IRAPS 2025: A Celebration of Subluxation-Centered Scholarship and Philosophy
Originally published: 2025-05-17
(Sherman College’s Bill Decken closes IRAPS with the directive to “Press On” with the work that needs to be done)
Chiropractic's Intellectual Epicenter
The 20th Annual International Research and Philosophy Symposium (IRAPS), held May 2–3, 2025, at Sherman College of Chiropractic, once again established itself as the only chiropractic event in the world exclusively focused on the science and philosophy of vertebral subluxation. Held in conjunction with Lyceum 2025, the symposium brought together a vibrant mix of students, researchers, and thought leaders in what many attendees described as “the most principled and intellectually inspiring event in chiropractic.”
“IRAPS is where the future of chiropractic scholarship is being written,” said Sherman College President Dr. Jack Bourla. “It’s an environment that challenges, uplifts, and empowers chiropractors to stay true to our unique philosophy and purpose.”
Research Presentations: Advancing the Science of Subluxation
This year’s event showcased a strong array of research presentations aimed at strengthening the evidence base for vertebral subluxation-centered care.
Highlights included:
Charles Kenya & Matthew Hudson (Sherman Faculty): The Impact of Vertebral Subluxation Correction on the Pittsburgh Sleep Index, Perceived Stress Scale, and DASS
Sherman Student Research Fellows (FVS): Best Practice Guidelines for the Clinical Management of the Vertebral Subluxation: An Ongoing Effort
John “Doc” Edwards: Quality of Life of Women Under Chiropractic Care During the Perinatal Period
Matthew Devlin & Daniel Becker (Sherman Faculty): Correlation of Cervicothoracic Junction Visual and Line Analysis on APOM and AP Thoracic Spine Radiographs
Chris Collins: Retrospective Case Review of Full-Spine Thermographic Changes Following Upper Cervical Care
Andrew Dorough: Infants Presenting for Chiropractic Care: A Retrospective File Review
Scott Baker & Joel Alcantara: Radiological Assessment of Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
Daniel Knowles: Objective Measures for Subluxation Analysis and Adverse Mechanical Cord Tension
Allie Hamstead (Sherman Faculty): Resolution of Constipation in an Infant Following Subluxation Reduction: A Case Study
“The quality and scope of research presented at IRAPS this year is unprecedented,” noted Dr. Alan Brewster, Director of the Center for Scholarly Activity at Sherman. “I appreciate being a part of this movement. The science emerging from Sherman and its partners is shaping the future of principled chiropractic.”
Philosophical Presentations: Deepening the Discipline
Equally impactful were the philosophical presentations, which explored chiropractic’s foundational ideas, historical lineage, and its role in modern health care.
Featured philosophy presenters included:
Simon Senzon: Differentiating Subluxation Models of Smith and Langworthy & D.D. Palmer’s Influence on Osteopathy
Myron Brown: Philosophical Fiction: An Unexplored Opportunity
Matthew McCoy: The Unnecessary Burden of the NBCE Part IV Exam: A Call for Reform
Joel Kinch: Philosophy, Clinical Practice, and Education
Hans Salas Redlich: Chiropractors, Doctor of Limitation or Possibilities?
Carsten Reinhardt: Reclaiming Health: Mixed Messages and the Challenge of Educating the Public
IRAPS ended with a Plenary Session by Bill Decken D.C., L.C.P., D.Ph.CS Professor of Clinical Sciences and Chair of the Philosophy Department at Sherman College who inspired the audience to “Press On” and uphold the chiropractic vision and the “radical science” it has the responsibility to bring to the world.
These sessions offered deep reflection on the role of philosophy in shaping clinical decision-making and preserving chiropractic’s unique identity in a healthcare landscape often dominated by mechanistic thinking.
“This is the only place I’ve ever been where research and philosophy in chiropractic are both honored—and taken seriously,” said one attendee.
“You can feel the integrity in the room. No fluff, just real work being done,” another participant shared.
Research Awards: A Historic First for Sherman
In a major milestone, IRAPS 2025 featured the first-ever Research & Scholarship Awards, funded by ChiroFutures Malpractice Insurance Program. A total of $5,000 was awarded to top presenters selected by a panel of judges.
Winners included:
Sherman Student Fellows (FVS)
Simon Senzon
Hans Salas Redlich
Daniel Knowles
This initiative directly supports Sherman College’s new strategic plan, which emphasizes building research capacity and producing scholarship that supports the vertebral subluxation model.
“Our mission at ChiroFutures is to secure the future of chiropractic by supporting those who defend its core principles through science and scholarship,” said Dr. Matthew McCoy, CEO of ChiroFutures. “IRAPS is the perfect platform to do that.”
Rooted in Principle. Advancing with Purpose.
As emphasized in the original Call for Abstracts, IRAPS was designed to bring together researchers, educators, and practitioners focused on subluxation-centered, vitalistic chiropractic. With sessions ranging from case studies and research projects to philosophical dialogues and historical analysis, IRAPS 2025 fulfilled its purpose—and then some.
“IRAPS aligns perfectly with the spirit and mission of Sherman College,” said Dr. Jack Bourla. “It’s not just a conference. It’s a declaration of who we are and where we’re going.”
Congratulations to all presenters, award winners, and attendees who made IRAPS 2025 a monumental success. Together, we are building the academic and philosophical foundation of chiropractic—brick by brick, paper by paper, and principle by principle.
