Naprapathy is a manual therapy that aims to alleviate problems in the musculo- skeletal system. It is closely related to manual physiotherapy, osteopathy and chiropractic.

Naprapathy originated in the US and has its roots in chiropractic therapy. Naprapaths focus on the entire skeleton, including joints, muscles and ligaments. Naprapathy is used to prevent and treat ailments in the musculoskeletal system. Naprapaths combine orthopaedic manual therapy with specific knowledge about the body’s muscles, skeleton, joints and nervous system.

This form of therapy is sometimes used in sports medicine and occupational health. The treatment varies depending on the nature and location of the pain, and it may include massage, stretching, manipulation of joints and applying pressure to “trigger points” (hypersensitive muscle spots). The patient is given advice on exercises and stretching. A course of treatment usually involves three to six sessions, fewer in the case of acute injuries. Side effects are thought to be similar to those of chiropractic, but less severe. There is limited documentation of the effects and side effects of naprapathy, and there is no research on the subject.

It takes four years to train as a naprapath, and study programmes are offered in Sweden, Finland and the US. In Sweden and Finland naprapaths must complete a fifth practice year to receive their authorisation and become part of the national health service. In Norway naprapathy is considered an alternative therapy.