osteopathy

System of alternative medical practice that relies on physical manipulation to treat mechanical stress. It was developed over a century ago by US physician Andrew Taylor Still, who maintained that most ailments can be prevented or cured by techniques of spinal manipulation.

Osteopaths are generally consulted to treat problems of the musculo-skeletal structure such as back pain, and many doctors refer patients to them for such treatments. Although in the UK the wider applicability of their skills is not generally recognized, osteopathic doctors in the USA are also fully licensed to practice conventional medicine.