80 Years of Family, Care and Community
80 years is a remarkable milestone for any family business, but for Cram Osteopaths, it is more than just longevity. It is the story of three generations united by compassion, integrity and a commitment to helping people live pain-free lives.
WORDS Isla McGraw IMAGES Gregor Reid
From its beginnings in post-war Glasgow to becoming one of Scotland’s most trusted osteopathic clinics, the Cram name has come to represent not just clinical excellence, but warmth, care and community.
‘It all began with my late grandfather, Normund Cram, in 1946,’ explains Joanna Cram, who now co-owns the practice alongside her husband, Michael Brown. ‘He’d been studying medicine in Glasgow when he met several pioneering osteopaths. Their work completely changed his aspirations. He became fascinated by the idea of helping people recover from pain and injury using hands-on treatment — long before osteopathy was widely known or accepted in Scotland.’
By 1956, Normund had established his practice at 87 Barrington Drive in Glasgow’s West End — a location that remains the heart of Cram Osteopaths today. The site itself has deep roots in osteopathic history, once home to the British Institute of Osteopathy, where Eric S. C. Aitchison served as Director of Studies. ‘We still have his original bureau in our main consulting room,’ Joanna says fondly. ‘It’s a lovely piece of history that connects us to those early days.’
A New Concept
In those first years, osteopathy was a new and curious concept to most Glaswegians. Yet, through skill and word of mouth, Normund quickly became a fixture in the community. ‘Patients would turn up at 9am and just wait their turn,’ Joanna shares. ‘People brought knitting, home-baking and good stories. We even had a tea-lady, Janet, whose job was to make tea for the patients and keep everyone chatting. The place was always lively and welcoming.’
By the 1960s, the Cram name was synonymous with osteopathy in Glasgow. In 1964, Normund’s brother Dennis opened his own practice across the corridor. ‘Patients simply turned left for Normund and right for Dennis.’ laughs Joanna.
The next chapter began in 1973, when Joanna’s parents, Alex and Heidi Cram, joined the practice — the beginning of the second generation carrying forward the Cram family legacy. ‘Together they built on my grandfather’s reputation, bringing new ideas while keeping the same values of integrity, compassion and clinical excellence,’ Joanna explains.
The Third Generation
Joanna didn’t set out to become an osteopath — at least, not at first. But perhaps it was always in her blood. ‘As a child, I loved being around the clinic, listening to patient stories and watching my family work. But when it came time to study, I chose Sociology at Aberdeen University instead.’ After a few years working in business development, however, Joanna realised where her heart lay. ‘I found myself in London often for work, and that’s when I decided to retrain. Osteopathy was where I truly wanted to be.’
It was at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine that she met Michael, who would become both her husband and business partner. ‘We graduated together and joined my parents in 2009 — the start of the third generation of Cram Osteopaths,’ Joanna recalls. ‘Michael’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in shaping what the practice has become.’
Today, Cram Osteopaths has grown into a multi-site practice with clinics in Glasgow’s West End, Ayr and Muirhead, combining state-of-the-art treatments with traditional, person-centred care. ‘Even with all the modern technology — from shockwave therapy to spinal decompression — our hands-on skills and connection with patients remain at the heart of what we do,’ Joanna emphasises.
An Practice with Honours
The Cram family’s dedication to community has also stood the test of time. In 2021, the practice was Highly Commended in the UK-wide Practice of the Year Awards, after hundreds of patients wrote in to share their stories. And in 2024, Joanna received an MBE for services to musculoskeletal healthcare, recognising her leadership as Chairperson of the Scottish Osteopathic Society. ‘It was an incredible honour,’ she says. ‘But for me, the award represented the collective effort of the osteopathic community in Scotland and our shared commitment to excellent patient care.’
For Joanna and Michael, celebrating 80 years as Osteopaths in Glasgow West End is both humbling and emotional. ‘We often talk about how much we’d love to show my Papa how far the practice has come,’ Joanna reflects. ‘We’re so proud to have maintained his and my parents’ legacy, while evolving the clinic for the future.’
80 Years of Healing
That evolution includes investing in new technology, expanding the team, and mentoring the next generation of osteopaths through an annual internship programme. Yet, some things never change. ‘Treat every patient with integrity and do the best job you can — the rest will follow,’ Joanna says. ‘That simple principle has guided us for 80 years.’
Cram Osteopaths will host a special celebration to mark the milestone at their West End clinic on 23 February 2026, what would have been Normund’s birthday. ‘We’ll be welcoming patients, family, friends and neighbours for cake, memories and a few surprises,’ Joanna smiles. ‘It’s a celebration of everyone who’s been part of our story.’
As Cram Osteopaths enters its ninth decade, the spirit that began in 1946 remains unchanged — family, care, and community at its core. ‘We never take the trust our patients place in us for granted,’ Joanna says. ‘80 years on, we’re still here doing what my grandfather started — helping people feel better, move better and live well.’
Looking for Osteopaths Glasgow West End? Contact –
