Structural osteopathy is the most common type of osteopathy, and it encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of problems in the musculoskeletal system. Osteopathy recognises that structural problems with muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints not only cause pain and discomfort, but can also lead to dysfunction in body systems generally. The holistic nature of osteopathic medicine leads to an understanding that complex relationships between body systems exist, and if the structure is not balanced then the function is affected.