History of Osteopathy

Dr Andrew Taylor Still founded osteopathy in 1874. He was originally a Doctor in a small town in Kansas; there he grew increasingly disenchanted with the medical profession at that time, which was crude and usually ineffective due to poor training. When four of his children contracted meningitis and despite his best efforts at the time three of his children died. Still threw himself into research. He was drawn to the mechanical similarities of farm machinery and the human body and reasoned that small adjustments in the mechanical aspects of the machinery made big differences in its performance. From this Still founded two principles:

  • The first is that the body contains within itself the means to combat disease to maintain health provided the body has a suitable environment and nutrition, or to put it another way the natural tendency of the body is to repair and recover.
  • The second is that structure and function are interrelated i.e. if the structure of the body is sound, the body has a better chance of functioning well, maintaining health or recovering from disease.

Although Stills principles are still in practice they have been refined and aided by osteopathic and medical research over the past one hundred years.

What happens
when you come and see us

On your first visit, which, for adults, lasts about three quarters of an hour, we take a thorough case history. We ask questions about your present condition, your history, and lifestyle. These help us to build a picture of how your particular problem or problems may have developed. After the case history, We will give you a medical screening and full osteopathic examination, for this you will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing and to perform a simple series of movements. The Osteopath will then use his or her highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain through the body. At this point, depending on your condition, we may need further information (X–rays, for example) before we can treat you. If we feel that we can help you immediately, there is usually plenty of time left to give a first treatment and or advice, and for you to ask any questions. Osteopathy is patient centred, which means the treatment is geared to you as an individual.

What is treatment like?

This will be tailored to your specific needs. Some patients need one or two sessions. Many require a series of six to eight sessions, and a few, with chronic problems, may need a few months' treatment.

Can you help yourself?

We believe in helping you to understand your condition and to help yourself. Patients who do so usually improve much more quickly and have to spend less time and money on treatment. We can advise you, if required, on many aspects such as diet, exercise, posture, and the like

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Nicola Sell

graduated from the European School of Osteopathy in 1991 and after a year in Bedfordshire moved up to Leeds to work at Leeds Complementary Therapy Centre. She treats a wide range of conditions from babies with colic; to sports injuries; to work injuries as well more traditional problems like low back pain and neck pain. She is very approachable: if you would like any further information that is not contained in this web site or are just not sure if we could help please e-mail or telephone her.

Gugan Hair

graduated from the British School of osteopathy in 2006, since then she has been working in Yorkshire both in Ripon and North Leeds. She is also qualified Sports Injuries Therapist, graduated from St Marys University in 2004.
Gugan's patients are wide ranging; from babies with colic or sleep disturbances to the elderly with arthritic joint pain. Her special interests are in work related problems, anxiety related disorders and sports injuries. Gugan enjoys tackling any problem and if you are unsure as to whether Osteopathy could help you, please do not hesitate to get in touch