On this day in TIC History in 1963, R.J. Watkins presented an overview of Normal and Abnormal Pelvic Kinesiology to the leading experts on X-ray analysis in the chiropractic profession. The talk is included in the 830-page book, The Complete Chiropractor (2017). You may read it here: R.J. Watkins on Pelvic Subluxation Research.

Watkins presented an overview of the pelvic subluxation research in the chiropractic profession including the works of Illi and Janse, Gillet, as well as the pioneering studies at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.

Please read the 6-page article to better understand the pelvic subluxation research Watkins was referring to.

Aside from the interesting research conducted at CMCC on subluxation in the 1960s, R.J. Watkins provides some excellent insight about complex and chronic subluxation patterns. For example, he writes, 

“As a reminder of “tissue memory,” we can see that old subluxations, which were not completely corrected, seem to have partially reduced as symptoms subsided. But a residual distortion persists. Since most patients have had multiple traumata, the physical distortion represents scars of old injuries pyramided into a rubble heap with the latest symptomatic problem laid on top like a capstone. Is it not apparent, then, that we cannot depend upon films made in a single position for infallible listings of a subluxation? Certainly we have a picture of the top stone on the pyramid, but the position and contour of its base of previous trauma will mislead, and even apparently reverse, the true problem.”

The complexity of vertebral subluxation patterns are an important element of research, theory, and practice. It would be interesting for the profession to take up some of this research again, explore it in greater depth, and build upon these foundations.