Frequently asked questions

Osteopathy is a manual method of examination and treatment, carried out with the hands, that maps restrictions in movement throughout the body, for young and old. We examine the musculoskeletal system, the internal organs with their supporting structures (fasciae) and the nervous system. With gentle or somewhat firmer techniques we create relaxation and more room to move, so that the body can recover by itself.

For a careful and complete examination it helps if you wear comfortable underwear. That way I can see clearly how your body moves, recognise areas of tension and feel accurately what is going on.

At the same time it matters that you feel at ease. If you would rather keep more on, that is always possible. In that case, choose clothing you can move freely in, such as sportswear or something comfortable.

Please also bring a towel for the treatment table. There is nothing else to prepare. I will explain each step as we go, so you feel comfortable and safe during the treatment.

Yes, osteopathy is a safe and effective treatment method. Osteopaths are highly trained and know how to recognise contraindications and underlying medical conditions. If there is any doubt, we will consult your GP or specialist, always with your permission. The techniques used are carefully matched to your individual needs and medical situation, so the treatment is carried out responsibly and professionally.

At OsteoRoermond you are in good hands. You are treated by our team of osteopaths. Louis van Ark holds the title D.O.-MRO and is registered with the Dutch Register for Osteopathy (NRO). That registration stands for high-quality, professional care.

Would you like to know more about osteopathy, for instance about the history of the profession? Have a look at the site of the Dutch professional association NVO: www.osteopathie.nl (in Dutch).

A few things work differently here than in many other countries:

• No referral needed. You can book an osteopath directly, without seeing a GP first.
• Osteopathy is not covered by the basic health insurance (basisverzekering). It is reimbursed through supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering), and only if you have taken that out. Check your policy, or ask us and we will help you work it out.
• It does not affect your deductible (eigen risico), because it falls outside the basic insurance.
• A Dutch osteopath is not a physician. Unlike a D.O. in the United States, osteopathy here is a separate training alongside a healthcare background. We do not prescribe medication and do not use imaging.
• You pay the practice directly and submit the invoice to your insurer yourself.

We speak English, and you are welcome to contact us in English.

Yes. When a medical handover is needed for your treatment, for example in an urgent situation or where it matters for continuity of care, that information is shared free of charge and with your permission.

If you ask for a written report for your own records, your employer, an institution or another practitioner, that counts as an additional service. Writing a careful, professional letter takes time, so a fee of € 60 applies. We will of course always discuss this with you beforehand, so you know exactly where you stand.

A consultation at OsteoRoermond is a personal and careful experience, matched to your situation. Here is what you can expect.

First appointment, about 60 minutes. We start with an extensive intake. Your osteopath discusses your medical history, your lifestyle and your current symptoms. That helps to build a complete picture of what plays a part in your complaints.

After the intake comes a physical examination. Your osteopath examines the musculoskeletal system, the organs and the nervous system to trace tension, restrictions in movement and any other causes of your symptoms.

Based on those findings, a treatment plan is drawn up that fits your needs and your goals.

The osteopathic treatment itself consists of manual techniques. These can be aimed at improving the mobility of joints, relaxing tense tissue or supporting the function of organs and the nervous system.

Osteopathy supports a wide range of complaints, aimed at restoring balance in the body. At OsteoRoermond you can come for:

Musculoskeletal complaints. Back and neck pain, shoulder complaints, knee pain, joint pain and stiffness. Osteopathy helps to improve mobility and reduce pain.

Headache and migraine. From tension headache to migraine and other causes of headache, an osteopath looks for underlying tension and restrictions that may be causing them.

Jaw complaints (TMD). Pain or stiffness in the jaw joint, teeth grinding and tension headaches caused by jaw problems.

Pelvic complaints. Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, for instance during or after pregnancy.

Babies and children. Osteopathy also has something to offer the little ones, including treatment for unsettled or crying babies, feeding problems and growing pains.

Digestive problems. Healthy digestion matters for your general wellbeing. If you suffer from constipation, bloating, heartburn or wind, osteopathy can bring relief. An osteopath examines the mobility of the organs, the tension in surrounding tissue and the circulation. Improving those functions can make digestion run more smoothly, which brings more comfort and energy in daily life.

Chronic pain and stress-related complaints. Osteopathy is not only about physical symptoms, but also about stress-related problems such as insomnia, difficulty concentrating and chronic pain, where the body is often in a constant state of tension.

Sleep problems. Besides insomnia, also difficulty staying asleep or poor sleep quality.

Breathing problems. Tension in the diaphragm or the chest that makes breathing harder.

Sports injuries and rehabilitation. With sports injuries and after surgery, osteopathy can speed up recovery. Even before an operation, treatment can improve the body’s starting position, which helps recovery afterwards.

At OsteoRoermond we always look for the underlying cause of your symptoms, so that together we work towards lasting recovery and a healthier, freer life. All complaints are listed on the conditions page. Do you have a question about your specific complaint? Please get in touch.

For the very youngest we have a separate page: osteopathy for babies in Roermond.

That depends on the nature and severity of your symptoms. Some people notice an improvement after one or two sessions, while others need a longer course of treatment for lasting results. During your first appointment your osteopath discusses your situation and draws up a treatment plan that fits, including how often you come and how many sessions are likely.

Yes, most Dutch health insurers reimburse osteopathy, fully or partly, through supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering), provided the osteopath is registered. It is not covered by the basic health insurance, so you do need supplementary cover.

At OsteoRoermond you are in good hands: you are treated by our team of osteopaths. Louis van Ark is registered, holds the title D.O.-MRO (Diplomated Osteopath) and is a member of the Dutch Register for Osteopathy (NRO). That guarantees high-quality, reliable care.

One important advantage: because osteopathy falls under supplementary care, it does not come out of your deductible (eigen risico).

For details about your own cover, contact your health insurer. More information is available on the site of the Dutch Association for Osteopathy (NVO): www.osteopathie.nl. On www.zorgwijzer.nl you can check whether your insurance reimburses osteopathy. Both sites are in Dutch.

No. You do not need a referral from your GP to book an appointment with an osteopath. At OsteoRoermond you can contact us directly to schedule a consultation. That makes it easy to get help quickly.

Although osteopathy and physiotherapy both aim to improve the movement system, their approach differs. Osteopathy sees the body as a whole and treats not only muscles and joints, but also the fascial structures (connective tissue) and the functioning of internal organs and the nervous system. Physiotherapy focuses more on specific complaints through exercise therapy, mobilisation and rehabilitation techniques.

At OsteoRoermond we use a broad approach to trace and treat the cause of your symptoms, so we look further than the symptom alone.

After an osteopathic treatment your body needs time to adjust and recover. Here is what you can expect.

Improvement of symptoms. Many people notice less pain and more freedom of movement within a few days. Sometimes several treatments are needed for lasting results.

Possible reactions. You may feel slightly stiff or have muscle ache, similar to the feeling after physical exertion. That is normal and a sign that your body is actively recovering.

Changes in energy. You may feel energetic and relaxed, but you might also feel a little tired for a while. That shows your body is processing the treatment.

Advice afterwards. Give your body rest and avoid heavy physical exertion. Drink plenty of water to help clear waste products and support recovery.

At OsteoRoermond you will get clear explanations and advice to support your recovery as well as possible. Do you have questions, or do you notice changes in your symptoms? Please get in touch.

Booking at OsteoRoermond is simple.

Online. Through our website you can choose a day and time that suits you with one click. It is quick, clear, and you book a moment that fits your own diary.

By phone. Prefer to call? Ring us on 06 15570648. If one of our osteopaths is with a client and cannot pick up, leave a voicemail with your name and contact details. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

All the ways to reach us are on the contact page.

After your treatment you can pay by debit card, which we prefer. If that is not possible, you can also pay in cash or by bank transfer.

You will receive a digital invoice by email the same day. You then submit that invoice to your health insurer for reimbursement.

Current prices are on the prices page.

Yes, osteopathy for babies is safe when it is carried out by a registered osteopath. The techniques used with babies are very gentle, there is no manipulation of the kind that clicks or cracks. At OsteoRoermond we treat babies from their first weeks, for example for positional preference, excessive crying or colic. Would you like to know more? Read on at our page about osteopathy for babies.

For many back complaints osteopathy can help, especially when the symptoms keep coming back. An osteopath looks further than the painful spot and also examines the joints, organs and connective tissue around it that put strain on the back. That way we treat the cause and not only the symptom. See all conditions for an overview.