Treatment aims to reduce stress and the barriers to function within the body, so that the natural processes of adaptation, compensation and resolution can once more take place effectively.

Osteopaths use their hands to both investigate the underlying cause of pain and to carry out treatment using a variety of techniques. This may include soft tissue and stretching techniques for muscle and connective tissue, joint manipulation, rhythmic passive joint motion and visceral manipulation.

A large part of the treatment will include patient 'homework' and this may involve corrective exercise, postural awareness, and hydrotherapy for both pain relief and improved fluid circulation. Nutritional advice is also given where appropriate and as an example this may include advice for digestive problems such as IBS. Digestive disorders can affect the body via mechanical, biochemical and neurological links and are therefore often an important underlying cause of chronic low back pain.