What is a DO and why should you see one

Have you ever wondered why some doctors have MD after their name, while others have DO? If you’ve ever scrolled through doctor profiles and spotted the letters “DO,” you might’ve stopped and thought, Wait… what’s that mean? It’s a common question patients ask—and for good reason. Knowing the difference helps people understand who’s on their care team and how they approach health.

What Does “DO” Stand For?

DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Like MDs, DOs are fully licensed physicians who are trained to diagnose and treat illness, prescribe medication, and even perform surgery. MD’s and DO’s work in the same spaces and do all the same tasks. The only way to tell the difference between the two is by looking at the letters after their name. It is likely that you have seen one without even knowing it. 

How They Are Trained

Becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) takes dedication and a deep commitment to patient care. DOs complete the same rigorous medical education as MDs—plus an additional 200 hours of specialized training in osteopathic principles and the musculoskeletal system.

Like MDs, DOs complete four years of medical school followed by internships, residencies, and, in many cases, fellowships. Throughout their training, they must pass multiple exams to demonstrate proficiency before moving on to the next stage. These are the same licensing exams taken by their MD counterparts, and DOs must meet the same requirements to practice medicine in the United States.

After medical school, physicians take an exam to demonstrate readiness to begin treating patients. Following residency, they take their specialty “board” exam—a certification that allows them to be recognized as board-certified in that field. Physicians who complete fellowship training may take an additional board exam, denoting advanced expertise and recognition as a specialist.

Dr. Valvano’s Expertise

Dr. Kevin Valvano is triple board-certified, meaning he has successfully passed board exams in three specialties: Family Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Occupational Medicine. While he does not explicitly practice in all three specialties, he draws on this broad knowledge to provide high-quality, well-rounded care.

He currently practices in a sports medicine setting, treating all types of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes sprains, strains, fractures, acute and chronic pain, concussions, and more. If it involves muscles, joints, ligaments, or movement, Dr. Valvano has the expertise to diagnose and treat it.

At Garden State Sports Medicine in Parsippany, NJ, Dr. Kevin Valvano combines this advanced training with a passion for keeping active people moving—whether that’s a competitive athlete aiming to return to play or someone who simply wants to stay pain-free and mobile. It’s a powerful blend of science, skill, and patient-centered care.

So What’s the Difference?

What sets DOs apart is their whole-person approach—treating the body, mind, and spirit while recognizing how structure and function are deeply connected. Rather than just chasing symptoms, DOs look at how lifestyle, environment, and physical structure all influence health.

They emphasize preventive care, the body’s ability to heal itself, and use hands-on techniques to improve movement, function, and reduce pain. This perspective is especially valuable in sports medicine, where injury, performance, and recovery are closely linked.

DOs also receive specialized training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)—a hands-on method used to diagnose, treat, and prevent injury by improving the body’s mechanics.

At Garden State Sports Medicine in Parsippany, NJ, Dr. Kevin Valvano brings this DO training into every visit—whether it’s helping an athlete recover from an injury, treating chronic pain, or using osteopathic manipulative treatments (OMT) to restore movement and reduce discomfort without surgery.

What Makes a DO Different?

While MDs and DOs share much of the same training and responsibilities, the osteopathic approach stands out in a few key ways.

One big difference is osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)—a hands-on technique where a DO gently moves muscles and joints to improve alignment, restore function, and relieve pain. It can be a game-changer for musculoskeletal problems like back pain, joint stiffness, or sports injuries. At Garden State Sports Medicine, Dr. Kevin Valvano uses OMT alongside other treatments to give patients a more complete, well-rounded path to recovery and performance.

DOs also put extra emphasis on prevention. Instead of only treating what’s going on right now, they look deeper—at habits, posture, stress, and even old injuries—to figure out what might be contributing to the problem. That proactive approach can be a huge benefit if you’re dealing with recurring issues or want to avoid future injuries.

In a sports medicine setting like ours in Parsippany, NJ, this philosophy helps patients recover faster, perform better, and take control of their health. It’s not just about quick fixes—it’s about building long-term solutions that last.

Why Should you see a DO

You don’t need to be a professional athlete to benefit from seeing a DO. People visit DOs for the same reasons they might see an MD—routine check-ups, illness, injury care, or managing chronic conditions. The difference often comes down to how that care is delivered.

At Garden State Sports Medicine, we treat sprains, strains, fractures, chronic injuries, concussions, and more. We focus on identifying the root cause of an injury and guiding you through the recovery process. That may include hands-on techniques, a whole-body approach to healing, or both.

Many patients specifically seek out osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) as a non-invasive way to improve mobility, reduce pain, and speed recovery—especially if they want to stay active while avoiding unnecessary medications or surgery.

In Conclusion

If you’re looking for a doctor who takes time to understand how your lifestyle, movements, and habits affect your health, then yes, a DO might be the right fit for you. DOs are fully qualified physicians who treat everything from sprained ankles to chronic back pain, but what sets them apart is their focus on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.

At Garden State Sports Medicine in Parsippany, NJ, our DO blends traditional medical knowledge with a holistic, hands-on approach that’s especially effective for active individuals, athletes, and anyone dealing with musculoskeletal issues. Whether you're healing from an injury, managing long-term discomfort, or aiming to stay in peak physical condition, this type of care can help you move better and feel better.

Of course, the best doctor for you is someone who listens, understands your goals, and creates a treatment plan that works for your life. For many of our patients, a DO checks all those boxes, and then some.

FAQs

Q: Is a DO a real doctor?
A: Absolutely. A DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) is a fully licensed physician who can diagnose, treat, prescribe medication, and perform surgery—just like an MD. The difference lies in their additional training and their whole-person approach to care.

Q: What’s the difference between a DO and an MD?
A: Both DOs and MDs complete four years of medical school and residency training. DOs also receive about 200 extra hours of instruction in the musculoskeletal system and hands-on care, including osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). This is somewhat similar to techniques you may experience in physical therapy or chiropractic care. DOs often place a stronger emphasis on preventive care and overall wellness.

Q: What is OMT and how does it help?
A: OMT stands for Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment. It’s a hands-on method used to improve alignment, ease muscle tension, and support the body’s natural healing process. OMT can be especially helpful for sports injuries, back pain, and mobility issues.

Q: Can I choose a DO as my primary care doctor?
A: Yes—DOs can serve as primary care physicians (PCPs) and often take a more holistic, patient-centered approach. However, the DO at Garden State Sports Medicine focuses exclusively on sports medicine and is not available for primary care. If you need a PCP, we’re happy to recommend trusted providers in the area.

Q: Are DOs covered by insurance?
A: Yes. Insurance companies treat DOs and MDs the same when it comes to coverage. If you’re scheduling a visit at Garden State Sports Medicine in Parsippany, NJ, we’re happy to verify your benefits in advance.

Q: Should I see a DO for a sports injury?
A: Definitely. A DO with sports medicine training—like the one at Garden State Sports Medicine—combines medical expertise with hands-on techniques to help you recover faster and get back to doing what you love.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you're dealing with a recent injury, managing chronic pain, or just want a more personalized approach to your care, seeing a DO could be the right move. At Garden State Sports Medicine in Parsippany, NJ, we’re here to help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what you love, with care that treats the whole you.

Schedule an appointment today to meet with our experienced DO and discover how osteopathic medicine can support your recovery and performance.

👉 Call us at 862-217-4355 or book online here. We’re ready when you are!