🦴 The History of Cram Osteopaths

Norman Cram The Beginning 1946

Cram Osteopaths was founded in 1946 by Norman Cram, at a time when osteopathy was still relatively unknown in Scotland.

Norman established the practice with a clear philosophy:
to treat patients thoroughly, honestly, and with respect for how the whole body functions as a unit.

Working in post war Britain, he treated many people whose livelihoods depended on physical work and who required practical, hands on care to restore movement and function.

From its earliest days, the practice built a strong reputation through results and word of mouth. Norman’s approach was calm, methodical and patient focused, values that became embedded in the clinic and continue to influence how care is delivered today.

What he created was not simply a clinic, but a standard:
careful assessment, thoughtful treatment, and long term responsibility to patients and community.

Alex Cram and Heidi Cram Stewardship and Continuity

As the practice matured, the responsibility of safeguarding its reputation and future passed through the family. Alex Cram and Heidi Cram represent an important chapter in the clinic’s history, one centred on continuity, stewardship and values.

Their role reflects a key feature of Cram Osteopaths across generations:
the clinic has always been regarded as something to be looked after rather than exploited.

Maintaining professional integrity, community trust and long term thinking remained central during this period, allowing the practice to remain independent, family led and rooted in its original ethos as healthcare evolved around it.

Michael Brown and Joanna Cram Modern Leadership and Growth

Today, the clinic is led by Joanna Cram, representing the third generation of the Cram family in osteopathic practice, alongside her husband and fellow osteopath Michael Brown.

Under their leadership, Cram Osteopaths has expanded while remaining true to its foundations. The practice now operates clinics in Glasgow and Ayr, offering a broad range of musculoskeletal care, from traditional hands on osteopathy to advanced treatments including shockwave therapy and specialist spinal care such as IDD Therapy.

Joanna and Michael have focused on combining experience with progression, investing in:

• modern clinical approaches

• structured care pathways

• staff development

• patient education

All while maintaining the personal, family run feel that has defined the clinic since 1946.

In 2024, Joanna’s contribution to the profession was formally recognised when she was awarded an MBE for services to musculoskeletal healthcare, reflecting both her individual leadership and the standards upheld by the practice over eight decades 🏅.

Eighty Years On

From Norman Cram’s original vision, through careful family stewardship, to the modern clinics led by Joanna and Michael today, Cram Osteopaths has remained defined by continuity, integrity and patient centred care.

Eighty years in practice is not simply a measure of time.
It is a reflection of trust, responsibility, and a commitment to doing things properly, generation after generation.