Frequently asked questions
The questions our patients ask most often, and our answers. If you can’t find the answer to your question, write to us.
Reception and registration
How can I book an appointment?
Appointments are by prior booking only. You can register by calling our contact numbers, messaging us on WhatsApp, or sending a direct message (DM) on Instagram. Booking in advance is important so that you can see the doctor on time.
What happens at the first appointment?
First, the doctor listens to you — learning about your complaints and when the pain began. Then the body is examined as a whole: posture, spine, pelvis and mobility are assessed. After examination in the vertical (standing) and horizontal (lying down) positions, a diagnosis is made and an individual treatment plan is drawn up. The plan is agreed with you.
Do you offer home visits?
Yes. If for certain reasons you cannot come to the center, we can visit you at home and carry out the necessary procedures or electrotherapy. Please confirm the terms via our contact number.
What documents should I bring with me?
If you have existing X-ray, MRI or CT results and previous doctors’ reports, be sure to bring them with you. This speeds up the examination and makes the treatment plan more precise.
About osteopathy
Are osteopathic treatments painful?
No. All of a skilled osteopath’s techniques are gentle and painless. No forceful manipulation is performed. There may be mild discomfort after a session — this is related to the organs readjusting and should not be confused with pain.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies from person to person. For functional problems, 1–3 sessions are sometimes enough. For structural problems such as scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis, a visible change can be achieved with a 10-day intensive program. The exact number is determined after the examination.
Can I feel worse after a session?
After the first session, the body can react in one of two ways: lightness and relief, or tiredness, mild aches and sometimes a rise in temperature. Both reactions are normal and pass within 2–3 days — this shows that the body is beginning to return to balance.
Is an osteopath a massage therapist?
No. An osteopath first examines the body as a whole and finds where the pain is coming from. Massage is only one component of the treatment plan. At ELF Center, all osteopathic physicians hold a medical degree.
Does an osteopath “put vertebrae back in place”?
No — there is no such thing. Vertebrae neither come out of place nor are they put back by hand. An osteopath works not with the bones but with the muscles, fasciae and nervous system. Once the tension is released, the vertebrae return to their natural movement on their own.
Is it normal to fall asleep during a session?
It is completely normal. During therapy the body relaxes and the nervous system comes out of stress. Sleep is a natural part of this process and increases the effectiveness of the treatment.
Children
From what age can a child see an osteopath?
From any age — even newborns. For infants, osteopathy is a gentle therapeutic-touch method performed with soft, caring hands, and it is suitable even for frail newborns.
If my child has no pain, is it worth taking them to an osteopath?
Yes. Postural disorders, foot problems, and neck and back tension often develop without being noticed. A timely check-up helps prevent problems that could arise in the future. Prevention is always easier than treatment.
Does scoliosis “go away with growth”?
No — this is the most dangerous myth about scoliosis. Scoliosis does not correct itself as a child grows; on the contrary, during periods of rapid growth the curvature can increase further. But with timely intervention, the process can be stopped.
Should I buy arch-support insoles and orthopedic shoes for my child?
Orthopedic shoes are prescribed only by a doctor, after a thorough examination, and are made to order. Before the age of 6, arch-support insoles and high-backed shoes restrict foot movement and slow natural muscle and skeletal development. Going barefoot and staying active are the key to healthy children’s feet.
Is an X-ray needed every time to monitor the grade of scoliosis?
No. At the Scoliosis Academy, a scoliometer is used to measure the grade — this prevents repeated radiation exposure, especially in children.
Spine and herniated disc
Can a herniated disc be treated without surgery?
Most often, yes. Cases that require surgery: cauda equina syndrome, rapidly increasing weakness in the leg, extrusion (detachment of the herniation), acute compression of the nerve roots and narrowing of the spinal canal. The decision is made only by a doctor, after examination and imaging.
Which signs mean you must see a doctor urgently, without waiting for an appointment?
If even ONE of the following signs is present, this is a medical emergency — do not wait for an osteopathy or physiotherapy appointment, go to the emergency department or a neurosurgeon immediately: being unable to hold urine or stool, difficulty passing urine; numbness in the buttock area, around the genitals and on the inner thigh (saddle numbness); severe weakness in both legs at the same time; rapid paralysis of the leg; night pain together with a high temperature or unexplained weight loss; new low back pain in a person who has had cancer; severe pain that starts after a fall or a blow.
Does the size of the herniation decrease?
In most patients who receive proper treatment and rehabilitation, the size of the herniation may decrease. This usually does not happen sooner than 6–12 months. In the acute phase, the goal of treatment is to relieve nerve compression and inflammation.
My MRI is clear, but my lower back hurts — what could be the cause?
Functional tension does not show up on MRI or X-ray. The cause may be tension in the muscles and ligaments, fascial tightness, sacroiliac (SI) blockage, posture problems, stress and even digestive system problems. An osteopathic manual examination detects these blockages.
Is hanging from a pull-up bar beneficial?
No. Hanging from a pull-up bar places an uncontrolled traction load on the spine and can turn a disc protrusion into a herniated disc. Traction procedures should only be performed under specialist supervision.
Diagnostics
How is a So-Check analysis performed?
4 points on the palm are scanned. The analysis is performed without drawing blood, without needles and without pain; the result is ready in a few minutes. Vitamins, minerals, heavy metals and the level of oxidative stress are assessed.
Does a So-Check result replace laboratory tests?
So-Check is a functional diagnostic test that shows the intracellular status. The results are interpreted by a doctor, and additional laboratory tests are ordered when necessary.
Pricing and payment
How much do your services cost?
Prices vary depending on the chosen procedure, the number of sessions and the location. You can get the most accurate, up-to-date price from our contact numbers. Our center regularly runs promotions.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes — our center offers health vouchers. Please confirm the terms and denominations via our contact number.
Didn’t find an answer to your question?
Write to us — our specialists will answer.