Direct access, no GP referral required

Manual Therapy in Amsterdam

Manual therapy based on the Mulligan Concept: active mobilisations that combine movement and pain reduction in one step. Hands-on work is always there to make movement easier, never an end in itself. The approach to recovery stays active throughout.

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Hip pain treatment at Movement Based Therapy

What is manual therapy?

Manual therapy is a specialisation within physiotherapy focused on examining and treating problems of the joints, muscles and spine. Traditionally, manual therapy is often associated with "cracking" the back or neck. For many people, that is also the first thing they think of when they hear the term.

At Movement Based Therapy we take a broader view. From our perspective on movement, treatment only really becomes valuable when it helps someone move better straight away, build more trust in the body, and become more durably loadable. That is why we work according to the Mulligan Concept by Brian Mulligan.

This approach fits the way we look at recovery: not passively undergoing treatment, but using movement as part of the solution. The treatment itself is not the goal but a means to make movement easier, freer and more comfortable.

Manual therapy treatment Movement Based Therapy
Mulligan Concept mobilisation with movement

The Mulligan Concept: mobilisation with movement

The Mulligan Concept is a form of manual therapy in which a mobilisation is combined with an active movement from the patient. Instead of treating someone purely passively, the therapist guides a joint or movement chain while you move yourself. The principle is that the movement is performed more comfortably, more smoothly and preferably without pain, straight away.

What makes this way of working strong for us is that it fits perfectly with an active approach to symptoms. We are not just looking for a temporary change on the treatment table, but for a directly noticeable difference in function. When a movement improves, that does not only relieve symptoms, it opens a route to build further with exercise therapy, strength training and targeted load management.

● COMMON

Conditions we treat

We use manual therapy for a wide range of joint, muscle and spinal complaints.

01

Knee pain

→02

Shoulder pain

→03

Back pain

→04

Neck pain

→05

Hip pain

→06

Ankle pain

→07

ACL rehabilitation

→08

Meniscus injury

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● WHY MBT

What sets us apart.

01

Mulligan Concept

We work according to the Mulligan Concept by Brian Mulligan: mobilisation combined with active movement, for a directly noticeable difference in function.

02

Hands-on, as a means

Manual techniques are not an end in themselves, but a way to make movement easier and more comfortable. Movement stays the starting point.

03

Active approach

Not passively undergoing treatment, but using movement as part of the solution. Hands-on work combined with exercise therapy and progressive loading.

04

Criteria-based rehabilitation

Objective measurements using professional testing equipment. Strength, mobility and capacity to handle load are mapped out, so progress becomes measurable.

05

Evidence and practice based

The latest research in rehabilitation and diagnostics, combined with our clinical experience.

● OUR METHOD

Our unique method

Repeat.
01 / PHASE 1

Discover

Every treatment starts with a thorough intake. This gives us a complete picture of your physical health, movement patterns and mental well-being. We take a holistic approach and look beyond physical symptoms alone. Think sleep habits, nutrition, hydration, movement and daily stress factors.

Discover phase, intake at Movement Based Therapy
02 / PHASE 2

Educate

Understanding your condition is the key to lasting recovery. We make sure you understand where your symptoms come from and how to manage them. This helps you recognise your body's signals and prevent future issues.

Educate phase at Movement Based Therapy
03 / PHASE 3

Recreate

We work through a tailored programme that targets weaknesses in the body. Movement is at the centre of our treatment method. With specific exercises tuned to you, we build your body's capacity to handle load and help you develop sustainable movement habits. This reduces the chance of recurring symptoms.

Recreate phase at Movement Based Therapy
04 / PHASE 4

Evaluate

Evaluation is an essential part of our approach. We monitor your progress regularly and adjust the treatment plan when needed. This keeps the therapy aligned with your goals and needs at every stage of the process.

Evaluate phase at Movement Based Therapy
● FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between physiotherapy and manual therapy?

Manual therapy is a specialisation within physiotherapy. It focuses specifically on examining and treating problems of the joints, muscles and spine with hands-on techniques. At MBT we always combine manual therapy with active exercise therapy.

Do I need a GP referral?

No, manual therapy has direct access in the Netherlands. You can book an appointment without a referral. We carry out the screening during your intake.

What is the Mulligan Concept?

The Mulligan Concept by Brian Mulligan combines mobilisation of a joint with an active movement by the patient. The aim is that the movement is immediately more comfortable and pain-free. From there we build further with exercise therapy and strength training.

Do you "crack" backs or necks?

Our focus is on active mobilisations combined with movement, not on manipulations like "cracking". Hands-on work is always a means to make movement easier, not an end in itself.

Is manual therapy reimbursed?

For 2026 we have agreements with several Dutch health insurers. Supplementary insurance covers a number of sessions, depending on your policy. Always check with your own insurer.

How many sessions do I need?

That depends on your condition. At the end of your intake we give you a realistic estimate of the programme, so you know what to expect.

Which locations can I visit?

Three locations in Amsterdam: Houthavens in Amsterdam-West, NDSM in Amsterdam-North and Oostenburg in Amsterdam-East. Book at the location that suits you best.

Related services

01

Physiotherapy

General physiotherapy to restore function and capacity to handle load.

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02

Dry needling

Treatment of trigger points in muscles using thin needles.

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03

Sports physiotherapy

Sport-specific rehabilitation with return-to-sport criteria.

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3Locations · Amsterdam
64+Google reviews · 5★
12yrClinical experience
1500+Athletes treated
● LOCATIONS

Three locations in amsterdam

01

Houthavens

Nieuwe Hemweg 7T
1013BG Amsterdam

View location → Directions ↗
02

NDSM

Scannerstraat 7
1033RV Amsterdam

View location → Directions ↗
03

Oostenburg

Jacob Bontiusplaats 40
1018LL Amsterdam

View location → Directions ↗

Get moved.

Book an intake at the location that suits you best. Questions about how we work? Get in touch.

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● WHAT PATIENTS SAY
★★★★★ 5.0 based on 64 Google reviews
View on Google →
★★★★★
I received excellent care and guidance throughout my ACL and meniscus surgery journey. From the preparation phase to the recovery process, I felt fully supported with a clear plan and weekly progression.
Simon10 months ago
★★★★★
Cedrine helped me enormously with my recovery from recurring knee complaints. Within a few months the strength difference between both legs was minimal.
Gwen Kuijer1 year ago
★★★★★
I've been helped tremendously by multiple members of the team for various issues over the course of about a year now. Not all team members have been my PT, but I have met them all and they are all great.
Rik12 months ago