“Osteopathy is the knowledge of the structure, relation and function of each part of the human body applied to the adjustment or correction of whatever interferes with the harmonious operation of the same.” (George V. Webster, D.O. 1921). It is a distinctive and complete system of health care, based on broad principles that “offer a way of thinking and acting in relation to questions of health and disease” (Dr. I. M. Korr).

In the USA, osteopathy has gradually evolved into its original goal of providing a complete health-care system. The procedures it uses in diagnosis and treatment promote healthy functioning by correcting mechanical imbalances within and between the structures of the body, such as the muscles, bones, ligaments, organs, and fascia, a very thin layer of tissue that is found under the skin.

Osteopathy corrects the mechanical imbalances in the structures by restoring, maintaining and improving the harmonious working of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Osteopathy and orthodox medicine have many things in common: they both use the scientific knowledge of anatomy and physiology, as well as clinical methods of investigation. The greatest differences, however, lie in the way patients are evaluated and in the approach to treatment.

As a general rule, the orthodox medical approach focuses on the end product of the problem – that is, on the illness. Osteopaths focus on tracing the functional changes that have occurred over a period of time to try to understand the chain of events that have altered the relationship between structure and function that result in the patient’s complaint. The osteopath's job is to "set" the body up to heal itself. To restore this normal function, the osteopath gently applies a precise amount of force to promote movement of the bodily fluids, eliminate dysfunction in the motion of the tissues and release compressed bones and joints. The areas being treated require proper positioning to assist the body's ability to regain normal tissue function a treatment modality called Osteopathic Manual Medicine (OMM).

The rhythmic motion of the brain and spinal cord along with that of normal breathing is transmitted to the rest of the body through the continuity of membranes (dura and fascia). Fascia is literally one piece of connective tissue that lines the body cavities, surrounding all the muscles, organs, bones, vessels and nerves, somewhat like a large piece of shrinkwrap. The fascia is continuous with the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges), thus allowing the different motions (and tension) of the body to be transmitted everywhere. This motion gently pulls and lets go in all the areas of the body to structurally free strains and tissue restrictions. This is enhanced when a person sleeps as the affects of gravity are reduced.

Some common illnesses treated with osteopathy include: pediatric problems, delayed development, CP, neck and back problems, headaches, colic, neurological syndromes, chronic infectious disease, traumatic Injury, systemic problems and others.