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. Traditionally, they practiced without any formal training in accepted medical procedures.

What does bone setter mean?

: a person who sets broken or dislocated bones usually without being a licensed physician.

What did bone setters do?

A traditional bonesetter is a lay practitioner of bone manipulation, well versed—at least, according to the view of patrons and his community at large—in the medical art of restoring broken bones to full functionality.