What Is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine?
Understanding Osteopathic Medicine and the DO Difference
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a fully licensed physician who can practice medicine in all 50 states with the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as a Medical Doctor (MD). DOs complete four years of medical school, residency training, and can specialize in any area of medicine, from family practice to surgery.
At Paracelsus Natural Family Health Center in Pasadena, Dr. Daniel Brousseau is a board-certified osteopathic physician who combines conventional medical expertise with osteopathic principles to provide comprehensive family care.
While DOs and MDs are both fully qualified physicians, osteopathic medicine offers a distinctive philosophy and additional training that sets it apart.
The Osteopathic Philosophy
Osteopathic medicine is based on the principle that all body systems are interconnected and influence each other. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, DOs consider how the body’s structure affects its function and overall health.
The osteopathic approach emphasizes:
Whole-Person Care – Treating the complete person, not just isolated symptoms, by considering physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that affect health.
The Body’s Interconnected Systems – Understanding that the musculoskeletal system is intimately connected with all other body systems and that problems in one area can affect other areas.
The Body’s Self-Healing Ability – Supporting the body’s natural ability to heal itself through proper structure, nutrition, and lifestyle factors.
Prevention and Wellness – Focusing on preventing disease and maintaining health rather than only treating illness after it develops.
Hands-On Care – Using physical examination and manual techniques as both diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
DO vs. MD: Training and Education
Both DOs and MDs receive comprehensive medical training, but there are important distinctions:
Similar Medical Training:
- Four years of medical school
- Board certification in their specialty
- Continuing medical education requirements
- Full prescribing authority
- Practice in all medical specialties
- Hospital privileges and surgical training
Additional Osteopathic Training:
- 200+ additional hours in musculoskeletal system study
- Training in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)
- Emphasis on whole-person, preventive care
- Focus on body structure and its relationship to function
DOs receive all the same training as MDs in diagnosing disease, prescribing medications, performing surgery, and using modern medical technology, plus additional training in osteopathic principles and manual medicine.
What Is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)?
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a hands-on technique used by DOs to diagnose and treat various conditions. OMT involves using the hands to move muscles and joints using techniques including stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance.
OMT can be used to:
- Reduce pain and improve mobility
- Support recovery from injury
- Improve circulation and lymphatic drainage
- Enhance the body’s natural healing processes
- Address structural imbalances affecting overall health
- Complement other medical treatments
Conditions Treated with Osteopathic Medicine
Musculoskeletal Issues:
- Back and neck pain
- Sports injuries
- Joint problems
- Postural dysfunction
- Repetitive strain injuries
Pediatric Conditions:
- Ear infections
- Colic and digestive issues
- Sleep problems
- Developmental concerns
- Sports injuries in young athletes
Chronic Health Conditions:
- Headaches and migraines
- Digestive disorders
- Respiratory conditions
- Circulatory problems
- Chronic pain syndromes
Preventive Care:
- Health optimization
- Injury prevention
- Wellness maintenance
- Performance enhancement for athletes and performers
Osteopathic Medicine at Paracelsus
Dr. Daniel Brousseau brings osteopathic principles to his family practice at Paracelsus Natural Family Health Center, seamlessly blending conventional medical expertise with a whole-person approach to care. As a board-certified osteopathic physician, he maintains full diagnostic capabilities, prescribing authority, and comprehensive modern medical knowledge while embracing the osteopathic philosophy that considers how body structure affects function and overall health.
What sets Dr. Brousseau’s practice apart is his integration of natural medicine with osteopathic care. He combines osteopathic principles with naturopathic approaches, botanical medicine, and nutritional therapies to create truly comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. His specialized interests include pediatrics, heart health, dermatology, sleep disorders, and behavioral issues in both children and adults, allowing him to provide expert care across the lifespan.
Dr. Brousseau completed his medical degree from Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, a traditional rotating internship at Olympia Fields Osteopathic Hospital, and an osteopathic family practice residency at Downey Regional Medical Center. He is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians in Family Practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are DOs "real doctors"?
Yes. DOs are fully licensed physicians with the same practice rights as MDs. They complete equivalent medical training, can prescribe medications, perform surgery, and practice in all medical specialties.
Can DOs prescribe medication?
Yes. DOs have full prescribing authority just like MDs.
Do insurance companies recognize DOs?
Yes. DOs are recognized by all insurance companies and have the same provider status as MDs.
Is OMT safe?
When performed by a trained osteopathic physician, OMT is very safe. Dr. Brousseau uses gentle, appropriate techniques suited to each patient’s condition and age.
Do all DOs use OMT?
Not all DOs incorporate OMT into their practice regularly. Dr. Brousseau is trained in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and uses these techniques when beneficial for patient care.
Can children be treated with osteopathic medicine?
Yes. Osteopathic approaches, including gentle OMT techniques, are very safe and effective for children of all ages. Dr. Brousseau specializes in pediatric care.
Ready to Experience Osteopathic Care?
Dr. Brousseau’s osteopathic approach provides patients and families with comprehensive care that integrates the best of conventional medicine with whole-person osteopathic principles and natural therapies.
Questions about osteopathic medicine?
Call either office to discuss how Dr. Brousseau’s osteopathic approach can benefit you and your family.
Call either office to discuss how Dr. Brousseau’s osteopathic approach can benefit you and your family.