Frequently asked questions

Osteopathy is a manual therapy: examination and treatment happen with the hands only, no devices, medication or injections. The osteopath looks for restrictions: reduced mobility of joints, muscles, fascia or organs. Gently releasing them allows the body’s self-regulating capacity to work again. Read more: what is osteopathy.

No, and that is a key principle. An animal osteopath does not make veterinary diagnoses and does not replace your vet; osteopathy is complementary. For acute or serious complaints (colic, fever, wounds, sudden severe lameness), the vet always comes first. Where useful, Jolanda shares her findings with your veterinarian.

By the way, no referral is needed for a consultation.

For example: stiffness or crookedness, difficulty with bend and flexion, trouble striking off in canter, rhythm faults, resistance when ridden, sensitivity when grooming or saddling, bucking, headshaking, sudden behavioural change, disappointing performance or recurring injuries. A preventive check is valuable too. See equine osteopathy.

Common reasons: rising stiffly, no longer jumping onto the sofa or into the car, difficulty with stairs, limping or crooked movement, pain on touch, changed behaviour, recovery after surgery or injury, and support for the older dog. See canine osteopathy.

A consultation includes a thorough history, observation in stance and movement, a hands-on examination of the whole body, the treatment itself and clear advice for home. Allow 60–75 minutes for a horse and 45–60 minutes for a dog. Step by step: approach.

No. The techniques are gentle and animal-friendly; most animals visibly relax, sighing, chewing, a lowering head in horses. Afterwards your animal may be a little tired or slightly sore for a day or two. That is a normal part of processing the treatment.

One treatment is often enough. Sometimes a second follows, usually four to six weeks later. For chronic complaints a short series may make sense, Jolanda discusses this with you in advance. For prevention, many owners choose a check once or twice a year.

Rest gives the result room. Rule of thumb: no training in week one (free movement in field or paddock is good; short lead walks for dogs), build up quietly in week two, and from week three gradually return to the normal level. You’ll receive the exact plan after the visit.

It varies by animal and complaint. Some show a difference right away; in others the improvement comes gradually over the weeks after treatment. The body keeps processing for about six weeks, a good moment to assess the result.

Older and growing animals often benefit greatly from the gentle techniques, treatment is always adapted to age and condition. Pregnant mares are generally not treated in the first months of pregnancy. In doubt? Just check with us beforehand.

Horse: clean and dry, a quiet spot with level footing, halter and lead rope at hand, and no intensive training right before. Dog: a calm room, a short walk beforehand, and no feeding right before the visit. Veterinary reports are always welcome.

An osteopathic consultation costs € 100 for a horse and € 85 for a dog, including history, examination, treatment and advice. No travel costs within 15 km of Geesteren; beyond that € 0.35 per kilometre. Some pet insurances reimburse osteopathy (partly) under supplementary cover; you can receive an invoice on request. See rates.

From Geesteren (Twente, close to the German border) Jolanda treats on location throughout the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg. Further afield? Much is possible on request.

The title is not legally protected, so look at the training. Jolanda trained at ICREO (International College for Research on Equine Osteopathy, founded in 1997): a three-year course in osteopathy for horses and dogs, taught exclusively by human osteopaths and open only to those with a (para)medical background. More about Jolanda.