The terms Osteopathy and Osteopathic Medicine refer to the same thing, only the former label is used to describe the practice of this medical science in locations outside of the Americas, while the latter label is used only for osteopathic medical science practiced in the United States. Americas. There is an organization in the world that deals directly with this therapy and its practices. This organization is the World Organization for Osteopathic Health, or WHO. This organization grants membership to physicians who practice this therapy throughout the world, whether in the United States of America or outside of it. However, it should be noted that not all people who practice this therapy are doctors. The Osteopathic Alliance International, or OIA, offers memberships to the various schools that offer training in this therapy, as well as to the various professional osteopathic associations.

In places outside of the United States of America, such as New Zealand and Australia, where the medical science of osteopathy is also practiced, osteopaths receive similar training to medical doctors around the world. These doctors consider themselves fully competent in treating patients suffering from musculoskeletal problems and are revered in their treatment of these patients as well. Therefore, some of these Doctors of this particular therapy also use the title MD Osteopathy, or osteopathic science, as a medical practice that began in the United States of America in the 1870s. Andrew Taylor Still was the founding father of this form of medical practice that involves the muscles, bones, and joints of the body. He established the American School of Osteopathy, which in later years became known as AT Still University, located in Kirksville, Missouri, in the year 1892, on the tenth of May. And even though the state of Missouri offered Andrew Taylor Still the MD designation, he was dissatisfied with prevailing medical practices and chose the DO title for himself.

The principles that govern it are not immovable laws, but are the basis of the motivation of the DO to practice Osteopathy.