Health

Osteopathy is a paramedical activity recently recognized in France and which is based on manual techniques. It can be used in the context of muscular or rheumatic disorders.

WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?

Osteopathy is a paramedical practice which, although it uses manual techniques, is different from physiotherapy. It is based on the principle that, to treat a problem, the body must be treated as a whole - and not just the organ concerned - in order to restore general harmony. The osteopath will not only take into account the problem for which you come to consult him, he will consider you as a whole, a whole. He will feel your body in search of imbalances or tensions. At this level, he can take into account changes in your body that you are not aware of. Then, using manipulations, he will try to restore the balance of your entire body. These manipulations are based on pressure and stretching techniques. They can be broad and powerful or light and barely sensitive.

HOW DOES A SESSION WORK?

During your first consultation, the osteopath will question you and, depending on his skills, he will examine your radiological or biological assessments. Then, by palpation, he will look for areas with even tiny limitations of movement, which could be the cause of the problem for which you are consulting. Finally, still by palpation, he will try to restore harmony between your organs.

ARE THE SESSIONS PAINFUL?

No. In osteopathy, the manual techniques used are gentle and painless.

IS THE OSTEOPATH A DOCTOR?

No, not necessarily. The vast majority of osteopaths are health professionals, mainly physiotherapists, doctors and, in particular, rheumatologists, more rarely nurses or midwives.

If the osteopath is not a doctor, he does not have the recognized skills to make a medical diagnosis. He will not be able to request and prescribe biological tests, radiological tests and, of course, medications.

There is also training in osteopathy, after the baccalaureate, within specialized schools. These osteopaths are not recognized as health professionals. For them, there is a restriction in the use of manipulation techniques and, in particular, at the cervical and cranial level.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE THEM?

Osteopaths, health professionals, include their title of doctor, physiotherapist, nurse, etc. on their professional plaque. For those who are not "health professionals", only the title of osteopath will appear.

ARE OSTEOPATHY SESSIONS REIMBURSED?

No. Osteopathy sessions are not covered by health insurance. However, some mutual insurance companies can reimburse you. Check with your mutual insurance company before consulting an osteopath.
The scientific evidence for spinal osteopathy is limited and generally of poor quality. The effectiveness of osteopathy must be analyzed so that it can be better placed in overall care.