If you're considering chiropractic care, massage, or a related treatment, it helps to understand who's who. This guide explains common credentials — it does not list or endorse specific individual providers.
M.D. / D.O. — Medical doctors (M.D.) and osteopathic physicians (D.O.) complete medical school, residency training, and board licensing; they can diagnose, prescribe medication, and order and interpret the full range of medical tests.
D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) — Chiropractors complete a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, pass national board exams, and hold a state license. Their scope of practice (what they're permitted to do) varies by state.
P.T. (Physical Therapist) — Physical therapists hold a doctoral-level degree and state license, focusing on movement, strength, and functional rehabilitation after injury or surgery.
LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) — Requirements vary by state but generally involve completing an accredited training program and passing a licensing or certification exam.
FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) — Advanced-practice registered nurses with additional graduate training, licensed to diagnose, treat, and in most states prescribe medication, often working in primary care.
Each profession is licensed at the state level. For chiropractors, the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards maintains a directory that links to each state board's own license-lookup tool, where you can confirm a license is active and check for any disciplinary history.
What is your credential and state license number? How long have you been treating cases like mine? What would make you refer me to a different type of provider?