5 Reasons Osteopathy is Still Relevant in 2025

Founded in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still, an American physician and surgeon, Osteopathy is certainly not a new profession. The practice is based on the holistic view that to feel truly well and healthy, the body should work together as a whole.

His ultimate goal was to alleviate his patient’s symptoms with minimal surgery and medicine – being of the belief that often traditional medical treatments were ineffective.

Over time, Still built a reputation so strong that patients from all over America flocked to his practice for treatment.

Osteopathy in the modern world

Fast forward to 2025, and osteopathy is more relevant than ever. Now that we’re living in a society that’s more sedentary and stressful – with processed foods in abundance – osteopathy transforms tens of thousands of patients across the world.

Marked as an Allied Health Profession (AHP) by the NHS, osteopathy is recognised as a vital healthcare profession and treatment option today.

Read our top five reasons why this treatment option is more effective than ever.

1)     Stress affects the majority of the UK population

A 2024 survey carried out by stress.org found 79% of adults experience stress at least once a month, with 74% feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope at some point in the past year. Sustained periods of stress are well known to contribute to serious health issues, including tension headaches, muscle stiffness, digestive problems, and elevated blood pressure.

Osteopathy helps relieve the physical manifestations of stress by improving circulation, releasing muscle tension, and promoting relaxation. By addressing musculoskeletal imbalances, osteopaths can help reduce the strain placed on the nervous system, allowing the body to better cope with stress.

2)     Postural issues from the office lifestyle

With more people working from desks for prolonged periods, musculoskeletal issues are on the rise. Long hours spent hunched over computers contribute to poor posture, back pain, neck stiffness, and repetitive strain injuries.

Osteopathic treatment focuses on restoring proper alignment, improving joint mobility, and enhancing circulation. Through a combination of manual therapy, movement techniques, and lifestyle advice, osteopaths help office workers counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting.

As well as this, osteopaths educate their patients on workplace ergonomics, stretches, and exercises to help maintain good posture and prevent future injuries.

3)     The digital age and increased screen time

 

Suffering from tech neck? It’s no surprise when we spend an average of over 4 hrs on our phones every day. This prolonged screen exposure is linked to an increase in tension headaches, eye strain, and neck pain.

Osteopathy offers relief by addressing the muscular imbalances caused by extended screen use. Techniques such as soft tissue massage and spinal manipulation have been shown to alleviate tightness and improve blood flow, reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Trained osteopaths can also provide practical guidance on screen positioning, posture, and exercises to minimise discomfort and long-term damage caused by excessive screen use.

4)     The obesity epidemic

The rise in obesity and sedentary lifestyles has led to an increase in musculoskeletal conditions such as joint pain, reduced mobility, and chronic inflammation. As well as issues caused by obesity, the consumption and abundance of ultra-processed foods are making it hard for everyone to maintain overall health.

Osteopathy plays a crucial role in encouraging movement and improving joint function. By working on the body’s structural alignment, osteopaths help patients move more freely and comfortably, making it easier for them to exercise, and move without pain.

This is also especially important for our ageing population. Osteopathy  helps older people improve flexibility and helps with common issues such as osteoporosis and arthritis.

5) Drug-free treatment

Osteopathy provides a hands-on, drug-free treatment option that focuses on improving mobility, reducing pain, and promoting overall well-being. Rather than relying on medicine to treat symptoms in isolation, osteopathy looks at how the body is working as a whole – as well as the pain or symptoms they’re experiencing.

Is it still worth training to become an Osteopath?

Despite being founded over 150 years ago, osteopathy remains a crucial treatment plan for patients across the globe. In the UK, it’s a growing profession – with many students of all ages entering the field.

If you’d like to learn more about training options at the LSO, please contact us or visit one of our open days.

Alternatively, if you’d like to visit our clinic as a patient, please fill in our booking form.

The post Why Osteopathy is Still Relevant in 2025 first appeared on LSO.

The post Why Osteopathy is Still Relevant in 2025 appeared first on LSO.