MODEL RELEASED. Osteopathy. Osteopath examining his female patient, having taken a full case history. The osteopath is using a technique called palpation, which involves touching the patient to to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. Following examination, the osteopath can decide on the best course of treatment. This commonly involves manual manipulation, stretching or the application of pressure. Osteopathy is a therapy that acknowledges that abnormalities in the function of the musculoskeletal system can cause as much ill- health to the body as damage by a disease can.