Osteopathy has a holistic, full-body approach to healthcare. He uses "practical" manual techniques to improve circulation and correct altered biomechanics, without using drugs. An osteopathic doctor not only focuses on the problem area, but uses manual techniques to balance all systems in the body and provide good health and general well-being. Diagnosing and treating conditions using these techniques is called Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). Techniques include stretching, gentle pressure and resistance, known as manipulative osteopathic medicine. An osteopathic doctor can also provide prescription drugs and use surgical methods to support holistic manual treatment.

Osteopathy can provide relief and treatment for a wide range of conditions. These include: arthritis pain in the foot, ankle, hip and knee back pain, neck pain and sciatica pain in the hands, shoulders and elbows headaches tennis and golfer's elbow postural problems due to pregnancy, sports injury, driving or tension at work or digestive problems neuralgia Osteopathic doctors can also detect conditions that are not treatable by osteopathy, to refer patients to other specialists.