Osteopathy vs. chiropractic vs. physiotherapy
We’re often asked how osteopathy, chiropractic and physiotherapy differ – so we’ve put it together here at a glance.
| What's the difference? | Osteopathy | Chiropractic | Physiotherapy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment approach | Focus on gentle techniques for muscles and fascia, with occasional quick techniques where a sound may be heard | Focus on a broad repertoire of quick techniques for joints and spine, where a sound is heard | Focus on exercises for rehabilitation or strengthening |
| Treatment duration | 45-60 min | 15-30 min | 20-30 min |
| Doctor's referral required | No | No | Yes |
| Insurance | Most supplementary insurances cover the treatment partially (see recognised insurers below) | Basic health insurance | Basic health insurance |
| Cost | approx. CHF 120-170 per session | Deductible and co-payment of your basic insurance | Deductible and co-payment of your basic insurance |
| Recognition in Switzerland | State-recognised healthcare profession | State-recognised healthcare profession; in Switzerland, chiropractors are always medical doctors | State-recognised healthcare profession |
These insurances contribute to the costs
Frequently asked questions
As a rule, supplementary insurances cover osteopathy treatments up to a certain amount.
Visana currently only reimburses Johanna’s treatments; all other supplementary insurances listed above, and many more, reimburse both Johanna’s and Vitor’s treatments.
Please check with your insurance in advance regarding reimbursement.
As osteopathy is a self-regulated healthcare profession in Switzerland, you generally do not need a referral from a doctor.
However, we recommend checking with your insurance in advance. If you do not have supplementary insurance, no referral is required.
If you seek osteopathic treatment shortly after an accident, your accident insurance may contribute to the treatment costs. Please check with your accident insurance regarding reimbursement.
Preferably on the day of treatment by card, TWINT or cash on site. Alternatively, you can make a bank transfer on site.
For one-off appointments and patients without Swiss residency, payment is required directly after the appointment.
Payment by invoice with a 10-day deadline is possible until the end of 2026, after which we will discontinue this option.
We will never try to persuade you to book more appointments than is good for you.
In our experience, most complaints show improvement after 3 to 5 treatments. This can of course vary depending on the nature of the complaint (e.g. acute or chronic).
If you don’t feel any relief or improvement after a few treatments, we may refer you to a doctor or another medical professional. We don’t dismiss conventional medicine; we’re happy to work alongside the best of it.
Depending on the complaints you come to us with, we take the time you need – we bill our time in 5-minute blocks.
An initial appointment costs CHF 140–168 and lasts 50–60 minutes, and a follow-up appointment costs CHF 105–154 and lasts 35–55 minutes.
Cancellation more than 24 hours before the appointment: no charge
Cancellation less than 24 hours before the appointment: 50% of the fee due (CHF 84 for an initial appointment or CHF 63 for a follow-up appointment)
Cancellation on the same day: 100% of the fee due (CHF 168 for an initial appointment or CHF 126 for a follow-up appointment)
Yes, if you spontaneously book an acute appointment on a Saturday. We’re happy to help you with painful acute cases, but we also want to be compensated when we cut our weekend short at short notice.
That’s why we charge a Saturday acute appointment surcharge of CHF 40 for Saturday appointments booked on the same day.
We have consciously decided to only treat patients aged 12 and over. For babies and children, we warmly recommend osteopath Inga Thies in Bern, who regularly treats children and babies.
Yes, you can park in the blue zone on Rosenweg and the surrounding streets. These are free of charge, but a parking disc is required and you can park for a maximum of 1 hour Mon–Sat 8am–7pm. We’re currently trying to arrange a dedicated outdoor parking space.
We can treat you fully clothed, in sportswear or in underwear. Many of our patients wear leggings or shorts, along with a sports bra, during the treatment.
Some techniques are gentle and relaxing, others are applied with firmer pressure. Don’t worry, we adapt to your needs so that you receive a treatment that suits you.
After an osteopathic treatment, it’s normal to particularly feel its effects within 24 to 72 hours, for example in the form of tiredness or muscle soreness.
Of course – if you feel more comfortable having someone present during your treatment, you’re welcome to bring along someone close to you.
We specifically recommend the following therapists
