Osteopathy knee therapy. Therapist using osteopathy techniques on a 12-year-old boy. Osteopathy uses massage and manipulation to treat a range of disorders, based on knowledge of the musculoskeletal system. Here, manipulation is being used to correct a disorder of the menisci of the knee. The knee has both a lateral and medial meniscus, both being pads of cartilaginous tissue that help reduce friction in the knee between the upper and lower leg bones. Excessive torsion or tension can damage the menisci. Osteopathic techniques involve stretching and manipulating the joint to improve mobility and allow natural healing. This manipulation involves slight sideways twisting of the lower leg.