In 1979 the John McTimoney Chiropractic Association was set up. The name was changed to the Institute of Pure Chiropractic in 1981 and then to the McTimoney Chiropractic Association (MCA) in 1994. The MCA is the professional body for all McTimoney-trained chiropractors, and was formed to protect and support them. Another key role of the MCA is to uphold and promote the essential principles of chiropractic as developed by the late John McTimoney. The MCA currently governs membership, provides insurance for its members, promotes the philosophy of chiropractic and practice of its members, and maintains the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct.

The MCA currently has over 500 members in the UK and Eire, which represent a quarter of the UK profession. The MCA is the third largest professional chiropractic association outside North America, and is currently re-defining its role in the context of the General Chiropractic Council (the statutory body for all chiropractors in the UK).

The College logo depicts Cheiron, who was the wisest of the Greek centaurs. A teacher and a healer, Cheiron was tutor to both Achilles and Jason. Apart from his obvious connection with teaching and healing, Cheiron admirably illustrates the dual application of the McTimoney technique for both humans and animals. The Latin motto, In Manu Vis Medendi, means 'in the hands is the power of healing'.

By correctly training the hands as an instrument of innate intelligence, healing can be encouraged to take place by the detection and correction of bony subluxations (slight displacements). Cheiron and the motto form the emblem of McTimoney chiropractors and may be displayed only by qualified practitioners who have successfully completed their training in the McTimoney College of Chiropractic.

A history of the MCA can be found in McTimoney Chiropractic, the first twenty-five years by Stan Harding. The recommended reference book on the history, philosophy, art and science of McTimoney Chiropractic is The Essentials of McTimoney Chiropractic. Both books are available from the MCA at a cost of £7.50 and £12.99 respectively, (exclusive of postage and packaging). For more information on the history of McTimoney or on how to become a McTimoney Chiropractor see McTimoney College of Chiropractic.

Because of its shared aims and beliefs, the McTimoney Chiropractic Association is an associate member of the International Chiropractors Association.