Slave to the laptop? Weekend warrior? Expectant mum? Osteopathy is an increasingly popular option for those seeking health and wellbeing in Hong Kong. In this article we answer some of those burning questions! 

Can osteopathy help me?

Yes.

Osteopaths take an integrated approach to health. That means, rather than just treating pain, they instead try to find a person’s best health.

So whether you’re looking for osteopathy in Hong Kong because you’re an elite athlete seeking peak performance, a teenager struggling with scoliosis, or a person of mature years wanting to live well, an osteopath works towards your goals. 

Of course, it’s not a cure-all. No osteopath will claim to cure cancer or reverse Parkinson’s disease. But there’s always a way to be at your best, whatever circumstance you’re in.

Sounds like magic, doesn’t it? But, in truth, it’s based in the sciences of anatomy, physiology and pathology. 

What’s osteopathy like to receive?

Often relaxing, sometimes stimulating, occasionally mildly uncomfortable with the deeper, more intense techniques. 

Each session incorporates a discussion between osteopath and client, as well as treatment.

Again, it’s about that concept of integration. This means your osteopath wants to know about you – your lifestyle, your beliefs about your health, your story. They’re great listeners!

Treatment itself is hands-on, varying from gentle to firm. Muscles might be kneaded, or joints mobilised. There may be gentle, soothing strokes, and subtle, refined movements. 

Osteopaths often love to expound on what they do. They’ll always explain their treatment plan, so you understand what’s happening and what to expect. And if you have any questions, just ask!

What can osteopathy treat?

Osteopaths treat people with short-term pain, long-term pain, injuries, and many health conditions amenable to manual therapy. 

Problems include:

• Sciatica
• Back pain, whether new or long-standing
• Shoulder, knee and other joint pain
• Neck pain, headaches and migraines
• Scoliosis and other spinal problems
• Pain relating to posture or pregnancy
• Sports injuries 
• Arthritis

Are osteopaths regulated?

In many parts of the world, osteopaths must register with a regulatory body that ensures the profession maintains high standards.

This is not the case in Hong Kong, where anyone can call themselves an osteopath. 

Happily for the health-seekers of Hong Kong, osteopaths here can register with the Hong Kong Osteopathic Association. All members must have completed a four-year osteopathic degree, hold professional indemnity insurance, and be registered with a regulatory body (either that of New Zealand, Australia or the UK).

We recommend ensuring that any osteopath you book with is registered – you can check here.

What’s the difference between osteopathy, physiotherapy and chiropractic?

That’s a common question! Figuring out which therapist is best to see can cause a lot of confusion. But to get our take on it, check this article.

Even within one therapy, practitioners are different and have their own preferences on how to do things.

Perhaps the best advice when choosing a therapist is to find someone who you’re comfortable with and whose ethos is in line with your own. Read their website, look at reviews, or have a chat with them to get a sense of who they are and whether they have any specialisms. You’ll soon find someone that resonates with you.

How much does osteopathy in Hong Kong cost?

It can vary – estimates suggest the cost can be up to $2,300 per hour. 

Here at OCHK, your first session is an hour long so we can cover all the information we need and include treatment. This costs $1,800. 

Initial sessions for under-16s last half an hour and cost $950.

After that, we offer one-hour follow-up sessions at $1,800, or if you just want a quick checkover, there are also 30-minute follow-ups at $950. If you’re not sure which to book, please do give us a call.

How many sessions will I need?

The short answer: it depends!

Here’s the longer answer. The number of sessions is influenced by the nature of your problem, your lifestyle, and what you aim to achieve. 

New, short-term pain tends to resolve more quickly than chronic issues, which sometimes need a long-term plan. Even then, though, your osteopath will teach you ways you can self-manage to reduce pain and prevent recurrence.

However, even with chronic pain, you’ll usually see improvements in the first few sessions.

As a rough guide, most people have two to six sessions to resolve an issue or injury.

Your osteopath will be able to guide you on the amount of treatment they think will give you the best outcome. 

Ready to book?

If you’re looking for an osteopath in Hong Kong, our clinic is conveniently situated in Central. Sessions are available from 9am to 6pm during the week and on Saturday mornings. Book online with one of our qualified osteopaths today.