From Early Chiropractic History to Contemporary Pediatric Care: IRAPS Offers a Holistic Perspective
Originally published: 2025-08-11
Looking Back to Move Forward
Part III of our IRAPS 2025 review highlights presentations that bridge chiropractic's past with its future, uniting rigorous clinical inquiry with deep historical and philosophical investigation. The themes range from upper cervical thermography to the role of osteopathy in early chiropractic circles, reminding us that chiropractic is a living, evolving discipline rooted in a rich tradition and propelled by research.
These four presentations capture the heart of IRAPS, where the only constant is a principled commitment to vertebral subluxation-centered care.
Thermography in Upper Cervical Practice
Presented by Chris Collins, DC
Dr. Collins offered a retrospective case series examining full-spine thermographic changes in patients undergoing upper cervical chiropractic care. His findings provided visual evidence of neurological shifts following adjustments, suggesting thermography may be a powerful, underutilized tool for tracking the physiological impact of subluxation correction.
Attendees appreciated the blend of clinical application and technology, especially in an era when measurable outcomes are more important than ever.
“Thermography might be one of the most underdeveloped tools in chiropractic today,” Collins noted. “It’s time we give it the scientific attention it deserves.”
Pediatric Chiropractic Under the Microscope
Presented by Andrew Dorough, DC and Joel Alcantara, DC
This research review examined infants presenting for chiropractic care, offering a detailed snapshot of who seeks care, why they seek it, and how they respond. As pediatric chiropractic continues to face scrutiny in mainstream circles, this type of work is critical for demonstrating both clinical value and the necessity of chiropractic involvement in early life care.
The study also aligns with Sherman’s strategic plan to strengthen research on vertebral subluxation and its relationship to health outcomes across the lifespan.
“The data speaks volumes about the needs of families and how chiropractic can support them from the start,” one attendee shared.
Philosophical Exploration: Doctor or Technician?
Presented by Hans Salas Redlich, DC
Dr. Salas presented a provocative philosophical paper questioning whether chiropractors have limited themselves to a narrow scope or have embraced their broader healing potential. Using both personal experience and professional critique, Salas challenged attendees to reconsider the label of “doctor” and the responsibilities that come with it.
“If we fail to define ourselves, we allow others to define us,” Salas warned. “And that is never a position of strength.”
D.D. Palmer and Osteopathy: A Historical Deep Dive
Presented by Simon Senzon, DC, MA, with Tim Faulkner, DC and Joseph Foley, DC
In his second contribution to IRAPS 2025, Dr. Senzon explored the likely influence of D.D. Palmer’s early students and their connection to the field of osteopathy. Through demographic analysis and historical interpretation, this presentation illuminated the intellectual environment that helped shape chiropractic’s earliest foundations.
Rather than diminish chiropractic’s uniqueness, the paper enriched it by placing it in dialogue with parallel movements, further distinguishing its distinct philosophical trajectory.
“Understanding our roots is critical to charting our future,” said Senzon. “These historical details matter more than people think.”
Where Evidence and Identity Converge
IRAPS continues to prove that chiropractic can be simultaneously scientific and philosophical, clinical and cultural, historical and forward-thinking. The diverse content of Part III reflects what makes this symposium not just informative, but vital to the long-term health of the profession.
“IRAPS is the only place where you get to have these conversations with this level of depth and sincerity,” remarked one attendee.
Stay tuned for Part IV of our IRAPS 2025 review, where we round out this extraordinary series of presentations and celebrate the community that made it all possible.
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