Frequently Asked Questions

An osteopathic physician (DO) is a fully licensed physician who completes 11 or more years of training, including medical school and at least three years of medical residency. DOs can prescribe medication, order labs and imaging, hold hospital privileges, and diagnose any medical condition. Osteopathic medicine is grounded in the philosophy of the body as a self-healing unit. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) focuses on removing barriers and supporting the innate healing process. When a DO is providing OMT, they take a full medical history and perform a physical exam including a structural assessment of the whole body. Treatment is aimed at optimizing the function of the whole body, including the nervous system, lymphatics, blood vessels, organs, muscles, and bones. OMT is one component of this comprehensive assessment and treatment plan.

A chiropractor (DC) holds a Doctor of Chiropractic designation and is not a medical doctor. Chiropractors complete six to eight years of training through chiropractic school, which does not require a medical residency. They cannot prescribe medication or hold hospital privileges, though they can order some labs and imaging. Chiropractic care focuses primarily on musculoskeletal conditions. Its guiding philosophy is that misalignments of the spine interfere with the nervous system and overall health. Assessment is primarily focused on spinal alignment and musculoskeletal findings, and manipulation serves as the primary treatment modality.