Osteopathic Philosophy: Osteopathic medicine is a philosophy of health care and a distinctive art, supported by expanding scientific knowledge; its philosophy embraces the concept of the unity of the living organism's structure (anatomy) and function (physiology). Its art is the application of the philosophy in the practice of medicine and surgery in all its branches and specialties. Its science includes the behavioral, chemical, physical, spiritual and biological knowledge related to the establishment and maintenance of health as well as the prevention and alleviation of disease. Osteopathic concepts emphasize the following principles:

1. The human being is a dynamic unit of function;
2. The body possesses self-regulatory mechanisms which are self-healing in nature;
3. Structure and function are interrelated at all levels;
4. Rational treatment is based on these principles.

Osteopathic Structural Examination: The examination of a patient by an osteopathic physician with emphasis on the neuromusculoskeletal system including palpatory diagnosis for somatic dysfunction and viscerosomatic change, in the context of total patient care. The examination is concerned with range of motion of all parts of the body, performed with the patient in multiple positions to provide static and dynamic evaluation.

Osteopathy (osteopathic medicine): A system of medical care with a philosophy that combines the needs of the patient with current practice of medicine, surgery and obstetrics, and emphasis on the interrelationships between structure and function, and an appreciation of the body's ability to heal itself; see osteopathic philosophy.

If you would like to know more about Osteopathic Medicine, check out the following web sites:

• American Osteopathic Association
• American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine