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Looking for an osteopath in Hong Kong? Healthy Matters brings you a comprehensive guide with all the details you need.
Methodology: This guide does not aim to be exhaustive. It is informative only and based on our independent research.
Osteopathy is a type of alternative medicine. It is based on the principle that the bone, muscle, ligament, and connective tissue functionality of an individual determine one’s well-being. In order to provide a suitable treatment for you, osteopaths will make a diagnosis through a comprehensive physical evaluation and according to your medical history, lifestyle as well as diet. Osteopathic treatment involves physical manipulation, stretching, and massaging of muscles and joints. Such approaches aim to enhance mobility, reduce tension, improve blood circulation, and heal the body. Osteopaths may include some conventional medical techniques, which are not always scientifically based. Medications and surgeries generally are not part of the treatment.
The number of osteopaths has increased significantly in Hong Kong in the last decade. Currently, there are over 40 osteopaths practicing in Hong Kong, compared to only 5 in 2008.
Damien Mouellic, founder of Central Wellness and Stanley Wellness, founded the Hong Kong Osteopathic Association (HKOA) in 2012. “The mission of the association is to promote the profession and to inform the Hong Kong public on the benefits of osteopathic medicine. To do so, we ensure that all members meet the required standard of professional education, that there are covered by adequate malpractice insurance and that they adhere to the code of conduct. The association was also created the provide the framework towards a registered profession.”
The government now requires that all new osteopaths in Hong Kong become members of HKOA to get a work visa. You can view the list of practitioners under the HKOA here. It is important to note, that not all osteopaths in Hong Kong are members of the association and the qualifications vary worldwide ranging from 3-year diplomas to a doctorate master’s degree.
According to Mouellic, the Hong Kong government has suggested a pilot registration scheme, however, funding and resources to complete this extensive process have made it a challenge to secure a full-time functioning board to further legitimize practitioners in this field.
Check out the article on Regulation & Registration of Healthcare Professionals in Hong Kong: How to Know if You are in Safe Hands for more information on regulated professions.
Many people seek osteopathic care to improve conditions concerning the bones, muscles and joints, for example:
Some other conditions commonly seen by osteopaths include:
While osteopathy may treat a wider variety of conditions, chiropractic tends to focus on the muscles and joints. Chiropractic also emphasises more on the spine’s alignment, whereas osteopathy pays attention to the whole body’s structure. In addition, osteopaths usually reach a diagnosis relying on physical examinations, but chiropractors often make use of a range of tools including X-ray imaging and MRI.
Check out our articles about Chiropractic below:
In Hong Kong and as with all other health practitioners, the cost of an osteopathic session varies depending, amongst other things, on the location. Our research shows that an initial session on Hong Kong Island can range from about $1,380 to $2,100 for 1 hour. The cost of a subsequent session sometimes can be cheaper and depends on the duration of each session, which lasts around 30 to 60 minutes. Packages may be offered by some clinics.
*All amounts are in HKD and last updated on 11 September, 2020. No responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. It is always best to call ahead to make sure the information is still up-to-date.
So far there is no osteopath in the public healthcare sector. To make it easier for you, here is a list of some osteopaths and clinics providing osteopathic care in Hong Kong’s private sector:
Clinics
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Details
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IMI osteopaths don’t just ask ‘Where do you hurt?’ and treat the painful part, they find and address the root cause of your pain for sustainable healing. Their bodyworkers have the same goal: to relieve your pain, to fix past and present injuries and restore your natural range of motion so that you can move freely. IMI also offers cranial osteopathy, a subtler, more gentle practice which is ideal for releasing energetic blocks and stress while supporting better sleep.
Tel: 2523 7121 Email: [email protected]
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APA Wellness Services
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Address: Room 1001, 10/F, Ka Lok Building,
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Central Health Medical Practice
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Address: 3/F, Baskerville House, 13 Duddell Street, Central
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Central Wellness
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Address: 6/F, On Lan Centre, 15 On Lan Street, Central
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City Osteopathy
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Address: Suite 1401, Century Square, 1 D’Aguilar Street, Central
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Cosman Health Group
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Address: 1A Wing Cheong Com Building,
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Dr Susan Jamieson Integrative Medical Practice
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Address: Asia Standard Tower, Unit 1300-1302,
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Joint Dynamics
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Address: 12/F Dorset House, 979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay
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Osteo & Co
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Address: Shop 37, 1/F, Corinthia by the Sea,
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According to health insurance experts at Alea, local medical coverage may cover osteopathic care but you should be cautious of coverage sub-limits. Most international insurance plans cover alternative medicines including osteopathy. Depending on the plan and insurer, a GP referral letter may be required to receive reimbursement.
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters and is not sponsored. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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