Top 5 Myths About Osteopathy

Osteopathy has been around for more than a century — but there’s still a lot of confusion about what osteopaths actually do. I often hear things like,

“Isn’t that just like a chiropractor?” “Do you only treat backs?” “You just crack bones, right?”

Let’s clear up a few of these common myths so you can see what osteopathy is really about.

Myth #1: “Osteopaths only treat back pain.”

Yes, we do help a lot of people with back pain — but that’s far from all we treat.

Osteopathy looks at the whole body, not just one area. We help with:

• Neck and shoulder pain

• Sports injuries

• Headaches and jaw tension

• Sciatica

• Postural problems

• Even digestive or stress-related tension

Your body works as one connected system — so we treat it that way.

Myth #2: “Osteopathy is all about bone cracking.”

Nope! Not even close.

Those “clicks” you sometimes hear during treatment are just one of many techniques — and not always used. Osteopaths use a wide range of gentle, hands-on methods: stretching, soft tissue work, articulation, and subtle adjustments to help your body move better and feel freer.

Every treatment is tailored to you — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Myth #3: “If it doesn’t hurt, it’s not working.”

This one couldn’t be further from the truth. Osteopathic treatment is about helping the body relax and restore balance — not forcing it.

Gentle techniques can have a powerful effect, especially on the nervous system. You don’t have to “feel the pain” for the treatment to be effective. Relief often comes from calm, subtle adjustments.

Myth #4: “Osteopathy isn’t safe for babies or older adults.”

Totally false — osteopathy is safe for people of all ages when practiced correctly.

Techniques are always adapted to suit the individual:

• Babies and children receive very gentle, cranial techniques.

• Older adults benefit from careful, supportive treatments that help with stiffness and mobility.

Osteopathy is about supporting the body’s natural ability to heal — not forcing it.

Myth #5: “You have to see an osteopath forever.”

The goal of osteopathy is to help your body heal and stay well, not to keep you coming back forever.

Many patients come in for short treatment plans, then occasional maintenance or check-ups when needed. We also focus on education — giving you exercises, movement advice, and posture tips so you can stay pain-free between visits.

The Truth About Osteopathy

Osteopathy is about understanding how the body works as a whole — muscles, joints, nerves, circulation, and beyond. We look for the root cause of your pain, not just the symptoms, and work with your body (not against it) to restore balance and movement.

It’s natural, holistic, and focused on you.

Osteopathy isn’t a quick fix — it’s a way to help your body do what it’s built to do: heal, move, and thrive.