As a treatment, osteopathic manipulation attempts to improve joint range of motion and balance tissue and muscle mechanics in order to relieve pain.

Manipulation Techniques by a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

There are numerous manipulation techniques a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) may use. Common forms of manipulation used today that a patient may encounter include:

Cranial-sacral
Counterstrain
High velocity-low amplitude (HVLA) (the classic "thrust" technique)
Muscle energy
Myofascial release

Ligamentous release
Lymphatic pump
Soft tissue techniques
Visceral techniques

With the patient sitting or lying down on a table, the doctor of osteopathic medicine will gently apply a precise amount of manual pressure in a specific direction. The pressure is applied either directly in the affected areas or at some distance away. It is used to put the tissues at ease (relaxed) or to engage them at their functional limit in order to effect the following:

Treat structural and tissue abnormalities (vertebrae, muscles, myofascial structures, etc.)
Relieve joint restriction and misalignment
Restore muscle and tissue balance
Promote the movement of bodily fluids