1.
bonesetting; osteopathic treatment; orthopedic manipulation
A traditional form of manual therapy that treats bone fractures, joint dislocations, sprains, and musculoskeletal injuries through manipulation rather than surgery. In modern Japan, practiced by licensed judo therapists at clinics called 整骨院.
A new bonesetting clinic opened in front of the station, so I went to get my stiff shoulders treated.
Composed of 整 (arrange, set in order) and 骨 (bone). 整骨 has its roots in traditional Japanese medicine, particularly the healing arts associated with 柔道. Practitioners were historically martial artists who knew how to set bones and treat injuries sustained during training.
In modern Japan, 整骨院 (bonesetting clinics) are extremely common, found on virtually every commercial street. They are staffed by 柔道整復師 (judo therapists), who hold a national license. These clinics treat sprains, muscle strains, back pain, and similar musculoskeletal complaints. Some treatments are covered by health insurance.
Common collocations
- 整骨院: bonesetting clinic
- 整骨治療: bonesetting treatment
- 整骨に行く: to go to a bonesetting clinic
- 整骨に通う: to regularly visit a bonesetting clinic
Similar words
- 接骨: bonesetting — synonym; 接骨院 is an alternative name for the same type of clinic
- 整体: chiropractic, body alignment therapy — a broader term for manual body adjustment; practitioners are not nationally licensed
- 整形外科: orthopedic surgery — the Western medical specialty; involves diagnosis, imaging, and sometimes surgery