What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is an independent, holistic medical discipline characterised by manual diagnosis and treatment. It focuses on researching and treating the causes of complaints – always with a view to the person as a whole.
More than 140 years ago, after intensive research, the American physician Andrew Taylor Still laid the foundations for osteopathy and thus paved the way for a new direction in medicine. Since then, osteopathy has continued to develop and establish itself.
The four principles
Osteopathy is based on four fundamental principles that guide diagnosis and treatment:
1. The body is a single entity
The body is viewed as a whole, in which all structures and functions are interconnected. In osteopathy, the body, mind and soul are considered an inseparable entity. Disturbances in one area can therefore have an impact on the entire organism.
2. Structure and function influence each other
The anatomical structure of the body and its physiological functions are closely interrelated. Changes in structure can impair function – and vice versa. For example, restricted joint mobility can disrupt blood circulation and nerve supply, causing functional disorders.
3. The body has self-regulating and self-healing powers.
The human body has the ability to regulate and heal itself. The task of osteopathy is to release blockages and dysfunctions in order to support these natural powers. The osteopath stimulates the body to regain its balance.
4. Holistic diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis and therapy are always tailored to the individual needs of the patient. The entire body is taken into account – not just the symptoms. The aim is to identify and treat the causes of complaints rather than simply alleviating the symptoms.
The three sub-areas of osteopathy
The osteopathic treatment process
Adults
Medical history and examination
Treatment begins with a detailed discussion of your medical history and a physical examination. This allows me to gain an accurate picture of your symptoms and their causes.
Treatment
This is followed by the actual treatment. Osteopaths work exclusively with their hands. The treatment is tailored to the individual patient and includes techniques ranging from very gentle touch to stronger pressure and mobilisation of blocked structures.
After the treatment
Finally, we discuss the next steps together. In the first 1–3 days after treatment, you may experience what is known as initial worsening: the tissue reacts to the new stimuli and begins to restructure itself. This can manifest itself, for example, in an increased need for sleep or a feeling similar to muscle soreness. These reactions are normal, a good sign and no cause for concern.
Children and Babies
Medical history and examination
Treatment for infants and children also begins with a discussion of their medical history. The fact that babies cannot yet speak and children, depending on their age, have difficulty describing their symptoms precisely is not a problem. As a paediatric osteopath, I am trained to gather a wealth of information through a careful physical examination. This enables me to form an accurate picture of the symptoms and their possible causes.
Treatment
The actual treatment then follows. As with adults, I work exclusively with my hands. Each treatment is individual, and the following applies: infants and children react very sensitively and usually only require gentle, careful techniques.
After the treatment
Finally, we discuss the next steps together. Babies and children may also experience a short reaction phase after the treatment, during which the body realigns itself and processes the impulses.
Treatment costs and cost coverage
Billing according to the fee schedule for alternative practitioners (GebüH):
30 minutes: 65 EUR
50 minutes: 110 EUR
Statutory health insurance
Many statutory health insurance companies provide partial coverage for osteopathic treatments. In some cases, a referral from a doctor is required. In addition, some insurance companies require proof of professional qualification, which I provide through my membership in the VOD. Please check here for the individual requirements and subsidies offered by your health insurance company.
Privately insured patients
Private health insurance companies generally cover alternative practitioner services up to the maximum rate of the fee schedule, unless these have been excluded in the insurance contract. Please check the terms and conditions of your insurance contract.
Supplementary insurance
Supplementary insurance also reimburses alternative practitioner services. However, the type and amount of the subsidy depend on the respective tariff.
Beihilfeversicherte
In Baden-Württemberg, the costs of osteopathic treatments are largely covered by the Beihilfe.
Treatment duration and frequency
An osteopathic treatment lasts about 50 minutes. The frequency of osteopathic treatment is very individual: for acute complaints, two to three appointments at intervals of two to four weeks are often sufficient, while for chronic problems, more sessions may be necessary.