It was in the United States , after 10 years of research, that Andrew Taylor Still set out on June 22, 1874 the principles and applications of osteopathy. Dr. Still, physician and surgeon, was the first to treat patients as a whole by looking for the causes of their dysfunctions rather than just treating the symptoms.
Criticized by his peers, he nevertheless enjoyed great success with his patients by restoring the dynamic balance of the structures and the quality of the body’s natural functions.
Dr. Still founded the first school of osteopathic medicine in Kirksville, Missouri in 1892 . His pupil William Garner Sutherland continued his work at the beginning of the century by applying the concepts issued by Andrew Taylor Still to the cranial sphere as well as to the craniosacral functional unit.
This beneficial natural medicine for the population was officially recognized in the United States under the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt who was himself successfully treated in osteopathy.
In 1917, osteopathy took root in Europe through John Martin Littlejohn who founded the British School of Osteopathy , the first school in England. In this country, osteopathy has a status equivalent to traditional medicine or dentistry as well as the rules necessary for the protection of the public.
In France and Belgium , osteopathy has also enjoyed privileged status and government recognition for several years.