Sally Mapp

Sally Mapp (1706–1737) was a prominent English bone-setter in the 18th century, known for her remarkable skill in treating dislocations and fractures. She was part of a family of bone-setters and gained widespread recognition for her work, which was both celebrated and controversial in her time.

Early Life

Sally Mapp was born in 1706 in Wiltshire, England, into a family with a strong tradition of bone-setting. Her father, John Mapp, was a well-known bone-setter, and Sally learned the trade from him. The Mapp family was part of a long line of practitioners who used traditional methods to treat musculoskeletal injuries.

Career

Sally Mapp began her career in bone-setting at a young age, assisting her father and eventually establishing her own practice. She became known for her ability to treat complex dislocations and fractures, often succeeding where conventional medical practitioners of the time had failed.

Techniques

Mapp's techniques were based on traditional methods passed down through generations. She used her hands to manipulate bones back into place, relying on her keen sense of touch and deep understanding of human anatomy. Her methods were considered unorthodox by many in the medical community, but her success rate earned her a loyal following.

Public Recognition

Sally Mapp's reputation grew as she treated patients from all walks of life, including members of the nobility. Her fame reached its peak when she moved to Epsom, Surrey, where she set up a practice that attracted patients from across England. Despite her lack of formal medical training, her results spoke for themselves, and she became a household name.

Controversy

Mapp's work was not without controversy. The medical establishment of the time was skeptical of bone-setters, viewing them as untrained and potentially dangerous. However, Mapp's success challenged these perceptions, and she became a symbol of the tension between traditional and formal medical practices.

Legacy

Sally Mapp's contributions to bone-setting and her challenge to the medical establishment left a lasting impact. She paved the way for future generations of practitioners who sought to bridge the gap between traditional and modern medicine. Her life and work continue to be studied as an example of the rich history of alternative medical practices.

Also see

• Bone-setting
• History of medicine
• Traditional medicine
• Alternative medicine

• 
  Sally Mapp
• 
  Sally Mapp