Osteopathy
Osteopathy is one type of complementary medicine where the practitioner diagnoses and treats problems within the musculo-skeletal system. Osteopaths aim to influence both the structure and the function of the body to achieve the best health. Whereas massage mainly focuses on the soft tissues (i.e. muscles, tendons and ligaments), osteopathy can also influence the skeletal system by addressing restrictions in the joints of your body. Osteopaths can detect whether the function of a joint is impaired and perform adjustments to the joint - if safe to do so and with the patient's consent. The function of nerves can also be affected, which in turn can relax tight muscles further.
Although many patients have problems in their back or neck, osteopaths can apply treatment for a wide range of conditions in all areas of the human body. So, from discomfort in the joints of the hands and feet, to acute pain in your neck or back, an osteopath may be able to help you. The effects of many health conditions on the body (e.g. digestive problems) can also be improved, though the underlying condition in itself may not be able to be resolved.
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