Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment based on careful examination of joints and muscles, especially those of the spine. Restrictions in movement at a joint level can have local or wide reaching effects causing pain and other disturbances throughout the body. Gentle but effective forms of manipulation can then be used for correcting these 'somatic dysfunctions'.
Osteopathy is particularly effective with most musculoskeletal problems including back and neck pain and sciatica.
I prefer to use gentle modern techniques such as muscle energy techniques and positional release which involve no direct force, but which are still remarkably effective. They can relieve problems which have been present for months, years or even decades.
I am particularly interested in the overlap between these gentle modern osteopathic techniques and modern research evidence in acupuncture. The two approaches complement each other and I will frequently use a combination of both.
