Osteopathy

A passion in practice…

Our osteopaths

Ilse Schouppe

Osteopath D.O.

Specialisation: osteopathy & causopraction for babies, children, adolescents and adults

0472 32 87 47

online appointment

Osteopaat D.O. & Causopractie voor volwassenen en kinderen Hartcoherentie

Michèle Verzele

Osteopath D.O.

Specialisation: osteopathy & causopraction for babies, children, adolescents and adults

0474 08 34 17

online appointment

Nico Devos

Osteopath

Specialisation: osteopathy for children, adolescents & adults

0495 21 99 31

online appointment

Reimbursement

Osteopathy is partially reimbursed by your health insurance fund if the session is performed by a professional osteopath. The reimbursement depends on the health insurance fund but in most cases a sum of 10 euros is reimbursed, however for a predetermined number of sessions.

What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a therapy based on the concept of unity between structure and function in health and disease of the human body. Many disorders have their origin in disturbed mobility of joints, organs and tissues. The osteopath views the body as a whole with an ingenious compensatory mechanism. If the body cannot compensate for a loss of mobility, it will be in a state of dysfunction, resulting in pain. Through osteopathic treatment, mobility can be regained in all its dimensions.

In practice

The hands are the osteopath’s working tool. In osteopathic treatment, the patient is approached holistically through a comprehensive history, manual examination and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, organs and tissues. The osteopath looks for the origin of the complaints and removes blockages and problems, thus allowing the body to heal itself. Treatment consists of a combination of mobilisations, manipulations and stretches, with subsequent advice.

Indications, the most common conditions…

Back complaints

Back pain is a common complaint. The cause may be structural and/or functional. If the mobility (functionality) of the tissues surrounding the spine is restricted (muscles and ligaments), the spine does not move optimally. Over time, structural abnormalities can occur as a result of this long-term functional immobility. The osteopath addresses the cause of the functional mobility, being muscles, joints, surrounding tissues, as well as the entire stature (thoracic region, pelvis, lower limbs) of the body to which the spine is subject. Organ tissues in relation to back pain are also part of the osteopath’s total holistic approach. Step by step, we look for the underlying cause of the complaints so that we give your body the chance to function optimally again.

Joint complaints

Many people suffer from joint pain with no apparent cause such as past trauma or accident. The load capacity of the joint may be reduced. Causes elsewhere in the body may lead to this: reduced or altered mobility in other joints or organs. Different movement may be a result of blockages in the spine, pelvis and/or in other joints, which may reduce the load capacity in a joint. If some organs don’t function properly, the body may acidify, reducing the connective tissue/joint capsule’s load-bearing capacity. This can also cause joint pain.

Sports injuries

Recurrent sports injuries may have an underlying cause: loss of mobility of joints, posture-dependent muscle strain, acidosis, etc. As long as the cause of the injury remains present, the injury may recur repeatedly. Sprained inflammation can be a consequence of an acid-base problem. Treating the cause is work for the osteopath.

Intestinal complaints

Our gut system is a mirror of our health. The better the gut flora and functioning of our digestive system, the better our health. Our intestines are subject to stress. Reduced mobility of the diaphragm and surrounding organs as well as pelvic and back problems also affect it. Our posture also plays an important role in the development of intestinal complaints. Osteopathy can respond to all aspects here.

Reflux

Acid regurgitation is common. Increased abdominal pressure due to reduced bowel function, your posture, the elasticity of the diaphragm and the functionality of the oesophagus all contribute to this common complaint. An osteopathic treatment examines the cause of acid regurgitation and treats it, as well as the consequences if the complaint has been present for some time.

Chronic diseases

To address chronic problems, it is important to distinguish cause from effect. The osteopath examines the mobility of the entire body and tries to link symptoms. Based on the osteopathic findings and preliminary medical examinations, a treatment strategy is determined.

Headache

Headaches are not between the ears: nerves in structures around the brain are stimulated and tension blocks the blood supply to your head. Migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches and cervicogenic headaches each have their own causes in which the body as a whole plays a role. ‘Headache due to localised shoulder tension’ is possible, but the question is then where does that shoulder tension come from? This is often not just a local problem. An osteopath tailors treatment according to the findings during the examination, looking at the body as a whole.

Stress

Stress disrupts your system, you name it: headaches, stomach cramps, neck pain, back pain, tense shoulders…. Before you know it, you are in a vicious cycle of fatigue and persistent complaints. Sometimes you don’t seem stressed, but internal stress often plays a role here too. Osteopathy can help you break that vicious circle.

Preventive

Think of your body as a car that gives warning signs. When your body’s light starts to come on (pain, stiffness, bloating, fatigue…) you usually think: that will go out again….
Do yourself a favour and give your body the same service as your car: go for regular maintenance so that the light doesn’t flicker!