Everything before you come

Frequently asked questions about osteopathy

Answers to the questions I am asked most often at the Asnières-sur-Seine practice: how a session runs, fees and reimbursement, booking, access, contraindications and the limits of osteopathy.

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The consultation

Do I need a referral to see an osteopath?

No. Osteopaths are directly accessible in France: no medical prescription is needed to book. One regulatory exception applies to infants under six months and to cervical spine manipulation, which require a prior medical diagnosis confirming the absence of contraindication.

How long does an osteopathy session last?

Around 45 minutes for an adult, a third of which is the initial conversation and examination. An infant consultation lasts 30 to 40 minutes. A first appointment is longer than follow-ups because it includes a full review of your history.

What happens at a first consultation?

It starts with a detailed interview: reason for attending, history of the pain, medical background, current investigations and treatments, work and sport habits. A clinical examination follows: mobility testing, palpation, exclusion tests. Manual treatment comes next, and the session ends with advice tailored to your situation.

How many sessions are needed?

One or two sessions are enough for most recent mechanical pain. Chronic or recurrent pain generally calls for two to four sessions spaced two to three weeks apart. If there is no improvement after two sessions, I revisit the diagnosis rather than proposing a third.

What should I wear?

Comfortable, flexible clothing: leggings, shorts, a t-shirt. You stay clothed during the session, down to underwear only if you prefer and if the examination calls for it. Avoid very tight or rigid clothing that limits mobility testing.

Fees and reimbursement

What are the practice fees?

€70 for an adult consultation, €60 for a child under 16, and €90 for an evening consultation after 8:45pm. These fees apply whatever the reason for attending or the technique used.

Is osteopathy reimbursed by French state health insurance?

No, state health insurance does not reimburse osteopathy consultations. However, the vast majority of private health schemes offer an annual allowance covering all or part of several sessions. An invoice is always provided for your claim.

Which payment methods are accepted?

Card (Visa, Mastercard, contactless), cash and cheque. Payment is taken at the practice at the end of the consultation.

Appointments and access

How do I book an appointment?

Online via Doctolib, where live availability is displayed, the fastest route. You can also call +33 6 49 35 35 32. Appointments are not taken by email.

What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:15am–3:00pm, Tuesday 10:30am–11:45pm, Thursday 10:30am–7:15pm, Friday 8:15am–3:00pm, Saturday 8:00am–1:15pm. Closed Wednesdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Where is the practice and how do I get there?

At 1 rue des Jardins, 92600 Asnières-sur-Seine, on the ground floor with step-free access. Gabriel Péri métro station (line 13) is immediately nearby, with buses 175, 177 and 235. Tram T1 serves Les Courtilles, two métro stops away.

Is the practice accessible for reduced mobility?

The practice is on the ground floor with step-free, level access. If you have a specific accessibility need, mention it when booking so I can adapt.

Do you speak English?

Yes, consultations can be held in French or English. Mention your preference when booking.

Safety and limits

Are there contraindications to osteopathy?

Yes. Recent fracture, active infection, acute inflammatory flare, tumour disease, uncontrolled clotting disorders and the immediate post-operative period rule out some or all techniques. Always declare your history and medication: that is what lets me adapt or decline.

Does osteopathy replace a doctor?

Never. Osteopathy treats functional disorders and makes no medical diagnosis. The 2007 French decree explicitly excludes organic disease from the scope of osteopathy. If a red flag appears, I refer you to your doctor or to emergency care.

Is it normal to ache after a session?

Soreness or tiredness in the 24 to 48 hours after a session is common and harmless: the body is reorganising how it loads itself. Intense pain, numbness or loss of strength, however, must be reported immediately and warrant medical advice.

What should I do in an emergency?

An osteopathy practice is not an emergency service. For sudden severe pain, major trauma, loss of sensation, high fever or any worrying symptom, call 15 (SAMU) or 112 before considering an osteopathy appointment.

Other treatments at the practice