What Does Osteopathic Mean?

Osteopathy is a type of alternative medicine that emphasizes physical manipulation of the body's muscle tissue and bones. Practitioners of osteopathy are referred to as osteopaths. Its name derives from Ancient Greek "bone" and "pain, suffering". Osteopathic manipulation is the core set of techniques in osteopathy.

Is D.O. or MD better?

In the United States, doctors are either an MD (allopathic doctor) or DO (osteopathic doctor). For patients, there's virtually no difference between treatment by a DO vs MD. In other words, you should be equally comfortable if your doctor is an M.D. or a D.O.

How is osteopathic medicine different?

How is Osteopathic Medicine Different? DOs are complete physicians who, along with MDs, are licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgery in all 50 states. But DOs bring something extra to the practice of medicine—a holistic approach to patient care. DOs are trained to be doctors first, and specialists second.