The practice of osteopathy began in the United States in 1874. The term "osteopathy" was coined by Andrew Taylor Still, a free state leader who lived near Baldwin City, Kansas at the time of the American Civil War. Still named his new school of medicine "osteopathy," reasoning that the bone, osteon, was the starting point from which he was to ascertain the cause of pathological conditions. He founded the American School of Osteopathy (now A.T. Still University) in Kirksville, Missouri, for the teaching of osteopathy on May 10, 1892.
Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together. To an osteopath, for your body to work well, its structure must also work well.
Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.
If you have any scans, x rays or referral letters from your GP or specialist doctor then bring these with you. You will be asked to undress so we can properly assess you so you may want to bring some shorts with you (we can provide them if you prefer).
You will be asked to sign a consent to treatment form and provide us with your contact details so please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment is due to start so you have time to do this.