This book is a compilation of the philosophy and techniques of the early masters of osteopathy, from A.T. Still to William Sutherland, Anne Wales to Carl Philip McConnell, and many others. Much of this philosophy, and many of the techniques, are no longer taught in current courses at osteopathic schools.

In writing this book, the authors accessed many old journals, books, and videotapes of the early generations of osteopaths, and spent time with some of the older doctors, harvesting their knowledge before they passed on. The book is therefore a unique and extremely valuable collection of their ideas and techniques, as relevant and effective today as they were for patients in the past.

To better understand how to apply each of the techniques and their underlying philosophy, the authors have provided step-by-step instructions, with photographs, and a clear description of hand holds and force vectors. By understanding the principles upon which the techniques are based, practitioners can adapt them to their own style and physique.