Osteopathy is a hands-on, holistic approach to health that looks at the body as one connected system. While physiotherapy often focuses on rehabilitation, strength, movement, and recovery of a specific area, osteopathy specialises in treating the body to help restore balance as a whole.
Rather than focusing only on symptoms, an osteopath aims to understand the underlying cause of discomfort. This can be found when assessing the mobility of muscles, joints, organs, nerves, blood flow, and connective tissues to identify restrictions that may be contributing to pain or reduced function.
Using gentle manual techniques, osteopathy helps improve mobility, reduce tension, support circulation and nerve function, and encourage the body’s natural ability to recover. In addition to treatment, osteopaths provide education and guidance to support long-term Health.
In addition to osteopathy, we may incorporate exercise therapy and lifestyle modifications to support your health goals. Our dedicated osteopaths are committed to providing personalized care and are always ready to assist you on your journey to optimal well-being.
The appointment cost must be paid in-clinic. The treatment invoice can then be submitted to your insurance company. Most health insurers will reimburse the treatment in whole or in part, if alternative healthcare is included in your supplementary package and provided that the treatment is performed by a registered osteopath. Our osteopaths at Wijs are registered with NRO (Dutch Register for Osteopathy).
Contact your insurer directly to confirm your reimbursement amount.
The Healthcare Quality, Complaints and Disputes Act (WKKGZ) determines what good care entails and how complaints about it should be handled. Discuss complaints as openly as possible with your osteopath. In most cases, a good conversation leads to a satisfactory solution.
If you cannot resolve the matter together, you can contact the complaints officer of the Dutch Federation for Osteopathy (NOF). They will assist you further in submitting your complaint. If you still cannot resolve the matter, you can use the dispute settlement procedure. Your problem will then be submitted to the Osteopathy Disputes Committee.
More information about the complaints and disputes procedure can be found in the Osteopathy Complaints Procedure Brochure and on the NOF website.
Yes, osteopathy can be combined with other therapies. Osteopathy and physiotherapy often work very well together. Please mention during your intake which other treatments you are receiving, so we can make sure they support each other and do not interfere.
During the first appointment, we will discuss your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and any previous or current treatments. The osteopath will then assess how different areas of your body move and function, looking for restrictions or imbalances that may be related to your complaint. Based on these findings, a gentle, hands-on treatment will begin, tailored to your body and your needs.
Osteopathic treatment is usually gentle. Some techniques may feel sensitive, especially in areas with tension or restriction, but treatment should not feel forceful or overwhelming.
This depends on your complaint, how long it has been present, and how your body responds to treatment. Some people notice improvement within 2–3 sessions, while chronic or more complex complaints may need longer-term support, allowing time for the tissues and body patterns to adapt and change.
No, you do not need a referral to book an osteopathy appointment. However, if your symptoms require medical attention, you may be advised to contact your doctor or another healthcare provider.
For a proper osteopathic assessment and treatment, you may be asked to undress to your underwear, as this allows the osteopath to observe posture, movement, and tissue quality more accurately. However, the assessment and treatment can be adapted to ensure you feel comfortable throughout the session.
Osteopathy may be partially reimbursed through additional health insurance, often under the “alternative therapies” package. It is usually not covered by basic health insurance. Please check your own insurance policy before booking, so you know whether your treatment is eligible for reimbursement.
