{"title":"Osteopathy","image":"/images/osteo-hero.jpg","content":"**Persistent pain, functional discomfort, or simply the wish to take stock? Osteopathy is a manual therapy that uses the hands to identify and treat mobility restrictions in the body's structures — bones, muscles, ligaments, organs, fascia — which may cause functional disorders. At Pôle Equilibre & Santé in Bascharage, Luxembourg, qualified osteopaths see you directly, without a prescription, with a comprehensive and attentive approach to your health.**\n\n## What exactly is osteopathy?\n\nDeveloped in the United States by **Dr Andrew Taylor Still in 1874**, osteopathy manually diagnoses and treats mobility restrictions in the body's various structures — bones, muscles, ligaments, organs, viscera, fascia — that may ultimately affect its proper functioning. The word itself comes from two Greek roots: *osteon*, bone (in the broad sense of “density”), and *pathos*, suffering.\n\nThe osteopath considers the patient as a **whole**, drawing on in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and condition. This overall perspective — your history, activities and environment — is what distinguishes the approach. The course of a session is detailed on the [Consultation](/bascharage/osteopathie/consultation-osteo) page.\n\n## What principles underpin the approach?\n\nOsteopathy is based on five principles inherited from Still:\n\n1. **Wholeness** — The body forms a whole: its components are connected and continuous, and never function independently from one another.\n2. **Structure/function interrelationship** — Structures and functions are interdependent; a fault in one inevitably affects the other.\n3. **“Life is Movement”** — For physiology to be fully expressed, each structure must be able to move without restriction.\n4. **Self-healing** — Apart from major trauma and with a healthy lifestyle, the body has its own resources to maintain health.\n5. **The law of the artery** — The body's circulations (blood, lymphatic, fluids, nervous system) must remain free and fluid.\n\n## Who can see an osteopath?\n\nOsteopathy is suitable for every stage of life. At the practice, our osteopaths support in particular:\n\n- [Infants](/bascharage/osteopathie/nourrisson) — sleep disorders, regurgitation, torticollis, plagiocephaly\n- [Children and adolescents](/bascharage/osteopathie/enfant-adolescent) — growth, posture, orthodontic follow-up\n- [Adults](/bascharage/osteopathie/adulte) — back pain, neck pain, digestive disorders, stress\n- [Athletes](/bascharage/osteopathie/sportif) — preparation, recovery, injury prevention\n- [Pregnant women](/bascharage/osteopathie/femme-enceinte) — support during pregnancy and postpartum\n- [Seniors](/bascharage/osteopathie/senior) — mobility, balance, joint comfort\n\nMeet the [practice's team of osteopaths](/bascharage/osteopathes).\n\n## Is it complementary to physiotherapy?\n\nYes, and that is a strength of the practice: osteopathy and [physiotherapy](/bascharage/kinesitherapie/kinesitherapie-definition) coexist under the same roof. The osteopath treats through manual manipulation with direct access, using a comprehensive approach; the physiotherapist provides rehabilitation on medical prescription, through movement, strengthening and physiotherapy modalities. Depending on your situation, the two approaches naturally follow on from each other for consistent care. However, osteopathy never replaces medical advice.\n\n## Official framework in Luxembourg\n\nOsteopathy is a **regulated health profession** in Luxembourg: only practitioners authorised by the [Ministry of Health](https://sante.public.lu/en.html) may use the title of osteopath. Unlike physiotherapy, it is **not covered** by the [CNS](https://cns.public.lu/en/assure/remboursements/prestations-remboursees/prestations-paramedicales.html) as a basic benefit; some complementary mutual funds do contribute to the cost. How a session works is explained on [The Consultation](/bascharage/osteopathie/consultation-osteo).\n\n## Frequently asked questions\n\n<details>\n<summary>Do I need a prescription to see an osteopath?</summary>\n\nNo. Osteopathy is available directly: you can make an appointment without a medical prescription. See [The Consultation](/bascharage/osteopathie/consultation-osteo).\n\n</details>\n\n<details>\n<summary>Are osteopathy sessions reimbursed in Luxembourg?</summary>\n\nThe [CNS](https://cns.public.lu/en/assure/remboursements/prestations-remboursees/prestations-paramedicales.html) does not reimburse osteopathy. Some complementary insurers (CMCM, Foyer, AXA, DKV, depending on the plan) may contribute. Details: [consultation — reimbursement](/bascharage/osteopathie/consultation-osteo#reimbursement-and-mutual-insurers).\n\n</details>\n\n<details>\n<summary>Do you offer osteopathy at home?</summary>\n\nYes, through our [home osteopathy service](/bascharage/domicile/osteopathie-domicile), for patients unable to travel.\n\n</details>\n\n<details>\n<summary>How do I make an appointment?</summary>\n\nBook online via [Doctena](https://fr.doctena.lu/cabinet/Pole_Equilibre_Sante_de_Bascharage_Cabinet_d_Osteopathie-405983) or by phone on +352 27 99 42 42. The practice is located at 20B Rue du Bois, 4912 Bascharage, with free parking nearby — see the [Contact & access](/contact) page.\n\n</details>\n\n## Find out more\n\n- [The osteopathy consultation](/bascharage/osteopathie/consultation-osteo) — how it works and coverage\n- [Your osteopaths](/bascharage/osteopathes) — the practice team\n- [Physiotherapy](/bascharage/kinesitherapie/kinesitherapie-definition) — the complementary approach at the practice\n- [Ministry of Health](https://sante.public.lu/en.html) — regulated health professions\n- [CNS — Paramedical benefits](https://cns.public.lu/en/assure/remboursements/prestations-remboursees/prestations-paramedicales.html) — what health insurance does (and does not) cover\n","seoTitle":"What is osteopathy? | Bascharage PES","metaDescription":"Definition of osteopathy, indications and framework in Luxembourg. Information from Pôle Équilibre & Santé."}