Different manipulative approaches are available to the osteopathic physician. These include:

• Gentle mobilization: Moving a joint slowly through its range of motion, gradually increasing the motion to free the joint from restrictions.
• Articulation: When motion is severely limited, a quick thrust (similar to chiropractic) may be used.
• Functional and positional release methods: Placing the patient in a specific position to allow the body to relax and release muscular spasms that may have been caused by strain or injury.
• Muscle energy technique: Gently tensing and releasing specific muscles to produce relaxation.
• Other soft tissue techniques: Techniques to relax and release restrictions in the soft tissues of the body.
• Cranial manipulation: Very gentle and subtle cranial techniques used to treat conditions such as headaches, strokes, spinal cord injury, and temporomandibular joint syndrome dysfunction. Cranial osteopathy can also be of particular benefit for young children who suffer from hyperactivity, mood disorders, dizziness, or dyslexia.