PRACTICE FOR OSTEOPATHY
“Movement is the soul of all things."
— PAUL KLEE
Welcome to our osteopathic office
In the center of our treatment philosophy stands osteopathy. With this holistic therapeutic approach, we strive to respond specifically to your needs. Our work is based on knowledge derived from classic osteopathy, sports science and psychosomatics.
IMPRESSIONS FROM OUR INSTAGRAM BLOG
"Don't think about why you got sick, but think about how you can get well again."
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OSTEOPATHY
1 WHAT DOES "OSTEOPATHY" MEAN?
The term "osteopathy" is made up of the two ancient Greek words "osteon" and "pathos". The former means bones and pathos means the ability to arouse sympathy, emotion, passion, suffering and feelings.
D.L. Tasker writes in Principles of Osteopahty 1916: “There are many definitions of osteopathy . Each has a tendency to limit itself. A definition always limits the thing that is defined. Therefore, no definition of osteopathy is complete. We are talking about a principle, namely the universal, which nobody knows. ”The roots of osteopathy go to the American doctor Dr. Andrew Taylor Still (1828-1917). He strove for a new understanding of health and illness, in which the human being is viewed as a unity of body, mind and soul. For more information on osteopathy see HERE.
2 WHEN DOES OSTEOPATHY HELP?
The field of application of osteopathy is very extensive! Since the osteopathic treatment , to put it simply, is about finding and releasing blockages (predominantly mechanical but also emotional), this form of therapy can help with a large number of symptoms and ailments. Fundamentally, nobody can give something like a healing promise for a certain illness or symptom in advance, because every body reacts differently.
3 OSTEOPATHY - SUITABLE FOR WHOM?
Osteopathy is basically suitable for people of all ages: From infants to old age, everyone can be treated osteopathically . Our osteopathy practice also has the protected children's osteopathy badge of the Association of German Osteopaths (VOD).
4 CHILDREN'S OSTEOPATHY AND OSTEOPATHY FOR BABIES?
According to a study by the Academy of Osteopathy (AFO) in collaboration with the German Institute for Health Research, the most common reasons why parents consult an osteopath with their infant are: a " favorite position " and resulting asymmetries in the infant's body (48% of cases), head asymmetries (15%), feeding disorders (12.5%), crying babies (12.5%) and sleep disorders (11.5%).
Around 150 practices took part in the relatively extensive study from 2017. Over 3,200 osteopathic treatments were carried out on babies.
In our osteopathy practice we also offer osteopathy for babies , toddlers and children. We have additional training in pediatric osteopathy and regularly continue our training.
A treatment appointment for babies lasts about 30-45 minutes (with Isabelle) or 60 minutes (with Tina). For more information about the qualifications of our therapists, see here .
5 ARE OSTEOPATHS "HEILPRAKTIKER"?
Since osteopathy is assigned to medicine by law, it may only be performed by alternative practitioners and doctors in Germany. You can find more information about our qualifications HERE .
6 OSTEOPATHY TREATMENT - DOES THE HEALTH INSURANCE COVER ANY EXPENSES ?
In Germany, a large part of the health insurance companies now contribute to the costs of an osteopathic treatment . We meet the necessary requirements in terms of training, qualifications and association membership. HERE you will find a list of the statutory health insurances with the respective subsidy models for osteopathic services.
If you have taken out additional insurance for alternative practitioners , the costs will usually be fully reimbursed within the scope of your insurance conditions.
Private health insurance companies usually also cover the costs in full. A list of costs according to the list of fees for alternative practitioners is possible.
7 ASSOCIATION FOR OSTEOPATHS - WE ARE A MEMBER
Yes, we are a member of the VOSD (Association of the Osteopathy School Germany) and the VOD (Association of Osteopaths Germany eV), the largest and oldest federal association of osteopaths . We also have the VOD children's osteopathy badge. We meet all the criteria that are necessary for any reimbursement of costs by the health insurance companies. Before your first appointment, please contact your health insurance company personally to find out whether and in what amount a subsidy will be provided.
8 IS A DOCTOR'S REFERENCE NECESSARY FOR OSTEOPATHY TREATMENT?
Yes and no: A referral from the doctor is NOT necessary for treatment in our osteopathic parxis!
However: If you would like to request a reimbursement of the osteopathic treatment costs from your health insurance company, they usually ask for a doctor's prescription in addition to a copy of your invoice. That depends entirely on the health insurance company. Every health insurance company has different reimbursement conditions. Please inquire about this before your first visit. A quick call is all it takes; you can usually find the health insurance number on your insurance card.
9 HOW TO SCHEDULE AN OSTEOPATHY APPOINTMENT (ONLINE):
Are you a new patient or existing customer and have decided on osteopathic treatment in our osteopathic practice ? Then the best thing to do is to make an appointment online, by phone or by e-mail. Please use the answering machine if necessary, because for your own peace we do not use the phone during an osteopathic treatment. We will call you back within the next 24 hours.
10 WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE TO CANCEL MY OSTEOPATHY APPOINTMENT?
If you cannot keep your agreed osteopathy appointment , we ask you to cancel it as early as possible, but at least 48 hours in advance. Then we have the chance to pass the appointment on to the next patient on the waiting list. You will receive a reminder email from us the day before each appointment. A cancellation fee of € 50 will be charged for cancellations that are not made at least 48 hours before the agreed treatment date. Please note that the cancellation fee is usually not covered by statutory or private health insurance.
11 WHAT'S THE PROCEDURE OF AN OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT?
The first treatment appointment consists of a detailed one Anamnesis discussion , followed by examination and diagnosis. These form the foundation for the subsequent treatment units. Osteopathy is a manual therapy . This means that osteopathic treatment is carried out with the hands . Through palpation, loosening and stretching, as well as massaging techniques and therapeutic exercises, we get to the bottom of the causes of complaints, with the aim of treating the person as a whole.
Furthermore, we would be happy to discuss with you how you can actively contribute to supporting the recovery and healing process.
12 WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR MY OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT?
Loose and light clothing usually does not interfere with the palpation of tension and therefore does not have to be taken off. Thicker materials (e.g. sweaters or jeans) should be removed if possible. Visual findings of the spine are also important for our diagnostics (e.g. through a clear view of the skin on the back). Many of our osteopathy patients can be treated in stretchy or loose sportswear, swimming trunks or underwear. The most important point for us is that you feel comfortable in your clothes. We also have light blankets for our patients so that they can be covered if necessary.
13 WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT?
For the sake of the environment, we would like to ask you to bring your own towel for osteopathic treatment.
At the first osteopathy appointment , it can also make sense to bring existing findings (MRI, CT and / or X-rays), laboratory reports or doctor's letters with you.
14 HOW DO I REACH THE OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE?
The premises of our osteopathic practice are located in Pankow directly on the border with Prenzlauer Berg : in Hallandstr. 14 , 13189 . Due to the close proximity (400m) to Vinetastraße (U2, trams 50 and M1, bus line 250), we are well connected to public transport. Further stops on Wisbyerstraße and Bornholmerstraße (600m) can be reached in about 8 minutes on foot (Tram 50, M1, M2 and M13, as well as bus lines 10 and M1).
If you are traveling by car, you will find free parking in Hallandstrasse , directly in front of the osteopathy practice . However, depending on the time of day, you should plan a little more time to find a parking space!
Our osteopathic practice is located on the ground floor, but the entrance area of our premises has three steps, so access to our practice is unfortunately not handicapped accessible.
15 HOW DO I PAY FOR MY OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT?
You can pay for your osteopathic treatment in our practice directly after the treatment in cash or with an EC card.
Alternatively, after receiving the invoice, you can transfer the treatment costs within 14 days of the osteopathic treatment . For this we offer the classic bank transfer via IBAN or QR code as well as payment via PayPal.
16 HOW MUCH DOES AN OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT COST?
An osteopathic treatment costs around 85 €.
The calculation of the treatment costs is based on the fee schedule for alternative practitioners (GebüH).
We offer discounts for people in difficult financial situations. Please do not hesitate to contact us!
17 HOW MANY OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENTS?
Since osteopathy is individually tailored to your needs and your body, the number of osteopathic treatments can vary greatly from person to person. It depends, among other things, on the symptoms presented, your body's reaction to the treatment, your compliance (e.g. when performing exercises) and numerous other factors (age, exercise, eating habits, stress level, smoking, etc.)
Furthermore, osteopathy is not limited to the treatment of symptoms, but rather looks at the person as a whole and tries to get to the bottom of the causes of complaints. The finding therefore results from treatment to treatment. Each time it is checked what you and your body still need. With this holistic therapeutic approach, it is our aim to design the planning and the course of each individual osteopathy treatment individually for you.
Experience shows that in most cases, acute, recently occurring symptoms can show clear improvement after 1-3 osteopathic treatments at intervals of 1-2 weeks.
For complaints that have existed for a long time or are chronic, experience has shown that several osteopathic treatments (3-6 sessions) are required, but also at longer intervals.
If an osteopathy treatment is purely for the purpose of prevention, a treatment interval of 2-3 months has proven itself.
And last but not least, you as the patient determine whether you benefit from our osteopathic treatment and how often you book a session.
We do not guarantee the success of the treatment, this is considered unfair advertising in Germany and therefore cannot be promised for legal reasons.
18 HOW LONG DOES A OSTEOPATHIC SESSION TAKE?
An osteopathic treatment in our osteopathy practice lasts between 45 - 60 minutes for adults (infants are usually treated for a shorter time, approx. 30-40 minutes, see answer 4)
More precisely: Experience has shown that an initial treatment for adults takes around 60 minutes due to the detailed health questionnaire, while follow-up appointments can usually be carried out within 45 - 50 minutes. Please remember that an osteopathy treatment under time pressure is counterproductive, in this case we recommend that you postpone the osteopathy appointment . If possible, take your time after the treatment: It can be a good idea to plan some free time in your personal schedule for the moment after the osteopathic treatment to give your body some rest or sleep.
19 HOW TO BEHAVE AFTER AN OSTEOPATHY TREATMENT?
Osteopathy is one of the non-invasive therapy methods and is often perceived by patients as a very gentle and relaxing type of treatment. Nevertheless, an osteopathic treatment can have an after-effect on many different levels and thus be more strenuous for the body than initially expected due to the gentleness.
Osteopathic treatment can stimulate detoxification of the body. It is therefore advisable not to add any further toxins to the body immediately after the osteopathic treatment. Avoid alcohol, nicotine or other substances, if possible 24 hours before the osteopathic treatment.
To support the detoxifying effect, it is advisable to drink plenty of water after the osteopathic treatment - about one liter of water in addition to your normal amount is a good guideline.
Osteopathic treatment can be very exhausting both physically and mentally. On the day after the session, take time for rest or moderate exercise: walks in the fresh air are just as recommended as yoga, Pilates, gymnastics, dancing, running or swimming. Try out which form of movement suits you best.
Osteopathy takes time. In the time between your osteopathy appointments , your body can respond to the treatment. The full effect of an osteopathic treatment can only be seen after a few days, sometimes only after a few weeks.
20 CAN OSTEOPATHY BE HARMFUL (SIDE EFFECTS)?
With some natural procedures and manual therapies, symptoms may initially intensify for a short time after the treatment. However, this is considered a positive sign of the effectiveness of the therapy used. Typical symptoms of an initial aggravation or initial reaction after an osteopathic treatment include symptoms such as a feeling of sore muscles or tenderness of the tissues treated with osteopathic treatment, a slight feeling of exhaustion, headache or tiredness. Such reactions mainly occur in the first days (48 hours) after the osteopathic treatment and can also occur far away from the treated area.
In osteopathy , the body is often compared with the image of a "perpetual motion machine": everything is connected with one another and has a reciprocal effect. As a result, the origin of ailments can often be found far from the location of their symptom. Osteopathy is not limited to the treatment of symptoms, but rather looks at the human being as a whole and tries to get to the bottom of the causes of complaints. Thus, osteopathy always works on several levels and, following an osteopathic treatment, the body needs time to adapt and regenerate, if necessary to remove toxins and to adapt to the new conditions in statics, posture, digestion or general self-regulation (homeostasis ).
21 OSTEOPATHY - WHERE ARE THE LIMITS?
Osteopathy has very clear limits for certain diseases. Symptoms such as acute infections, fractures, mental illnesses, tumors, etc. belong in the hands of the specialist. An accompanying osteopathic treatment can, however, take place in close consultation with the attending physician.