A qualitative investigation into the role of Bonesetters and their techniques, in an Irish setting.
Item
- Title
- A qualitative investigation into the role of Bonesetters and their techniques, in an Irish setting.
- Title
- A qualitative investigation into the role of Bonesetters and their techniques, in an Irish setting.
- Author(s)
- O’Mahony Claire
- Abstract
- Background: The tradition and practice of Bonesetting in Ireland is still much demanded, despite a well established medical profession, in both urban and rural communities. There is no current research in this area, as to how Bonesetters treat, and as to what their current role is in modern day Ireland. Objective: To investigate the role of Irish Bonesetters and their manual techniques and practice. Design: Small scale descriptive study. Methods: Semi structured interviews were used to interview 8 Irish Bonesetters, who treat people using manual techniques in the province of Munster and Leinster, Republic of Ireland. Content analysis with elements of grounded theory (Strauss & Corbin, 1998) was the selected method to analyse data, which produced seven themes. Results: Bonesetter profiles were established, where all Bonesetters had inherited their ‘gift’ or ‘skill’ from their fathers. Specific techniques for ‘disc’ treatment were identified; manipulation and massage. Fracture rehabilitation with the use of poultices was still common practice. First point of fracture care was identified as an older tradition, replaced by referral to the G.P. Bonesetters were guided by faith or had ‘a gift’ from God in practice. Within the community, the Bonesetter provided care for both people and animals with donations as offerings for care. There were ‘informal’ relationships of referral between Bonesetters and G.P’s. A negative attitude from medical practitioners was perceived by Bonesetters regarding treatment. The tradition was in decline due to anticipated regulation, which is encouraging young Bonesetters to seek further education to utilize skills under another healthcare title. Conclusion: Declining numbers of Bonesetters and anticipated regulation were seen as the main reasons why the tradition was deemed ‘on the way out’. The Irish Bonesetter decline was comparable to the fate of Bonesetters in the U.K. during the 20th century. A platform and greater role for Osteopaths may be emerging in Ireland. Future research in this area is needed to investigate the role of Irish Bonesetters further.
- Abstract
- Background: The tradition and practice of Bonesetting in Ireland is still much demanded, despite a well established medical profession, in both urban and rural communities. There is no current research in this area, as to how Bonesetters treat, and as to what their current role is in modern day Ireland. Objective: To investigate the role of Irish Bonesetters and their manual techniques and practice. Design: Small scale descriptive study. Methods: Semi structured interviews were used to interview 8 Irish Bonesetters, who treat people using manual techniques in the province of Munster and Leinster, Republic of Ireland. Content analysis with elements of grounded theory (Strauss & Corbin, 1998) was the selected method to analyse data, which produced seven themes. Results: Bonesetter profiles were established, where all Bonesetters had inherited their ‘gift’ or ‘skill’ from their fathers. Specific techniques for ‘disc’ treatment were identified; manipulation and massage. Fracture rehabilitation with the use of poultices was still common practice. First point of fracture care was identified as an older tradition, replaced by referral to the G.P. Bonesetters were guided by faith or had ‘a gift’ from God in practice. Within the community, the Bonesetter provided care for both people and animals with donations as offerings for care. There were ‘informal’ relationships of referral between Bonesetters and G.P’s. A negative attitude from medical practitioners was perceived by Bonesetters regarding treatment. The tradition was in decline due to anticipated regulation, which is encouraging young Bonesetters to seek further education to utilize skills under another healthcare title. Conclusion: Declining numbers of Bonesetters and anticipated regulation were seen as the main reasons why the tradition was deemed ‘on the way out’. The Irish Bonesetter decline was comparable to the fate of Bonesetters in the U.K. during the 20th century. A platform and greater role for Osteopaths may be emerging in Ireland. Future research in this area is needed to investigate the role of Irish Bonesetters further.
- presented at
- British School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2011
- Date Submitted
- 3.2.2012 00:00:00
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Pub-Identifier
- 15090
- Inst-Identifier
- 780
- Keywords
- Bonesetters, Bonesetting, ‘fear cnámh’, Bone-man
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
O’Mahony Claire, “A qualitative investigation into the role of Bonesetters and their techniques, in an Irish setting.”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 2, 2024, https://www.osteopathic-research.com/s/orw/item/1748