FAQ – 15 Frequently Asked Questions | Sander Sprong Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a relatively unknown medicine. So it’s not very surprising if it rises some questions. Questions like: what exactly is osteopathy and what could osteopathy do for me? How many treatments are needed and what about the cost and reimbursement?
Some of these questions are listed and answered below.
1. What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a holistic approach to health that focuses on treating symptoms by mobilizing joints, muscles and tissues. The goal is to stimulate the body’s self healing mechanism and restore balance. Read more background on osteopathy here.
2. What complaints does the osteopath treat?
Osteopathy can help with a wide range of complaints, such as:
– Back and neck pain
– Headaches and migraines
– Joint and muscle pain
– Stress-related complaints
– Bad posture
– Sports injuries
– Limited mobility
– Digestive problems
– Complaints in your newborn baby like overstretching, preferred position, cramps and reflux
– Pregnancy related complaints like pelvic pain/ backpain
3. Who can go to an osteopath?
Osteopathy is suitable for people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. It can also be helpfulduring pregnancy or after surgery to speed up recovery.
4. How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments necessary varies per person and also depends on wat kind of complaint someone presents wih. Usualy 3 to 5 sessions are sufficient, but this depends on the severity of the complaint and on how your body rresponds to the treatment. Your osteopath will discuss this with you during the first appointment.
5. What happens during an osteopathy treatment?
During treatment, the osteopath will review your medical history that you have filled out in an intake. This is followed by a physical examination. The treatment itself consists of gentle mobilization techniques of muscles, joints and connective tissues.
6. Is osteopathy painful?
Most people experience osteopathy as relaxing and comfortable. Sometimes there may be some discomfort, especially when treating tense or injured areas. This is usually temporary and disappears quickly after treatment.
7. Do I need a referral from my primary care physician?
A referral from your primary care physician is not necessary to make an appointment with an osteopath. You can contact us directly for a consultation.
8. Is osteopathy covered by my health insurance?
Osteopathy is often partially reimbursed by supplementary health insurance. It is important to check whether your policy covers osteopathy. Contact your health insurer for details.
Click here for a list from the Dutch Association for Osteopathy (NVO) of health insurers and what they reimburse.
9. Is osteopathy scientifically proven?
Osteopathy is based on scientific principles of anatomy and physiology. There is increasing research on the effectiveness of osteopathy, especially in the areas of pain relief and improving mobility. The treatment method is recognized and regulated in the Netherlands by the Dutch Osteopathy Register Foundation (NRO).
10. Can osteopathy help with stress?
Yes, osteopathy can help relieve stress by reducing tension in the body, improving blood circulation and promoting overall relaxation and balance.
11. What is the difference between osteopathy and physical therapy?
Osteopathy focuses not just on treating specific complaints. The entire body and the underlying causes of the complaint are examined. Physical therapy usually focuses more on restoring function and mobility after injuries or surgery or in case of stroke on neurological rehabilitation.
Learn more about the difference between osteopathy, physical therapy, manual therapy and chiropractic treatment here.
12. How do I make an appointment?
You can easily make an appointment through our website, by phone or by sending an e-mail. We will answer the request as soon as possible.
13. Do I need to bring anything to my first appointment?
You can bring any medical records that may be relevant to the complaint, such as reports of X-rays or scans or records of previous treatments.
It is also convenient to bring a large towel (bath towel) for you to ly on during examination and treatment.
In order to perform a proper examination and treatment, you will be asked to undress down to your underwear. If you feel uncomfortable just being in your underwear, please bring a pair of sports shorts or something similar.
14. What is the cost of osteopathy treatment?
Costs vary depending on the duration and nature of the treatment. Please see our fee overview on the website or contact us for more information.
15. What should I do if I want to cancel my appointment?
We ask that you cancel or reschedule appointments at least 24 hours in advance. This can be done by phone, whatsapp or email.
Late cancellations will be charged for the full consultation fee. We hope for your understanding in this regard.
Do you have any other questions?
Please feel free to contact us for more information or to make an appointment. We will be happy to help you!
