Osteopathy is a primary health care profession, specialising in the manual treatment of joint and muscle problems. The osteopath provides hands-on treatment using manual techniques to release tight muscles, stretch ligaments and joint capsules, and mobilise joints. Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment which emphasises methods of recognising and alleviating structural and mechanical problems of the body

The goal of the osteopath is to provide a comprehensive patient assessment and thereby discover thepain causing factors. An osteopathic evaluation looks for biomechanical, orthopaedic, and postural dysfunction in the body.

The success of osteopathy lies in its ability to assess and treat the dysfunctions found. In order to correct the problem, the osteopath may need to treat areas other than just the painful ones.

What techniques do osteopaths use to treat patients?

An osteopath has a wide variety of manual techniques at their disposal. The most commonly known technique involves joint manipulation. This is a safe and very gentle technique. Other techniques include positional release techniques, which involve a tender tissue being placed in a position of ease to allow pain reduction and improve tissue function; muscle energy techniques involving actively contracting a muscle against resistance, stretching and direct soft tissue techniques akin to massage. Some osteopaths may use gentle cranio-sacral treatment, which is a specialized form of osteopathic treatment. Osteopaths will take care to assure the most appropriate treatment is applied for the patient's specific condition.