Your complaint keeps coming back. Where do you start?

English-speaking osteopathy in Nootdorp and Rijswijk

When symptoms keep returning or previous treatment has not had sufficient effect, it may be useful to examine more than the area where you feel pain. During the consultation, we assess which movements and parts of the body may be related to your complaint and whether osteopathy is appropriate.

You do not need to know which treatment you need

People do not always know whether they should see a GP, physiotherapist, podiatrist, osteopath or another healthcare professional. You are not expected to work this out by yourself before making contact.

An osteopathic consultation starts with your medical history and a physical examination. If the findings suggest that osteopathy is not the appropriate next step, this will be explained. Where necessary, you will be advised to contact your GP or another healthcare professional.

What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a form of manual examination and treatment. It does not focus only on the location of the symptoms. The examination also considers movement in other parts of the body and whether these findings may be relevant to the complaint.

A consultation is always adapted to the individual. The aim is to identify which findings appear relevant and to assess how the body responds to treatment.

When may an osteopathic assessment be useful?

An appointment may be worth considering when:

• a complaint keeps returning;
• previous treatment has not produced the expected improvement;
• several areas seem to be involved;
• a sports injury continues to affect training or recovery;
• pain or restricted movement cannot be explained by one local structure alone;
• you are unsure which type of practitioner would be appropriate.

These examples do not guarantee that osteopathy will be suitable or effective in an individual situation. Assessment always starts with a medical history and physical examination.

Examples of complaints

People visit Statera Osteopathy with a range of musculoskeletal and physical complaints, including:

• back, neck and shoulder complaints;
• hip and groin complaints;
• headaches;
• recurring sports injuries;
• foot, heel and Achilles tendon complaints;
• problems with recovery after physical activity;
• abdominal complaints;
• complaints that have not been resolved through the usual treatment route.

Osteopathy does not replace medical diagnosis or acute medical care. Existing diagnoses and relevant medical examinations are taken into account.

What happens during a consultation?

The consultation begins with a detailed medical history. You will be asked about the current complaint, previous injuries, medical conditions, medication and relevant treatment or examination.

This is followed by a manual examination of movement and tissue response. Specific tests may be used to assess whether a finding in one area influences movement elsewhere in the body. Treatment is based on the findings that appear most relevant. The response is then reassessed during and after treatment.

What is examined and treated may therefore differ from one person to another, even when the symptoms appear similar.

For athletes and non-athletes

Everyone is welcome at Statera Osteopathy. The practice has particular experience with athletes, recurring sports injuries and problems involving load, movement and recovery. This includes experience in running, football, combat sports, tennis and other sports at recreational and high-performance level.

That sporting background is also useful when treating people who do not participate in sport. Movement, load, previous injuries and recovery remain relevant in everyday life as well.

Children

Children from approximately four years of age may be seen, depending on the nature of the complaint. For babies and younger children, Statera Osteopathy works with osteopath Gavin Maduro, who is available at the Rijswijk location on Wednesdays.

When osteopathy is not appropriate

Osteopathy is not a substitute for urgent or necessary medical care. Contact a GP or emergency service first in the event of acute serious symptoms, unexplained loss of strength, severe or rapidly increasing pain, fever, significant trauma or other warning signs.

If the medical history or examination raises concerns, treatment will not be continued and referral to a GP or another appropriate healthcare professional will be discussed.

Your osteopath

Annemarieke Schmidt has worked as a physiotherapist since 2002 and qualified as a sports physiotherapist in 2015. She has worked as an osteopath since 2020. Her experience includes orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation, professional and amateur sport, recurring sports injuries, and foot, heel and Achilles tendon problems.

She currently works as an osteopath and uses her previous physiotherapy and sports physiotherapy experience as part of the assessment.

Read more about your osteopath

Frequently asked questions

Can the entire consultation take place in English?

Yes. The medical history, examination, treatment and explanation can all be provided in English.

Do I need to know whether osteopathy is the right treatment before making contact?

No. You may contact the practice when you are unsure. The consultation starts by assessing whether osteopathy is appropriate. If another form of healthcare appears more suitable, this will be discussed.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

No, a referral is not required. However, osteopathy does not replace medical assessment when this is necessary.

Is osteopathic treatment painful?

The techniques are adapted to the person and to the findings of the examination. You will be told what is being done, and treatment takes place with your consent.

Is osteopathy covered by Dutch health insurance?

Some supplementary insurance policies reimburse part of the cost. Coverage depends on your insurer and policy. Please check this directly with your insurance provider.