osteopatia

Osteopatia is a system of health care that emphasizes the musculoskeletal system and its relation to overall health. Practitioners use manual techniques to diagnose and treat somatic dysfunctions, with goals such as restoring movement, reducing pain, and supporting the body’s self-healing processes. The approach can be used alongside conventional medical care or as part of an integrative practice, depending on the jurisdiction and regulatory framework.

History and principles: Osteopathy was developed by Andrew Taylor Still in the United States in the late 19th century as a distinct medical philosophy. Core principles include the body as a unit, the interrelationship of structure and function, the body's intrinsic ability to heal itself, and the idea that treatment should support these natural processes. Techniques commonly employed include soft tissue work, joint mobilization and manipulation (spinal and peripheral), counterstrain, and muscle energy techniques. Different osteopathic traditions may emphasize varying balances of diagnostic assessment and manual therapy.

Education, regulation, and evidence: Training and regulatory status vary by country. In some places, osteopaths are licensed physicians who complete medical degrees and residency programs; in others, osteopathic practitioners have non-medical training. The evidence base for osteopathy shows modest benefits for certain musculoskeletal conditions, particularly low back and neck pain, but findings are heterogeneous and high-quality trials are ongoing. Safety considerations center on the use of manual techniques, with transient soreness being common and serious adverse events being rare but possible, highlighting the importance of qualified practitioners and appropriate patient selection.