Osteopathy is a way of detecting, treating and preventing health problems by moving, stretching and massaging a person’s muscles and joints.
Osteopathy is based on the principle that the wellbeing of an individual depends on their bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue functioning smoothly together.
Osteopaths use physical manipulation, stretching and massage, with the aim of:
- increasing the mobility of joints
- relieving muscle tension
- enhancing the blood supply to tissues
- helping the body to heal
They use a range of techniques, but don’t use drugs or surgery.
In the UK, osteopathy is a complementary or alternative medicine (CAM), and is different from conventional western medicine.
Although osteopaths may use some conventional medical techniques, the use of osteopathy isn’t always based on scientific evidence.
Common uses
Most people who see an osteopath do so for help with conditions that affect the muscles, bones and joints, such as:
lower back pain
- neck pain
- shoulder pain
- arthritis
- problems with the pelvis, hips and legs
- sports injuries
- problems with posture caused by driving, work or pregnancy
Some osteopaths claim to be able to treat conditions not directly related to muscles, bones and joints, such as headaches, migraines, painful periods, digestive disorders, depression and excessive crying in babies (colic). However, there isn’t enough evidence to suggest that osteopathy can treat these problems.
Does osteopathy work?
There’s good evidence that osteopathy is effective in treating persistent lower back pain. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends it as a treatment for this condition.
There’s limited evidence to suggest it may be effective for some types of neck, shoulder or lower limb pain and recovery after hip or knee operations.
There’s currently no good evidence that osteopathy is effective as a treatment for health conditions unrelated to the musculoskeletal system (bones and muscles).