Osteomyology is a form of complementary medicine, mainly practiced in the UK, that blends techniques from osteopathy and chiropractic care, with a primary focus on the musculoskeletal system. It involves manual therapies to help restore physical balance and mobility, reduce pain, and improve the body’s overall function. This includes treating issues like joint pain, muscle stiffness, and spinal problems.

Practitioners use a range of hands-on techniques, including manipulation (adjusting joints), mobilization (gentle movements), massage (relieving muscle tension), and muscle energy techniques (using the patient’s muscles to improve alignment). These techniques aim to enhance joint function, ease muscular tension, and promote relaxation and healing.

Osteomyology takes a holistic approach, considering not just physical symptoms but also the mental and emotional well-being of the individual. It is commonly used to treat sports injuries, back and joint pain, headaches and migraines, and stress and anxiety. The goal is to address the root cause of the issue rather than just managing surface-level symptoms.

Although osteomyology is not regulated by official medical councils like the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) or General Chiropractic Council (GCC), many practitioners are affiliated with the Association of Osteomyologists. The field emphasizes professional development and ethical standards. A key feature of osteomyology is its flexible and patient-centered approach, often combining methods from both osteopathy and chiropractic disciplines and adapting to the individual needs of each patient.