FAQ
We deal with a wide, but not unrestricted, range of physical and systemic conditions. Our main aim is to assist the inner ability of the body to heal by trying to find the cause of the problem and not treat the symptoms. Common problems involve muscle and joint pain, nerve pain, headaches, migraines, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, stress etc. (see conditions). We accept people from the age of 2 and above. Working people, pensioners, athletes, mothers or pregnant women are the most usual patients. People who had surgery or a stroke, or those who only seek an exercise programme, can also be helped.
On your first visit the practitioner will ask you questions (medical history) and examine you. The examination concerns the WHOLE body and hence there is usually the need to get undressed down to your underwear. Your stance and body shape may play an important role in your problem. Your movement, muscles, nerves or vital organs will be tested e.g. reflexes, orthopeadic testing, heart sounds etc. After the clinical assessment, you will be informed about your problem and you will be treated accordingly. Finally, you will be given specific instructions such as exercises, hydrotherapy e.g. cold compress, and nutritional advice.
The practitioner may refer you to a GP or a specialist for further tests e.g. x-rays, CT scan, blood tests if needed. This will allow the full appreciation of your problem and hence a more appropriate treatment.
THERAPY | COST (€) | TIME (min) |
1st session of Osteopathy and/or Naturopathy | 60 (50 *) | 60-80 |
Subsequent sessions of Osteopathy and/or Naturopathy | 40 (30*) | 40 |
Therapeutic Massage | 40 (30*) | 60 |
Exercise Rehabilitation | 30 (25*) | 60 |
Foot analysis | 40 | 40 |
* Children under 12 years, unemployed and elderly
There is no need to be referred by another doctor since all practitioners in our centre are able to assess and diagnose. Only in certain situations, like after a stroke or after an operation referral is necessary. Therapeutic massage or exercise rehabilitation need no referrals.
A university trained osteopath, naturopath or physiotherapist must have his/her titles and degrees posted on the wall of their treatment room. Certificates from his/her association must also be in common view e.g. entrance door.
It is necessary for every health practitioner to be member to the appropriate health association in Greece, e.g. the Greek Association of Osteopaths. In case you cannot see the certificates the practitioner claims to have, you can ask him/her to demonstrate them.
They are study titles and certificates of registration to the analogous association. DO and ND are the diplomas for osteopathy and naturopathy accordingly, whereas the BSc (Hon) Ost. Med certifies the degree of Bachelor of Science in Osteopathic Medicine. The MSc Nutr Med means a Masters in Nutritional Medicine and the Post. Cert is a postgraduate certificate. The MRO and MPPTA show the registration to the osteopathic and physiotherapy associations.
Osteopathy and Naturopathy are two autonomous fields unknown to Greece as they are only recently recognized by other nations worldwide. The numbers of practitioners are also very restricted in Greece. For these reasons, these therapies are not excused by the National Health System in contrast with other countries. However, many insurance companies will pay for physiotherapy but only a few for osteopathic or naturopathic treatments.
Osteopathy and chiropractic are very similar specialties as they share many common principles and the same philosophy (holistic). The difference is that an osteopath will examine and treat equally the arms, the legs and the main body of the patient, in contrast with the chiropractor who will mainly concentrate on the spine looking for “subluxations” (joints out of alignment). On the other hand, physiotherapy is great for treating traumas and rehabilitating patients after surgery. Most physiotherapists use specific devices and follow instructions from the orthopeadic surgeon or physiatrist. Finally, osteopathy is not a branch of physiotherapy, but an autonomous health system.