Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on form of manual therapy that aims to support the body’s natural capacity for health, healing, and self-regulation. Grounded in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, osteopathy is both holistic and evidence-informed—addressing the root causes of dysfunction rather than just managing symptoms.

This approach is suitable for individuals across the lifespan and is tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Osteopathic care recognizes that the body functions as a unified system, where no part operates in isolation. Pain or dysfunction in one area often stems from underlying imbalances or compensations elsewhere in the body.

Common contributing factors such as poor posture, previous injuries, repetitive strain, and structural asymmetries can place uneven mechanical stress on joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Over time, these imbalances may disrupt normal movement patterns, reduce mobility, and contribute to discomfort or chronic issues.

As the body attempts to adapt and compensate, internal systems—including circulation, nerve signaling, and lymphatic flow—can become restricted. These vital systems pass between muscles, bones, and fascia, and when their pathways are impeded, the result may extend far beyond musculoskeletal pain, potentially affecting energy levels, digestion, immune function, and overall well-being.

The primary goal of osteopathy is to reduce strain, improve mobility, and support the free flow of blood, nerve impulses, and lymphatic fluid—helping the body return to a balanced, efficient state. When structural integrity and internal communication are restored, the body is better equipped to regulate itself, recover from injury, and maintain optimal health.

Osteopathy was founded in the late 19th century by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, who envisioned a more holistic approach to health. Dissatisfied with the limitations of conventional treatments, he developed a philosophy based on the body’s natural ability to heal when supported by the right conditions. Introduced in 1874, osteopathy emphasized the deep connection between structure and function, and the importance of treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.

At the core of osteopathic philosophy are four guiding principles, which lay the foundation of principle-based osteopathic care and how an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner will assess and treat their patients:

1. The body is a unit; the person is a unity of body, mind, and spirit.
   Osteopathy recognizes that physical, emotional, and spiritual health are interconnected. What affects one part of the system affects the whole.
2. The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.
    Given the right conditions, the body has the inherent wisdom and resources to heal itself. Osteopathy seeks to remove barriers to this natural process.
3. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.
    How the body is structured—its bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissues—directly influences how it functions, and vice versa. Misalignments or restrictions can lead to dysfunction and disease.
4. Rational treatment is based upon these principles.
   Osteopathic care is guided by these foundational concepts, emphasizing manual techniques, thoughtful assessment, and individualized treatment plans that support the body’s natural capacity for balance and health.

Osteopathic care focuses on proper alignment and balance within the musculoskeletal system, which plays a key role in supporting overall health. When the body is aligned well, it functions more efficiently—improving circulation, easing muscle and joint tension, and enhancing nervous system performance. This approach may help with a variety of conditions, including chronic and acute pain, headaches and migraines, joint stiffness and arthritis, osteoporosis, women’s health concerns, pregnancy-related discomfort, sleep issues, sports injuries, digestive discomfort, postural imbalances, post-surgical recovery, and sciatica. By addressing the root structural issues, osteopathy supports not just symptom relief but the body’s natural ability to heal and maintain balance. If you’re unsure whether osteopathic treatment is right for you, feel free to reach out for a free consultation.

Each osteopathic treatment I provide begins with a thorough, full-body assessment to evaluate structure, mobility, and the connections between different regions and systems. Using my hands and trained body awareness, I identify areas of asymmetry, restricted range of motion, and changes in tissue texture or temperature. I may guide you through various positions and movements to observe how your body responds to gravity and how compensations have affected related structures and overall function.

Treatment is then applied manually, using gentle, precise techniques to release tension, restore alignment, and improve mobility. As an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner, I work closely with your nervous system to soften restricted tissues and guide your body back into alignment—supporting its natural ability to heal and self-regulate. Each session is non-prescriptive and individualized, evolving as your body adapts and rebalances within its ever-changing environment.

In principles-based osteopathy, I work with the collective mechanics of the body—understanding how all parts influence one another through structure and function. Pain in one area may stem from dysfunction elsewhere, so treatment often focuses on restoring balance across the whole system. Even if the area of discomfort wasn’t directly treated, the intention was to support its function by addressing the broader patterns affecting it.

To get the most out of your osteopathy session, wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows for easy movement—such as yoga wear, athletic shorts, or leggings with a t-shirt or tank top—while avoiding restrictive items like jeans. Arriving 5 to 10 minutes early, especially for your first visit, gives you time to settle in and complete any necessary paperwork. When filling out your patient intake form, please include any relevant medical information such as imaging results, medications, or prior diagnoses to help create a clear picture of your health history. Lastly, stay hydrated by drinking water before your appointment and eat a light meal or snack beforehand, avoiding arriving too full or on an empty stomach.

After an osteopathic session, it’s common to experience a range of responses, as everyone reacts differently. You may feel mild soreness, achiness, or fatigue for 24 to 48 hours—this is normal and often means your body is processing the adjustments. As your structure realigns, muscles, joints, and tissues begin to shift out of compensation patterns and move toward a more natural state your body is working to restore. Some people notice increased awareness of certain areas, especially those that were tense or inactive, which is part of the healing process as new patterns settle in. Many also report improved mobility, a sense of ease, or lightness as restrictions are released and circulation improves.