You may be wondering “if D.O.s can do manipulation similar to D.C.s, then what is the difference?”
There are differences in each fields history of development and manipulation technique, but overall the goal is similar for both disciplines which is to aid the body’s innate ability to heal itself. However, with that being said, there IS A MAJOR DIFFERENCE on the education and practice rights of D.O.s and D.C.s: -D.O.s are trained to recognize and treat various medical conditions (utilizing their extensive training in medical and osteopathic fields) and determine if manipulation is appropriate and beneficial as an adjunct or as a replacement for conventional medical treatment -D.O.s must pass rigorous medical board examinations to demonstrate their knowledge in medical, pharmacological, surgical, radiological, and osteopathic fields in order to be LICENSED as a MEDICAL physician EQUAL to their M.D. counterparts -D.O.s complete at least a 3-year residency in the specialty field of their choice -D.O.s are expected to follow the STANDARD OF CARE EQUAL to M.D.s -D.O.s have practice rights
