A brief overview of the history of Osteopathy...
Osteopathy may not be as well known as some other forms of treatments but it has been playing a vital role for many years!
So, where did it start?
Osteopathy was founded by Andrew Taylor Still in the late 1800’s. He dedicated himself to the study of health & disease after losing 3 children to spinal meningitis. His will to improve general practice, surgery & obstetrics led him to come up with a new way of diagnosing & treating people.
Still developed a unique philosophy that emphasized the interrelationship between the body's structure and its function. He believed that restoring structural balance could optimize the body's inherent healing abilities.
Because of this, he developed a hands on approach which became known as Osteopathy in 1874. In 1892 he formed the American School of Osteopathy to teach this form of treatment.
How did it come to Britain?
In 1913, one of Still’s students, John Martin Littlejohn, arrived back in London & established the British School of Osteopathy (now the University College of Osteopathy) in 1917.
Osteopathy was thought of as being outside of the mainstream medical practice in the UK up until 1993 & was not a regulated profession. In 1998 the Register of Osteopaths was opened as well as the development of the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). So now in order to practice Osteopathy, you must be registered with the GOsC and are subject to regulations.
Since the early days, Osteopathy has developed significantly to become internationally practiced & is recognised by the World Health Organisation & other international bodies & is now one of 14 Allied Health Professions that are recognised by the NHS in England.
So what do osteopaths do?
Many people want to know what is Osteopathy? Osteopaths take a holistic approach to treatment & consider the biological, social & psychological factors that can cause ill health & create a treatment plan to suit every individual & their needs. This normally includes manual therapy & advice regarding exercise, lifestyle & diet. Osteopaths are highly trained & use hands on therapy to aid in improving tension, mobility, increasing blood flow & optimising physical function.
A lot of people tend to visit an Osteopath when they have back, neck or muscle pain, sports injuries and headaches. However, many patients also visit an osteopath to help aid in managing chronic issues such as arthritis & to help with their general wellbeing.
What is the difference between an osteopath and chiropractor?
Whilst both osteopaths and chiropractors use similar techniques, they can treat in very different ways. Osteopaths focus on the musculoskeletal system and the patients overall health. Chiropractors believe the functionality & structure of the spine play a key role in the neurological & musculoskeletal system.