Osteopathy is a system of health care that focuses on treatment of the physical body, the joints, muscles and connective tissue, with « hand on » techniques such as deep tactile pressure, stretching and manipulation. Osteopathy is a complementary medicine that not only takes in the physical symptoms but the lifestyle, attitudes and current health of the patient.

In France, osteopathy has recently recieved the recognition from the national parliament (Q1 2002) and therefor osteopathy is now an official health practice. Nethertheless, education, practical exercise and scope of activity needs to be discussed in the relevent ministers. We expect this to happened before Q3 2003. Osteopath are therefore independant professionals and the "Registre des Ostéopathes de France" provide guidelines in term of deontology and ethics and has issued a quality label for osteopaths who have been properly trained and act as ethic-concious professionals. This label "M.R.O.F" is shown in the osteopath office. CEESO is entitled to deliver this label.