History of Osteopathy

What is Osteopathic Medicine?

Osteopathy is a branch of medicine that supplements traditional treatments with physical manipulation of a patient’s joints, bones, and muscles. With proper diagnosis and treatment, osteopathic doctors can treat and correct a variety of musculoskeletal and chronic pains and illnesses.

About Andrew Taylor Still

The roots of osteopathy can be traced back to a small town in Kansas back in the 1870s. Andrew Taylor Still, a doctor working in Baldwin City, KS, looked to reform the seemingly primitive methods of medicine that were common in the 19^th century. It was this search for alternative treatments that ultimately lead to the founding of osteopathic medicine.

In 1892, Dr. Still started the American School of Osteopathy in Kirksville, MO. Within 5 years, the school had grown to 280 students, and within a decade, Still had published 3 books on his philosophy and methods. The field of osteopathic medicine was born.

Advancements in Osteopathy

Since Dr. Still’s initial discoveries in the 1870s, great advancements have occurred in the field of osteopathy. The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) is the governing body for over 120,000 doctors and medical students specializing in osteopathic care. They provide the licensing for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), which combines traditional medical school with an additional year of studies in the musculoskeletal system and hands-on manipulation. There are now 33 accredited medical schools throughout the United States, each year producing a growing crop of skilled osteopathic practitioners who seek whole-body healing for their patients.

Currently in the United States, there are over 40 medical school locations (including additional campuses) where students can train in osteopathic manipulation.

Philadelphia’s Osteopathic Family Practice

Today, Dr. Andrew Lipton continues the tradition established by Dr. Still over 100 years ago. Utilizing a host of traditional, alternative, and holistic practices — including osteopathic medicine — Dr. Lipton and his team at Narberth Family Medicine is providing whole-body healing, preventive medicine, and training to families on the Main Line and throughout the Philadelphia suburbs.

To schedule your first osteopathic treatment, call us at 610-667-4601 or use our online form today.