Founding of Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathic medicine was founded in the late 19th century by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, who believed that the body's structure and function are interconnected. He aimed to improve health by emphasizing hands-on techniques, called osteopathic manipulative treatment, to support the body's natural healing abilities. Osteopathic physicians (DOs) also focus on holistic care, considering lifestyle and overall well-being. Established as a distinct medical approach in 1892, osteopathic medicine has grown alongside conventional medicine, sharing many practices but maintaining a unique emphasis on the musculoskeletal system and manual therapy to promote health and recovery.