There are also alternative practitioners in physiotherapy. But what does it actually mean to be a sectoral alternative practitioner? For patients, it means one thing above all: a lot of advantages. 

When you think of the word "alternative practitioner", you might not initially think of conventional medicine, but rather of alternative healing methods and imagine a naturopath. However, the word "alternative practitioner" is quite established in the German healthcare system - in all areas. 

After all, we physiotherapists can also be alternative practitioners - just as we are with the Physios Cologne. Strictly speaking, we are sectoral alternative practitioners for physiotherapy in our practice. And that has nothing to do with nature or herbs. So what does that mean? 

Alternative practitioner in physiotherapy: Licence to practise medicine 

A sectoral alternative practitioner for physiotherapy is a "normal" physiotherapist who has, however, acquired an additional qualification. Such a physiotherapist is also authorised to diagnose illnesses. Above all, they can do this because they have been professionally trained to do so. In our practice, we have acquired this knowledge primarily through our B.Sc. (Physiotherapy) and M.Sc. (Manual Therapy) studies in the Netherlands. We were taught detailed and attentive screening and diagnostics in order to correctly recognise symptoms, but also to rule out other treatable conditions. 

For patients, this means that they can come to us without first seeing a doctor or visit another physiotherapist with this qualification. 

Does that apply to every ailment? No, of course not. A physiotherapist is by no means a substitute for a GP. Because the little word "sectoral" is crucial here. It makes it clear that the licence to practise medicine can of course only apply to one sector: the field of activity with physiotherapeutic procedures and the associated clinical pictures.

From A for anamnesis to Z for taking time

This means that anyone can make an appointment with a physiotherapist without a referral or prescription. The therapists then carry out a comprehensive screening themselves, including a medical history and physical examination. This enables them to find out the underlying cause of the symptoms. These physiotherapists also recognise if a specialist needs to be consulted and can refer you to other doctors. 

The result is that diagnosis and treatment take place under one roof. And that brings a number of advantages for patients: 

• Faster to therapy: patients can book an appointment directly, without having to wait with specialists just to get a referral
• Holistic approach: therapists recognise correlations better, can take their time with the diagnosis and tailor the therapy to the individual patient
• Experience success: The therapy concepts are developed together with the patient. Individual wishes can also be catered for in the best possible way.
• No restrictions: There are no limits to the physiotherapy measures - for example, strict prescription and diagnosis by a specialist. This also applies to the times and length of therapy. 

One special feature: you may have to bear the costs yourself

In many cases, statutory health insurance companies unfortunately only cover physiotherapy costs if there is a doctor's prescription. But there are exceptions: Costs can also be covered without a prescription. 

This is the case if you have private supplementary insurance or if you book services as a private patient. This is because alternative practitioners for physiotherapy offer alternative practitioner services that can be covered. The prerequisite: The insurance contract must list these as reimbursable. The invoices (drawn up in accordance with the scale of fees for alternative practitioners) can then be claimed as medical treatment.

Some statutory health insurance companies now also offer suitable supplementary insurance policies that can cover the costs. It is therefore always worth checking with your own insurance company.