Definition of "osteopathy" [os•te•op•a•thy]

• A system of medicine based on the theory that disturbances in the musculoskeletal system affect other bodily parts, causing many disorders that can be corrected by various manipulative techniques in conjunction with conventional medical, surgical, pharmacological, and other therapeutic procedures. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Chiropractic is sometimes confused with osteopathy, which is a recognized primary care medical profession with a holistic perspective."
• "Unlimited cover is available for certain forms of alternative medicine, namely osteopathy, podiatry and chiropractic treatment."
• "They should be advised on alternative forms of health care by their GPs - such as osteopathy - if they seem useful."