Osteopath, physiotherapist or chiropractor: what Spanish law says
I am not a physiotherapist or a chiropractor: I am an osteopath. In Spain, physiotherapy is a regulated health profession requiring a recognised qualification (Law 44/2003). Osteopathy and chiropractic are not listed in that law.
Clinic in San Pedro de Alcántara, by appointment only: €70 per session
Home visits in San Pedro, Marbella, Benahavís and, with prior notice, Estepona, from €100
Phone +34 672 29 91 22
What the law says in Spain and the UK
For osteopathy there is a voluntary European standard, UNE-EN 16686:2015, “Prestación de asistencia sanitaria en osteopatía”. It’s a standard, not a law. My Diploma in Osteopathy from the International Institute of Advanced Osteopathy (IIOA, 2022) is in accordance with that standard.
In the UK, osteopaths are governed by the Osteopaths Act 1993 and only registered osteopaths may use that title. Chiropractors are governed by the Chiropractors Act 1994.
| Osteopath (me) | Physiotherapist | Chiropractor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal status in Spain | Not listed in Law 44/2003 | Regulated health profession requiring a recognised qualification (Law 44/2003) | Not listed in Law 44/2003 |
How I work as an osteopath
Osteopaths look at the body as a functional unit.
Your first visit is the Comprehensive Body Assessment. I do thorough, hands-on sessions. On the first visit I observe you and listen to you, assess your case and do a first treatment. After the case history I assess and tell you which sessions are needed. I also give you postural advice and personalised exercises to do at home.
When to see your doctor first
- After an operation. Of course the doctor has the last word; we start working once you have been discharged by your doctor, following all their instructions, safely.
- If in doubt. If there’s any doubt, or if I can’t work on your case, I recommend you see your doctor.
- Emergencies. For medical emergencies, call 112.
Where I see you and what it costs
I see you at my clinic in San Pedro de Alcántara (Fuente Nueva), by appointment only: €70 per session, up to 1 hour. For home visits I go to San Pedro, Marbella (including Nueva Andalucía and Puerto Banús) and Benahavís, and to Estepona with prior notice. A session at your home costs from €100.
All the prices are on the osteopathy price list. I also explain how a home visit works and how to get to the clinic in San Pedro de Alcántara.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about osteopaths, physiotherapists and the law
What training do you have as an osteopath?
I hold the Diploma in Osteopathy and the Master’s in Osteopathic Specialities, both from the IIOA (2022). They are private qualifications of the institute (“títulos propios”), not official university degrees. I’ve been in clinical practice since 2017.
Is osteopathy regulated in Spain?
It is not listed in Law 44/2003, the law that organises the health professions; physiotherapy is. For osteopathy there is the voluntary standard UNE-EN 16686:2015.
What do the letters D.O. mean?
D.O. stands for “Diplomado en Osteopatía”, as my diploma states. My Diploma in Osteopathy is a private IIOA qualification (“título propio”), not an official university degree.
Do you work with insurers?
I don’t work with insurers: I work privately. You pay by bank transfer, Bizum or cash.
Do I need to bring reports from my doctor?
If you have reports or test results from your doctor or a specialist, bring them; if not, that’s fine.
How much is the Comprehensive Body Assessment?
The Comprehensive Body Assessment (case history, a full check-up and first contact) costs €70 at the clinic and €120 at home.
Message me to arrange an appointment
Phone +34 672 29 91 22
To ask for an appointment, tell me whether you prefer the clinic or a home visit, your town and which day suits you. Don’t send diagnoses, reports or medical test results by message.
Message me on WhatsApp or call +34 672 29 91 22. I do sessions in English or Spanish.
The clinic is at C/ Ilusión 17, Fuente Nueva, San Pedro de Alcántara, by appointment only.