When most people think of osteopathy, they picture hands-on treatment for back pain or sore muscles. But osteopathy is much more than that. At its core, it’s a holistic, whole-body approach designed to help your body move, function, and heal at its best.

Jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or difficulty opening your mouth can be frustrating and even worrying. These symptoms often come from dysfunction in the TMJ—the temporomandibular joint—which connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ issues (often called TMJ disorder or TMD) affect millions of people and can have a big impact on daily life, from chewing to sleeping to simply talking.

If you’re dealing with back pain, stiffness, or injuries, you may have heard people recommend both osteopathy and chiropractic care. And while the two professions share some similarities, they are actually quite different in their training, philosophy, and approach to treatment.