Does osteopathic treatment hurt?

No, treatment itself in skilled hands should be painless. If your muscles are very inflamed or you are in acute pain we try to make handling you as gentle as possible. We are usually able to relieve acute pain quite quickly.

Am I too old or my baby too young for osteopathic treatment?

Age is not a barrier to receiving osteopathic treatment & treatment is specifically adapted to your individual needs.

What would my doctor say?

Most GP's or Généralistes would be happy for you to see an osteopath. However if you do have an underlying medical condition there are some osteopathic techniques that can harm you, this is why an osteopath will always take a full medical case history on you first visit - and again if more than six months have elapsed between treatments. Most osteopaths will write to your doctor/specialist detailing the treatment given to you, with your permission of course, both as a matter of professional courtesy and also so that you, the patient, will receive the best health care from all your health practitioners.

Is it 'rembourseé' covered by the social security?

No, it has the status of 'non-conventionné, increasingly however, many 'Mutuelles' top up insurance policies allow for a certain amount per year for osteopathic treatment - check with your insurer direct.

Are there any side effects with treatment?

Side effects are generally very rare; you might experience some tiredness / soreness for a few days afterwards but this will subside quickly. Osteopathy is a very safe & effective form of treatment & most patients feel substantially better for it.

Is osteopathy still classified as "alternative medicine"?

In the UK a recent Parliamentary Report described osteopathy "as a distinct system of manual medicine within its own right". It is now totally mainstream. In France it is considered as a 'médicin douce' however the French are in the process of bringing the recognition and status of the profession of osteopathy in line with the rest of Europe.

Is osteopathy officially recognised?

Yes, since March 2007 French law recognises and protects the name 'osteopath'. This ensures that all those who use the name will have been recognised as safe practitioners. This process of registration will be completed by December 2008 and all names of recognised osteopaths will be available from the Prèfecture. I will be listed.

In the UK Osteopathy enjoys full State protection and it is illegal to practice as an osteopath unless properly trained & registered with the General Osteopathic Council. I am registered with this organisation. The French Register with the ROF is not yet official but is the only one that checks the training and insurance of osteopaths, I am registered with them.