Osteopathy 

Andrew Taylor Still the founder of Osteopathy was a physician at the time of the American Civil War,he proposed that dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system may reflect physiological changes in the body. Physical treatment was able to 'tone up' or calm down physiology.  Additionally manipulating carefully and artfully around strained back joints decreased pain and renewed function.

As a science some of the older methods adopted by the profession are subjective by todays standards, however osteopaths have developed a art in the manipulation of joints which is comfortable and effective.  All treatment administered by the modern osteopath aims to be evidence based as much as possible with a hint of the old methods through the art, however consent is sought at all times before proceeding with treatment

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In the UK Osteopathy is now self governed through the General Osteopathic Council who regulate Osteopaths and the profession as a whole for development and public protection.

The basic premise of Osteopathy is that 'Structure governs function' .  Continued research seems to validate  this relationship, faith that the body is a self healing mechanism constitutes an important part of Osteopathic treatment.