In 2024, Osteopathy celebrates 150 years:

A brief history: in 1874, Dr Andrew Taylor Still developed the osteopathic medical philosophy, writing about 'wellness' and recognising the importance of treating illness within the context of the whole body.

In 1892, Dr Still opened the first osteopathic medical school, the American School of Osteopathy, now known as A.T. Still University, in Kirksville, Missouri. The first class consisted of 21 students, including 6 women.

In 1915, John Martin Littlejohn founded the British School of Osteopathy in London. It was incorporated 2 years later in 1917 due to the intervention of World War 1.

Osteopaths are regulated under the Osteopaths Act (1993) and were the first complementary medical profession to achieve statutory self-regulation.

The profession is regulated by the General Osteopthic Council ( GOsC), www.osteopathy.org.uk, which administers the Act with regard to the education, regulation and conduct of osteopaths.