1930 — According to B. J. Palmer, a great master at any task demonstrates proficiency by accomplishing his objective with as little effort as possible; a golfer’s hole-in-one is the ultimate example.

As a last step in the evolution of chiropractic technique, B. J. developed the Hole-in-One, so that the external force was applied only in the superior cervical vertebrae at the atlas and axis. Palmer reasoned that vertebrae below the axis were misaligned rather than subluxated and therefore determined that the only vertebrae that needed adjustment were the atlas and the axis (the first two cervical vertebrae). The complete adjustment was not only effected solely by the external force delivered by the chiropractor but was a combination of the external force and the “internal innate recoil force” within the patient.

The Hole-in-One theory was contrary to the training, reasoning and clinical experience of most chiropractors heretofore, and was not widely accepted.

REFERENCES

• Moore, J. Stuart. Chiropractic in America: The History of a Medical Alternative, Johns Hopkins University Press, 1993.

• Peterson, Dennis and Wiese, Glenda. Chiropractic: An Illustrated History, Mosby, 1995.

• Wardwell, Walter I. Chiropractic: History and Evolution of a Profession, Mosby, 1992.