Osteopathy

10 Things You Need To Know About Osteopathy.

1. Osteopathy is a system of musculo-skeletal medicine founded over 100yrs ago by Doctor Andrew Taylor Still, an American Physician.
2. Osteopathy is now a four-year Masters course, offered at accredited Schools of Osteopathy and at some Universities. Students learn advanced anatomy, physiology, neurology, orthopaedics, medicine etc. and all associated medical testing procedures. On top of this they then learn all the Osteopathic testing and treatment procedures.
3. Osteopath/y is a legally protected title - Osteopaths Act 1993.
4. The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) was formed in 1997 and is our governing body. It is fully recognised by the General Medical Council.
5. All practising Osteopaths have their own personal indemnity insurance.
6. Under BMA guidelines, GPs can directly refer patients to Osteopaths.
7. What to expect when you consult an Osteopath.
   Certain minimum standards have been laid down by GOsC.
   On your 1st visit, a detailed case history is taken, encompassing the main complaint and all background medical and social history.
   The Osteopath must then decide whether the presenting complaint is medical in nature, or that there is an underlying medical problem, whether these problems need immediate referral or that Osteopathic treatment can be safely carried out without compromising this situation.
   The final diagnosis is based on the case history and relevant medical and Osteopathic tests. This will then determine whether we refer straight back to the GP or go ahead and treat.
   Common treatment techniques are soft tissue, articulation and manipulation. I use other more specialised techniques such as Cranial Osteopathy, functional and Visceral technique.
8. Treatment times and cost vary.
9. Osteopathic treatment is covered by most medical insurance ie PPP and BUPA.
10. Osteopaths are different from Chiropractors and Physiotherapists.

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Brief History Of the Founder of Osteopathy

1828

Andrew Taylor Still born in Virginia the son of a Methodist preacher/ farmer / man of medicine.

1849

Still marries, works on his farm and begins a family. He learns about medicine from his father whilst also helping to run the farm and manage some of his fathers religious duties.

1865 - 1870

Still established his medical practice relying on manipulation and spinal reflexes to treat a variety of conditions. His methods were effective but not easy to explain and his work was viewed by the local preachers as the work of the devil.

1874

Still announces the birth of Osteopathy.

1892

The American School of Osteopathy is opened

December 12th 1917

Andrew Taylor Still Dies

Since the time of Still, Osteopathy has grown into an established form of treatment and extensively contributes to the welfare of people around the world.

The progression of western medicine has meant that Osteopathy is not really required to treat acute diseases. However, it heavily contributes to maintaining and developing good mechanical and physical health for its users around the world.

In the UK it is a protected title and fully regulated by the General Osteopathic Council.