My approach
What can you expect from your first osteopathy consultation?
For many people, visiting an osteopath for the first time can be a new experience. That is why I believe it is important for you to know what to expect beforehand. During your initial consultation, I take the time to thoroughly discuss your symptoms, medical history and reasons for seeking treatment. This is followed by a physical examination and, where appropriate, an initial treatment.
I look beyond the area where you experience pain or discomfort and consider the body as a whole. This allows me to assess which factors may influence your symptoms, recovery and physical capacity..
Step 1: Initial consultation and medical history
We begin with a detailed conversation about your symptoms and concerns. I will ask about your symptoms, how they started, how they affect your daily life and which factors may influence them.
We will also discuss your medical history, previous treatments, surgeries, medication, work, sports activities, stress, sleep and physical demands. This information helps me build a complete picture of your situation and identify factors that may be contributing to your symptoms..
Step 2: Physical examination
After our conversation, I carry out a physical examination. Rather than focusing solely on the area where you experience symptoms, I assess the body as a whole. Posture, movement and tension throughout the body can provide valuable information about how it functions.
The examination is preferably carried out in your underwear, allowing me to assess your posture, mobility and areas of tension more accurately. If you feel uncomfortable with this, you are welcome to wear comfortable sportswear, such as shorts and a sports top or vest.
During the examination, I assess various structures, including the mobility of your spine, pelvis, joints, muscles, connective tissue and other tissues. Depending on your symptoms, I may also assess your breathing, abdomen, chest and nervous system.
Step 3: Discussing the findings
After the examination, I will discuss my findings with you. I believe it is important to clearly explain what I have observed and how different areas of the body may be connected.
Sometimes, symptoms can be influenced by factors elsewhere in the body. I will explain the connections I have identified, what they may mean for your symptoms and how we can tailor the treatment accordingly..
Step 4: Treatment
If osteopathy is appropriate for your symptoms, an initial treatment will usually take place during the same consultation. Treatment is carried out on a treatment table and involves manual techniques tailored to your symptoms, body and individual circumstances.
These may include gentle mobilisation techniques, techniques for muscles and connective tissue, joint techniques or techniques focusing on areas such as the abdomen, chest, breathing or pelvis. Treatment is always adapted to your body's needs and physical capacity at that moment.
Where appropriate, I may also provide advice to follow at home, such as guidance on movement, physical activity, recovery or simple exercises.
Step 5: Discussing your treatment plan
At the end of the consultation, we will discuss the next steps together. The number of treatments varies from person to person and depends on your symptoms, how long you have been experiencing them and how your body responds to treatment.
I will provide an estimate of the potential treatment plan, including the expected number of sessions, their frequency and what we will monitor over the coming weeks. In most cases, a noticeable change or improvement should occur within approximately four treatments. If this is not the case, we will review whether osteopathy is still appropriate or whether further investigation or consultation with your GP may be beneficial.
Step 6: Payment and reimbursement
After each treatment, you will receive a clear invoice by email. Please make your payment by bank transfer within 14 days of the invoice date, quoting the invoice number as your payment reference.
Osteo Elout is registered with the Dutch Register of Osteopathy (Nederlands Register voor Osteopathie, NRO). Depending on your supplementary health insurance policy, you may be able to submit your invoice to your health insurance provider for full or partial reimbursement.
Osteopathy is not covered by the Dutch basic health insurance package, but may be reimbursed through supplementary health insurance. This means that reimbursement is not subject to the mandatory deductible (eigen risico). Please check your insurance policy beforehand to find out what reimbursement is available for osteopathic treatment.
Not sure if osteopathy is right for you?
Are you unsure whether osteopathy is suitable for your symptoms, or which type of appointment to book? Feel free to contact me by email or WhatsApp. I will be happy to help you decide.