This article explains what a DO is and how they are trained.
It also details osteopathic treatment and the difference between osteopathy,naturopathy, andchiropracticcare.
Illustration by Ellen Lindner for Verywell Health
What Is Osteopathy?
Illustration by Ellen Lindner for Verywell Health
Some osteopathic physicians offer traditional diagnosis and treatment.
Both traditional (allopathic) medicine and osteopathy focus on treating symptoms and diseases with medication and surgery.
But DOs also may integrate their training in osteopathic manipulative treatment.
OMT is often used to treat lower back pain, but it has a wide array of other benefits.
Osteopathic manipulations are done standing, seated, or lying down.
You may hear a popping or cracking sound during a manipulation.
The sound is not your bones cracking or popping into place.
It is because of releasing gas bubbles in thesynovial fluidbetween the joints.
This may offer benefits for people seeking care for conditions that involve complex hormone and immune system imbalances.
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine has the initials DO after their name.
Both DOs and MDs need an undergraduate degree, plus at least four years of medical school.
Like MDs, DOs can specialize in particular areas of medicine.
The osteopathic medical school emphasizes the whole person and the connection between the musculoskeletal system and disease and symptoms.
Osteopathic Doctor vs. Naturopath
Some people get confused between osteopathic providers and naturopathic providers.
Even in states that license naturopaths as full physicians, naturopaths are typically not licensed to perform surgery.
Unlike DOs, however, chiropractors are considered complementary medicine providers.
Some may offer services likeacupuncture.
Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.) graduate from four-year doctoral programs.
The curriculum includes at least 4,200 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical internship.
Chiropractors need to successfully pass certification exams before they receive a license.
If you’re considering seeing a DO, check with the American Osteopathic Association to find one near you.
Keep in mind that it’s important to research carefully when choosing anyhealthcare provider.
American Osteopathic Association.What is osteopathic medicine?
American Osteopathic Association.Osteopathic medical profession report 2023.
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American Academy of Osteopathy.Osteopathic medicine FAQ.
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Library of Congress.What causes the noise when you crack a joint?
2022 Apr 12;12(4):e053468.
American Osteopathic Association.Discover the DO difference.
American Osteopathic Association.What is a DO?
Davis GE, Gayer GG.Comparison of basic science knowledge between DO and MD students.J Am Osteopath Assoc.
2017;117(2):114-123. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2017.022
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Doctor of osteopathic medicine.
Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges.The difference between a traditional naturopath and a licensed naturopathic doctor in North America.
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.Chiropractic Education.
