Osteopathy is a form of gentle, non-invasive manual therapy that focuses on restoring optimal function in the body through manipulation of the bones, joints, and muscles. An osteopathic manual practitioner looks at the whole picture of a patient’s health by incorporating the patient’s health history, current symptoms and their structural presentation into their assessment. A thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and a development of refined palpation allow the osteopathic manual practitioner to identify restrictions, body asymmetry, and tissue health that leads to the patient’s health complaints.

Osteopathic manual practitioner uses their assessment to find the source of the problem and not just chase the symptoms. Practitioners use a combination of specific treatment and global treatment to the whole body to ensure that changes to the body are integrated and hold. The manual treatment techniques focus on addressing all types of tissue including the patient’s fascia, muscles, skeleton, cardiovascular, neurological, visceral and cranial system. Practitioners also encourage lifestyle adjustments and home exercise that they deem helpful and safe for the patient.