Should I see an MD or DO for osteopathic manipulative treatment?

Both medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) can perform osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). However, DOs receive additional training in this technique as part of their medical education. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a provider for OMT:

Philosophy of care: DOs take a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on the whole person rather than just the specific condition. They believe that the body has the ability to heal itself and that OMT can help support this process.

Training: DOs receive an average of 300 hours of training in OMT during medical school. MDs can also receive training in OMT, but it is not required.

Experience: Consider the experience of the provider in performing OMT. Some DOs may have more experience with OMT than others.

Condition being treated: If you have a specific condition that you are seeking OMT for, you may want to choose a provider who has experience treating that condition.

Comfort level: It is important to feel comfortable with your healthcare provider. If you prefer one type of provider over the other, that may be a factor in your decision.

Insurance: Check with your insurance company to see if they cover OMT. If they do, there may be a difference in cost between seeing an MD and a DO for OMT.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of provider is right for you is to talk to your primary care physician or a healthcare professional who can help you assess your individual needs.