Osteopathy is a complementary therapeutic approach, recognized by the World Health Organization as part of traditional and complementary medicine, based on a thorough understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of the human body, considered as a functional unit where structure and function are interconnected. Through careful postural assessment and the exclusive use of precise and gentle manual palpation and manipulation techniques, the osteopath is able to diagnose and treat ‘somatic dysfunctions.’ These are defined as areas of the body (joints, muscles, fascia, viscera, craniosacral system) that exhibit reduced mobility or altered tissue quality and may be the primary cause of local or referred pain, or may alter the function of other body regions through neurological, vascular, or biomechanical connections. The goal of osteopathy is not only to relieve the symptom (pain) but to trace back to the primary cause of the disorder, restoring proper tissue mobility, improving local circulation, and neurovegetative balance. The approach is holistic and aims to stimulate the body’s natural intrinsic ability for self-regulation and self-healing. Osteopathy is indicated for a wide range of musculoskeletal issues (low back pain, neck pain, joint pain), functional visceral disorders (reflux, constipation), headaches, and other disorders, often in integration with other medical therapies.
