Osteopaths work with the body’s musculoskeletal system, which is made up of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues. They use their hands to diagnose and treat abnormalities in the way the body is working and damage caused by disease. Treatment techniques that osteopaths use include muscle manipulation, joint movements and ‘high velocity thrusts’, which are short, sharp movements. These techniques are designed to reduce joint stiffness along with tension in the muscles, and to help the spine and joints to move more freely. Osteopaths believe that this can improve the body’s own healing process. The treatment also includes advice about lifestyle. Some osteopaths use cranial osteopathic techniques, involving very gentle movements on the head and the sacrum bone, which sits at the bottom of the spine.