Category: Osteopathic medicine

As of 2024, approximately 11% of all physicians in the United States are Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs), bringing a unique, whole-person approach to patient care. Understanding what does "DO" indicate for a doctor is crucial for anyone navigating the U.S. healthcare system and making informed choices about their medical providers.

In the United States, nearly 30% of medical students are enrolled in osteopathic colleges, a rapidly growing segment of the healthcare landscape. When it comes to your health, understanding the distinct approaches of Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) and Doctors of Medicine (MDs) is key to making an informed choice, especially if you want to know **why choose a DO over an MD?**

In 2023, there were nearly 150,000 osteopathic physicians in the U.S., a number that has grown significantly. With more DOs in the healthcare system, it is natural to ask: Is there really a difference between MD and DO?

Experts in manual medicine assert that the body's structure and function are reciprocally interrelated. A structural diagnosis is a comprehensive evaluation used by practitioners to identify issues like misalignments, restrictions, or other abnormalities within the musculoskeletal framework that may impact overall health and functionality.

According to the American Osteopathic Association, the number of practicing Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) in the U.S. has grown by 81% in the last decade, showing their increasing role in healthcare. Deciding if a DO is a good choice for a primary care physician depends on your personal preferences and healthcare philosophy.

Developed over 40 years by osteopathic physician Dr. Lawrence Jones, the technique now known as Strain-Counterstrain is a gentle manual therapy that helps relieve musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This unique method relies on passive body positioning to release muscle spasms and restore function without invasive or forceful maneuvers.

According to the American Osteopathic Association, one out of every four medical students in the U.S. is enrolled in an osteopathic college. This growing field means you are more likely to encounter a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, making it important to understand what the abbreviation "DO" stands for in medical terms and what sets them apart.

According to recent reports, the number of osteopathic doctors (D.O.s) is growing rapidly in the U.S., a trend highlighted in a recent *New York Times* article exploring **what is a DO ny times?** We delve into the unique aspects of osteopathic medicine and its modern role in healthcare.