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Osteopathy is a philosophy and medical practice which emphasises the interrelationship between structure and function of the body and recognize the body's ability to heal itself ; it is the role of the osteopath to facilitate that process, principally by the skilled practise of manual and manipulative therapy.

The American Osteopathic Association recommends using osteopathic physician and osteopathic medicine to distinguish individuals trained in osteopathic medicine in the United States who have attained the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine ( D. O.

), a degree equivalent to that of Doctor of Medicine ( M. D.

), who practice the full scope of medicine and receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine from individuals described as osteopaths who use osteopathy, the restricted-scope form of practice outside of North America.

Osteopaths trained outside of the US are generally limited in practise to non-invasive manual therapies, as well as providing nutritional, postural and other health advice.

Like their American counterparts, non-US osteopaths are primary contact health care practitioners.

They are usually trained at Bachelors or Masters level in the biomedical sciences and general medical diagnosis, with the addition of osteopathic techniques, but without pharmacology and surgery.

Osteopathic treatment is generally considered complementary to mainstream medicine.

Medical physicians may go on to qualify as an osteopath and vice versa.