Osteopathy was founded in the 19th century by an American doctor, Andrew Taylor Still, who became convinced that many illnesses arise when part of the body's structure goes out of alignment.
General osteopathy involves the gentle manipulation of the joints and spinal vertebrae coupled with massage and stretching of the muscles and ligaments.
For babies and young children, treatment is usually limited to stretching movements and there is no manipulation of joints.
Cranial osteopathy - which is increasingly being used in the treatment of babies and children - involves gentle movements of the head, spine and sacrum in order to restore the free flow of cranial fluid.
Osteopathy is not recommended for those with cancer of the bone or joint. Neither is it a suitable treatment for fractures. Treatments cost between 40 and 70 for a 30-40 minute session. Members of BUPA and VHI can claim half the cost of each treatment.
Registered osteopaths can be contacted via the secretary of the Irish Osteopathic Association on tel: 091 589417.