Osteopathy originated in the mid-west of America in the late 19th Century.  Formulated by a physician, Dr Andrew Taylor Still, it is now, over 130 years later, a recognised and statutory regulated profession. Osteopathy is a safe and gentle treatment which aims to identify and correct dysfunction within the musculo-skeletal system (joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons). 

One of the core beliefs of Osteopathy is that "Structure governs Function".  Osteopaths study the structure of the body in great detail as part of their training and put this knowledge into practice, mainly using their hands to correct imbalance in the musculo-skeletal system. When the body is in balance, proper function may be restored and healing can take place.  This is another foundation of Osteopathic philosophy, namely that, given optimum conditions, the body has the innate ability to heal itself.

A third Osteopathic tenet is that "the Rule of the Artery is Supreme". In modern terminology, this means that factors which compromise blood flow to the organs and muscles of the body and venous and lymphatic drainage back to the heart can lead to disease in these tissues.  Osteopaths use techniques to improve blood flow to and drainage from the tissues, to reduce inflammation and to improve the health of the body.

Although often regarded as back specialists, Osteopaths are holistic practitioners. This means that we look at the whole body and consider factors remote from the site of pain or disability.  Often correcting a problem in the lower extremity will improve a low back or neck problem.  Osteopaths treat problems with the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints in all areas of the body.  Osteopathy can also be used to treat conditions such as headaches, sinus problems, the symptoms of asthma, vertigo, tinnitus, TMJ (jaw) dysfunction, postural problems associated with pregnancy and abdominal discomfort.

Following the Osteopaths Act in 1993, Osteopathy became a statutory regulated profession and it is now illegal for anyone not registered with the General Osteopathic Council to use the title Osteopath.  There are now more than 3,500 Osteopaths practising in the UK, performing over 6 million patient consultations a year. Osteopathy is an approved form of treatment with all of the leading private health insurance companies.

In 1999, the Royal College of General Practitioners stated that manipulation provides better short-term improvement in pain and activity levels than other treatment options, resulting in higher patient satisfaction. The Medical Research Council in November 2004 published research which found that manipulative therapy such as Osteopathy, in addition to an exercise programme, was the most effective treatment for people suffering from back pain.