How it Started...

Introduction

Andrew Taylor Still, the father of osteopathy, was a 19th-century American physician who revolutionized medical practices with his groundbreaking approach to healing. His innovative philosophy and techniques laid the foundation for what is now known as osteopathic medicine. In this blog, we'll delve into the life and work of Andrew Taylor Still, exploring the origins of osteopathy and its enduring impact on modern healthcare.  

Early Life and Influences

Andrew Taylor Still was born on August 6, 1828, in Lee County, Virginia. He grew up in a family of physicians, with his father a circuit doctor. From a young age, Still was exposed to the medical profession and developed a keen interest in anatomy and physiology. Still's upbringing in rural America exposed him to the harsh realities of frontier life, where access to conventional medical care was often limited. This environment fostered his belief in the body's innate ability to heal itself and planted the seeds for his future endeavors in medical reform.  

Medical Career and Dissatisfaction with Conventional Medicine

After serving as a physician in the Union Army during the American Civil War, Still became increasingly disillusioned with the conventional medical practices of his time. He witnessed firsthand the limitations of mainstream medicine, including the widespread use of harmful treatments such as bloodletting and toxic medications. This disenchantment was further accelerated by the death of three of his children to meningitis and the helplessness of the doctors who treated them. Driven by a desire to find more effective and holistic approaches to healing, Still embarked on a journey of discovery that would ultimately lead to the development of osteopathy. Drawing inspiration from various sources, including his experiences as a frontiersman, his knowledge of anatomy, and his observations of indigenous healing practices, Still began to formulate his revolutionary ideas.  

The Principles of Osteopathy

In 1874, Andrew Taylor Still officially introduced the principles of osteopathy, outlining a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasized the interconnection of the body, mind and spirit. At the core of osteopathic philosophy are several key principles: ·

• The body is a unit: Osteopathy views the body as a dynamic, interconnected system, where all parts work together to maintain health and wellbeing. Dysfunction in one area can affect the entire body.
• Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated: Still believed that the structure of the body influences its function, and vice versa. By restoring proper alignment and function to the musculoskeletal system, overall health can be improved.
• The body has self-healing mechanisms: Osteopathy recognizes the body's innate ability to heal itself given the right conditions. Rather than simply treating symptoms, osteopathic physicians seek to support and enhance the body's natural healing processes.
• Rational treatment is based on respecting the anatomy and physiology especially the arterial and neurological components: Osteopathic diagnosis and treatment are rooted in a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. By identifying and addressing underlying structural imbalances, osteopathic physicians aim to facilitate optimal health and function. 

Development of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)

Central to the practice of osteopathy is the use of hands-on techniques known as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). Still treated his patients using techniques he developed based on his knowledge of anatomy and understanding of biomechanics. He believed so strongly in the necessity of anatomical knowledge that he often refused to teach specific techniques to his students explaining that they would develop their own techniques if they only understood the anatomy and mechanics properly.  

Osteopathic Education and Growth of the Profession

In 1892, Still founded the American School of Osteopathy (now A.T. Still University) in Kirksville, Missouri, to train future generations of osteopathic physicians. His teachings attracted students from diverse backgrounds who were drawn to his innovative approach to healthcare. His was one of very few medical schools at the time that accepted female students. Despite facing opposition from the medical establishment, osteopathy continued to gain recognition and acceptance throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1897, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) was established to promote and regulate the practice of osteopathic medicine in the United States.  

Legacy and Impact

Andrew Taylor Still's contributions to medicine have had a lasting impact on healthcare worldwide. His pioneering work laid the groundwork for the development of osteopathic medicine as a distinct and valuable healthcare profession. Today, osteopathic physicians are fully licensed medical doctors (in America) who receive comprehensive training in both conventional medicine and osteopathic principles and techniques. They play a vital role in healthcare delivery, providing patient-centered, holistic care that addresses the root causes of illness and promotes wellness.  

Bringing Osteopathy to the World

A man by the name of John Martin Littlejohn travelled from the UK to America seeking better health and there he encountered the famed Still. Upon his return to the UK, Littlejohn founded the British School of Osteopathy. From there, Osteopathy spread through Europe.   Finally, Osteopathy travelled to Canada by means of a slightly eccentric and extremely loveable Frenchman - Phillipe Druelle. He founded the Canadian School of Osteopathy on March 11, 1981 and originally intended to follow the American standard for Osteopaths by only marketing his program to doctors and nurses, however, many physiotherapists soon caught on to the benefits and petitioned to be allowed to take the program. Soon after, exceptions were made and many other manual therapists such as Massage Therapists, Acupuncturists and Athletic Therapists enrolled and several campuses were opened across Canada. It is there and under the instruction of Phillipe and his staff that I discovered the art and skills of Manual Osteopathy.