Biomechanic Osteopathy used to be called Osteopathic Manual Medicine or Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. Many Osteopathic Physicians still use these terms since they have for years and that is what they are used to. I prefer Biomechanic Osteopathy (body adjustment) because it takes the idea of manipulation out of the process. The word manipulation can often bring up negative responses or emotions for a person. Many people shy away from Osteopathy because they do not want any forceful motions during treatment. There are many biomechanic techniques today that use a gentle force, sometimes so gentle that the client does not even feel it. 

There is a long list of biomechanic (body adjustment) techniques, some of which include: osteoarticular techniques during which you may hear popping or cracking, muscle energy techniques, strain/counterstrain, neurofascial release, myofacial release, balanced ligamentous tension, and others. Some of the older techniques have been renamed. 

I prefer the gentler approach of Biodynamic Osteopathy. However, there are times when an adjustment of the structure is needed. I start with the more gentle techniques first. I find that once a body is placed in the position of treatment, it needs very little, if any force. If possible, I engage the client’s own energies in the process, such as gentle movements or breathing techniques. For example, if a rib is stuck in elevation, it helps to engage the client’s respirations as part of the treatment.