Understanding Osteopathy: Holistic Treatment for Pain Relief in Exeter
- Jennifer Doe
- Apr 7, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 18, 2025

What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on approach to healthcare that focuses on how the whole body functions as an integrated unit. Established as a holistic form of treatment, osteopathy recognises the important relationship between the structure of the body and the way it functions. Here in our Exeter clinic and across the UK, osteopathy treatment is recognised as an effective solution for a wide range of physical ailments.
What is an Osteopath?
Osteopaths are highly trained healthcare professionals who use their hands to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Through a combination of touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage, osteopathy treatment aims to increase the mobility of joints, relieve muscle tension, enhance blood supply to tissues, and help the body's own healing mechanisms.
How does osteopathy treatment work?
At its core, osteopathy views the body as a unified system where all parts are interconnected. This means that when one area experiences dysfunction, it can affect other parts of the body. Unlike some healthcare approaches that focus solely on symptoms, osteopathy seeks to identify and address the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction, making it particularly effective for complex conditions that haven't responded well to other treatments.
Our Exeter-based osteopaths employ various hands-on techniques including soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilisation, gentle release techniques, and functional techniques that use the body's natural movements to encourage healing. These techniques are carefully selected based on each patient's specific needs, age, and overall health condition, ensuring personalised care for every individual.
Osteopathy treatment addresses a wide spectrum of conditions including back and neck pain, joint pain and stiffness, sports injuries, postural problems, tension headaches, and persistent pain conditions.
When you visit Urban Health, our osteopathy clinic in Exeter, you'll receive comprehensive assessment and treatment from practitioners who understand the complex relationships between different body systems. Whether you're suffering from acute injury, chronic pain, or simply want to optimise your physical function, osteopathy offers a gentle yet effective solution.



