Like structural osteopathy, a key feature of visceral osteopathy is its ‘whole body’ approach, evaluating the patient as a whole, and seeing how one problem could be affecting other aspects of functionality. While structural osteopathy concerns the musculoskeletal system, visceral osteopathy involves gentle manipulation, such as stretching and massage, of the viscera – the soft organs, chiefly in the abdominal cavity. This gentle manipulation can help to relieve restrictions and discomfort caused by tension; some patients particularly report improvements in digestive function.