Osteopathic treatment addresses the cause of mechanical problems within the body. Diagnostic methods include screening and evaluation of:

• Posture and gait-how a person holds him- or herself while standing and sitting, and during activities such as walking.
• Motion-testing evaluates all moving parts for restrictions. For example, a patient may be asked to complete various body movements such as bending, side-bending, extension, or rotation for both specific and general areas of the body.
• Symmetry-to notice one-sided use of any part of the body and subsequent stress. Physicians also look for increased or decreased curve to the normal spinal pattern.
• The soft tissues-by inspection and palpation for skin changes, hardening of muscles, temperature changes, tenderness, reflex activity, excessive fluid retention.

  In conjunction with evaluation, x-ray, blood test, and MRI are used if there is a suspicion of deeper pathology.