45.

The sociopolitical development of British chiropractic.

Baer HA.

Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Arkansas, Little Rock 72204.

This paper presents a brief history of British chiropractic and its relationship with chiropractic in North America and on the European continent. The relatively strong presence of osteopathy as a form of manual medicine and the laissez-faire market conditions which Common Law permits alternative health practitioners to practice under, regardless of training and qualifications, have historically impeded the growth of chiropractic in Britain. Nevertheless, the opening of the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in Bourne-mouth in 1965 has resulted in a rapid increase in the number of chiropractors in Britain. The growing interest of certain strategic British elites in manipulative therapy as a method for treating musculoskeletal problems in the general population is enhancing the legitimacy of both chiropractic and osteopathy.