What is the term for a practitioner of the therapeutic method involving manipulation of bones and joints, particularly the spine?

The term for a practitioner of the therapeutic method involving manipulation of bones and joints, particularly the spine, is indeed chiropractic. Chiropractors primarily focus on the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Their methods often involve spinal adjustments and other manual techniques, aimed at restoring proper alignment and function in the body, which helps alleviate pain and improve overall health.

In contrast, osteopathy also involves manipulation but encompasses a broader approach, including overall health and how the body’s systems interact with one another. Physical therapy focuses specifically on rehabilitation through exercises and modalities designed to restore movement and function after injury or illness, rather than primarily manipulating bones and joints. Orthopedics is a branch of medicine focused on conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system but typically involves surgical and medical interventions rather than hands-on manipulation. Thus, chiropractic is the most accurate term for the practice described.