Osteopathy-Session: Questions before your first visit

Questions before your first visit

Before the first session with an osteopath you may have questions concerning the fees, referrals and other informations. On this page, I answer your questions.

What is my investment?

The initial visit for adults and children as of 12 years are 125 Euro. Follow-ups are 100 Euro. 

The initial visit for children of up to 11 years are 115 Euro. Follow-ups are 90 Euro. 

How long does the session take?

The initial session takes 70 to 80 minutes. Follow-ups are about 45-50 minutes long.

How can I pay?

Yes, in case you have to You can pay cash or via transfer order.

What is your cancellation policy?

Yes, in case you have to postpone your visit, please inform me up to 24 hours prior to the session. If you cancel on the same day, you will be charged half of the price. In case you do not attend your visit without prior notice, I have to charge you the complete fee.

You can cancel or reschedule your osteopathy-session via email or call.

What should I bring to my first visit?

  • Please wear or bring loose and comfortable fit clothing (i.e. t-shirt, leggings, shorts).
  • Please bring any documents such as doctor referrals and test results if they are in your possession.
  • Bring a list of medication, if you take any.

Is osteopathy covered by private health insurance?

It depends on your insurance. Some health insurances cover part of the costs. When you have private insurance, the coverage depends on your agreement with the insurer. In all cases, you pay and hand the receipt in at your insurance’s. I am member of the BVO, the association is accepted with public health insurances in Germany. However some “Krankenkassen” ask for a doctors referral in addition to the receipt. It’s therefore best to make sure you get the referral before you come in for the appointment.

Do I need a referral for an osteopathy-session?

No. Osteopathy is available without a referral from a doctor. However, some insurance companies require a referral to reimburse your expenses. Please talk to your doctor or your insurance beforehand in case you are interested in a partially reimbursed appointment.

How often will I have to see the osteopath?

Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body has its innate healing power. How many times a patient has to come back depends on the issue, its chronicity, and the age of the patient. Children usually need fewer sessions compared to adults. As soon as the improvement has reached a point of satisfaction for both patient and therapist the sessions for that specific issue ends. The patient is free to decide to come back for preventative measures or for further sessions addressing other issues or the maintenance of a specific problem.

How often are preventative visits recommended per year?

It all depends on you. I have patients who come see me regularly, some take an appointment every month, every 3 months, 6 months or once a year. The decision depends on the person’s age, the problem, and their health consciousness.

When should I feel better?

In many, many cases, patients can feel better right after the session, and they get even better by the time. Some individuals may feel side effects on the day of the session like being extra tired, some may have a deeper sleep or even an initial short-lived intensification of the discomfort. The reactions are different from person to person. In the realm of one, two days to one week (very rare), these side effects should be gone.

What happens to my body after the osteopathy-session?

After the session, the body continues working. It means the brain-body-feedback kicks in. The body sends signals to the brain, the brain sends the newly processed information back to the body. That process can take up to three days, in some cases up to a week. What does that mean exactly? You may feel a bit different (in most cases it is a positive difference), and you may experience the side effects like tiredness or sore muscles.

What should I consider after the osteopathic session?

  • If you feel more tired than usual, rest. Your body is working very hard at the moment to process all the new information
  • Eat properly, but do not stuff yourself up with food you have a hard time digesting.
  • Drink lots of water and eat juicy fruits, which will help your fascias to rebuild.
  • Engage in light movements such as walking or light gymnastics (stretching).

Can I do sports?

It is recommended to avoid extreme situations up to 24 hours after the session. It means, if you have never done contact sports before, do not start with it on the day you saw your osteopath. Wait for 2 days. However, you can do light sport, if you feel the need to do so. If you are an athletic person, continue doing your normal dose of the sport but be a bit more careful on the day of the session. Stretching and walking is good and recommended for everyone at any time.

Be responsible and listen to your body.