An American doctor Andrew Taylor Still formulated the basic principles of osteopathy and formed the first osteopathic medical school in Missouri in 1892.   The word Osteopathy is derived from the Greek osteon (bone) and pathos (disease).  Still believed that disease can be caused by the pressure of maladjusted bones, and that spinal manipulation can bring the body back into balance.   According to osteopathic theory, problems in the musculo-skeletal system have an impact on the function of internal organs.

Osteopathy detects and treats damaged muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints.   Using a gentle and precise force, the vertebrae and other bones are realigned, the body is re-balanced, compressed bones and joints are released and the movement of body fluids is improved.  Osteopathy also aims to encourage your body to heal itself.   An x-ray may be taken, but often an osteopath can immediately see the corrections that need to be made. For example many people have one shoulder slightly higher than the other which can cause problems such as headaches.

The Statutory Register of the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) opened on 9 May 1998; it is a criminal offence, liable to prosecution, to describe oneself as an osteopath in the UK unless registered with the GOsC. In some areas, Osteopathy is available on the NHS and it is common now for GPs to refer to an Osteopath.  Osteopaths complete a four to five-year honours degree programme with substantial clinical training.