What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a form of treatment aimed at identifying and addressing functional disorders.
The principles of osteopathic teachings are grounded in several core principles. These include, among others:
I. Life is expressed through movement, rhythm, and dynamics
The heart beats continuously, the lungs move in the rhythm of breathing, and the digestive system performs peristaltic movements. Even a small loss of mobility can lead to tissue tension and the development of symptoms. The causes of this can include injuries, trauma, inflammation, as well as movement, dietary, and lifestyle habits.
II. The body has the ability to self-regulate
The body is capable of self-regulation and healing when all structures are free to move and properly nourished. The osteopath treats the functional disorder by using manual techniques to release blockages. Special attention is given to the circulatory, nervous, and fascial systems, as they are important channels for self-regulation. Therefore, osteopathic treatment supports the ability to self-regulate, allowing the body to build sufficient compensatory strength and regain its dynamic balance.
III. The human body is a unity
Since osteopathy views the person as a whole, where all body systems are interconnected and communicate with one another, the entire system is always examined. The harmonious interplay of all areas is crucial for our health.
IV. Evidence-informed
As a science, osteopathy integrates insights from anatomy, physiology, pathology, embryology, and biomechanics into individual therapeutic expertise. Moreover, since the academicization of osteopathic teachings, more specialized research has been conducted.
Osteopathic treatment
After a detailed anamnesis interview, which explores the individual medical history as well as movement, dietary, and lifestyle habits, a comprehensive physical examination follows. The therapist, through solid theoretical and practical training, is able to feel and interpret movement restrictions and tissue changes. Additionally, insights from anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics, and embryology are incorporated into the diagnostic process.
Following the assessment, a treatment plan is developed. Using specific manual techniques, relevant blockages are addressed. Lastly, osteopathic treatment offers the opportunity to trigger developmental processes in which familiar, dysfunctional behavior patterns can be brought to consciousness and worked through.
Areas of application
Osteopathy can be applied wherever functional disorders are the cause of complaints.
In principle, osteopathy distinguishes three main areas in which symptoms can appear:
I. parietal
The musculoskeletal system, consisting of bones, ligaments, joints, and the connective tissue structures (fascia).
II. visceral
The internal organs with their supply pathways and the associated protective and supportive tissues.
III. craniosacral
The skull, the head and jaw joints, the spine, and the entire central nervous system (CNS).
Examples
- Sports injuries
- Acute or long-lasting/chronic complaints
- of the musculoskeletal system (back pain, herniated discs, joint issues)
- of the internal organs (e.g., functional gastrointestinal complaints)
- Neurological complaints (concentration problems, fatigue, etc.
- Complaints of unclear origin
- “Therapy-resistant complaints”
- Psychosomatic and somatoform complaints
- Tinnitus
- Migraine
- Dizziness of unclear origin
- Fibromyalgia
etc.
Boundaries of Osteopathy
Osteopathy does not treat pathologies but functional disorders.
Severe and acute diseases such as inflammation, infections, structural injuries, fractures, and serious psychiatric conditions require medical care. However, osteopathy can be used as a complementary treatment.
Any pathologies discovered during the examination are explained, and a referral to a doctor is made.
How does osteopathy differ from physiotherapy?
While physiotherapy is primarily used for the treatment and aftercare of acute structural lesions (e.g., post-surgery), osteopathy is more often used for long-lasting functional disorders and non-specific symptoms (see application examples). Typically, fewer appointments are scheduled in osteopathy over a longer period of time, serving as a process-oriented accompaniment. In contrast, physiotherapy usually involves multiple appointments over a shorter period.
In physiotherapy, the focus is on symptomatic and primarily structural treatment of the musculoskeletal system (mobilizations, stretches, strengthening, etc.). In osteopathic treatments, connections between other body systems (e.g., between the musculoskeletal system and the digestive system) are established to identify and address potential underlying causes.
Costs
A session of osteopathy practice currently costs 95 euros and typically lasts between 50 and 60 minutes. Billing is done according to the fee schedule for alternative practitioners.
Payment can be made by EC card at the end of the treatment. Alternatively, an invoice can be issued in paper format or by email. In any case, you will receive a receipt/invoice for submission to your insurance.
Reimbursement
Due to my certified five-year full-time training and my membership in the Association of Osteopaths (VOD), the costs for osteopathic treatment are partially reimbursed by most public and private health insurance providers.
A doctor’s referral or prescription for osteopathic treatment may be required by public health insurance providers. Please check with your health insurance provider directly before the treatment. For private pay patients, treatment is possible without a prescription.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
Generally, no! Osteopathy is a form of healthcare and therefore not delegable. However, some health insurance providers require a recommendation or a certificate of approval from a doctor for reimbursement of treatment costs. If in doubt, please check with your health insurance provider about the reimbursement conditions in advance.
Any doctor or dentist can issue the doctor’s certificate informally. It is important that it is issued before the treatment begins, and this should be stated on the certificate. Additionally, “Osteopathic treatment” should be noted.
How long is a private prescription valid?
A private prescription (blue prescription) is issued when the statutory health insurance does not cover the costs for a service.
The private prescription can be redeemed within the calendar year.