Osteopathy is a system of manual diagnosis and treatment, suitable for a wide range of medical conditions. To legally practice in the UK an Osteopath must by registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), who regulate the profession.
Osteopathy recognises the importance of the link between the structure of the human body and the way it functions. Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and soft tissue techniques to address restrictions and dysfunctions in tissues such as joints, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue, and to help provide the best environment for healing. They may also give exercises and advice to help with recovery and to prevent a recurrence of symptoms.