Traditional Chinese Sports Medicine, traditionally known as Dit Da or Bonesetting, involves joint manipulation and is considered a predecessor to modern practices such as chiropractic, osteopathy, orthopaedics and physiotherapy. Dit Da literally means “fall and hit” and originated in Southern China.
The joint manipulations used in Dit Da include setting or reducing joint dislocations, setting or re-setting bone fractures and treating other traumas or injuries such as sprains and bruises. Bonesetters typically practise without formal training, with knowledge passed down from master to disciple.
Traditionally, Dit Da is closely linked to Chinese martial arts. Practitioners would treat injured fighters, though bonesetters also helped anyone who experienced physical injury from falling or impact.
In the Chinese context, traditional bone setting extends beyond treating physical injuries. Dit Da addresses bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, arteries and Chi meridians.
Techniques used include massage, acupressure, Qigong therapy, and herbal applications such as compresses and infusions. The diversity of techniques and the range of conditions treated has led to Dit Da being referred to as Chinese physiotherapy, Medical Qigong therapy, Traditional Chinese Sports Medicine, Chinese Sport Injury Therapy and Chinese Massage.
