What is a chiropractor? Meaning, training and what to expect

A chiropractor is a university trained specialist in the spine, joints, muscles and nerves, who treats with the hands and without medication or surgery. On this page we explain what the word means, how a chiropractor is trained in the Netherlands, what happens during a visit and how chiropractic differs from physiotherapy and osteopathy.
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The meaning of the word chiropractor

The word chiropractic comes from the Greek cheir (hand) and praxis (practice): treatment done by hand. A chiropractor is therefore a practitioner who examines and treats the musculoskeletal system, above all the spine, with manual techniques. Chiropractic started in the United States in 1895 and is today the third largest health profession in the world, after medicine and dentistry. In the Netherlands it is a small, specialised field: about 300 registered chiropractors for 18 million people, listed in the SCN or SNRC register and organised in the NCA or the DCF.

What a chiropractor does is often misunderstood. It is not simply cracking backs. The core of the work is a thorough examination of how your spine, pelvis and limbs move, which segments are locked, which muscles guard, and where a nerve is irritated. The treatment that follows, usually a combination of adjustments, mobilisation, muscle techniques and exercises, aims to restore movement so the body can recover. At MoveWell the chiropractors work next door to physiotherapists, so you get the best of both when that helps.

How a chiropractor is trained

Most chiropractors in the Netherlands completed a five year full time university degree in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Denmark or the United States, finishing with a Master of Science. The curriculum resembles medicine in its first years, with a heavier emphasis on anatomy, neurology, orthopaedics, radiology and the diagnosis of musculoskeletal problems. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose independently, to recognise the rare conditions that need a doctor, and to read X rays and MRI scans.

After graduation a chiropractor registers with the SCN or SNRC and follows mandatory continuing education every year. All seven chiropractors at MoveWell are registered; our founder Sten Hofstad graduated in England in 2007 and opened MoveWell in Hilversum in 2015.

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Chiropractor, physiotherapist or osteopath?

Chiropractor

Chiropractor at MoveWell Hilversum examining the lower back of a patient

Focuses on the joints of the spine and pelvis and on the nervous system. Works with precise adjustments and mobilisation, supported by muscle techniques, decompression tables and exercises. First choice for back pain, neck pain, herniated discs and joint stiffness.

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Physiotherapist

Physiotherapist at MoveWell treating a patient on the table

Focuses on muscles, tendons, movement and recovery after injury or surgery. Works with exercise therapy, manual therapy, dry needling and shockwave. First choice for sports injuries, rehabilitation and tendon problems. At MoveWell both professions share one file; read more about our English speaking physiotherapists.

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Osteopath

Chiropractic university degree and registration in the Netherlands

Osteopathy looks at the body as a whole and uses gentle techniques on joints, organs and connective tissue. It is not a registered profession in the Netherlands and is not offered at MoveWell. Chiropractic and physiotherapy are, and are reimbursed by Dutch supplementary insurance, see rates and insurance.

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More information in English

Everything MoveWell offers in English, from complaints to rates: start at MoveWell in English.

Is chiropractic safe?

Yes, when performed by a registered chiropractor after a proper examination. Large studies show that serious complications are extremely rare, far rarer than the side effects of long term painkillers. Mild soreness for a day after the first visits is normal. We adapt every technique to your age, bone quality and condition; for older patients, pregnant women and babies we use light mobilisation instead of adjustments. If something in the examination points to a problem a chiropractor should not treat, we say so and refer you.

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What happens at your first visit

Conversation and examination

Chiropractor examining pelvis and hips during the first visit

You describe your complaint and your history; bring scans or reports if you have them. We test posture, the movement of each spinal segment, muscle strength, reflexes and sensation, and use ultrasound when a muscle or tendon needs a closer look. This takes most of the first consultation.

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Diagnosis and plan

Chiropractor explaining posture and the treatment plan to a patient

We explain in plain English what we found, what is causing the pain and what we expect from treatment: how many visits, in what order, and when you should notice change. You decide. If a doctor should look first, we tell you.

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Treatment, usually the same day

Spinal decompression treatment of the lower back at MoveWell

In most cases treatment starts in the first visit: adjustments or mobilisation of the locked segments, muscle techniques, often a session on the decompression table, and your first exercises. A follow up visit lasts about 20 minutes.

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Why international patients choose MoveWell

English as a working language

English speaking chiropractor in conversation with an international patient

Several of our chiropractors studied in the UK, South Africa or Australia. You explain your complaint in your own words and get an explanation you understand.

Direct access, fast

Reception of MoveWell in Medisch Centrum Dudokpark Hilversum

No referral needed, acute complaints usually within 24 hours, open until 21:00 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Dutch supplementary insurance reimburses chiropractic, no deductible.

One roof, two professions

Core stability training after chiropractic treatment

Chiropractors, physiotherapists and exercise therapists in one team, one file and one plan, with a medical fitness centre next door.

Our specialists for chiropractic care

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Frequently asked questions about chiropractors

What does a chiropractor treat?

Mainly back pain, neck pain, headaches, herniated discs and sciatica, but also shoulder, hip and knee complaints, whiplash, scoliosis, osteoarthritis and complaints in babies and children. The common factor is a joint or spinal segment that no longer moves well.

Do I need a referral from a doctor?

No. In the Netherlands chiropractic is directly accessible. You can book online or call us, and we usually see acute complaints within 24 hours.

Is a chiropractor a doctor?

Not a medical doctor. A chiropractor holds a university Master of Science in chiropractic, is trained to diagnose musculoskeletal problems independently and to recognise when you need a physician. In many English speaking countries chiropractors use the title doctor of chiropractic; in the Netherlands they do not.

What is the difference between a chiropractor and a physiotherapist?

The chiropractor restores movement in the joints of the spine and pelvis and looks at the nervous system; the physiotherapist trains muscles, treats tendons and guides rehabilitation. At MoveWell both work together, so you do not have to choose beforehand.

Does the adjustment hurt, and what is the cracking sound?

An adjustment is a quick, precise movement of a joint. The sound is gas releasing in the joint fluid, not bone. Most patients feel relief and sometimes mild soreness for a day. If you prefer not to be adjusted, we use mobilisation and instrument techniques instead.

How much does a chiropractor cost and is it reimbursed?

A first consultation is 85 euros, follow up visits 67 euros. Dutch supplementary insurance reimburses chiropractic without touching the deductible. International insurers often reimburse too; we give you an itemised invoice. See our rates and insurance page.

How many visits will I need?

That depends on the complaint and how long you have had it. Acute problems often settle in three to six visits; long standing complaints take a plan of eight to twelve visits over two to three months, followed by exercises and, if you wish, a periodic check. We tell you the expected number at the first visit and adjust it to your progress.

What should I bring to the first visit?

Your insurance card or policy details, any scans or reports (an MRI or X ray report is enough), a list of medication, and comfortable clothing. The first visit takes about 45 minutes. You can book online in English or call the front desk.

Chiropractic care treatment for Hilversum and the Gooi region

MoveWell, Hoge Naarderweg 3E, Hilversum, in Medisch Centrum Dudokpark. Patients from Bussum, Laren, Naarden, Huizen, Loosdrecht, Baarn, Weesp and Almere, 25 minutes by train from Amsterdam and Utrecht. Move well, feel better!

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Call 035 760 06 45