English-Speaking Physiotherapist Amsterdam
English-Speaking Physiotherapy & Acupuncture in Amsterdam
At Alter Physio & Acupuncture, we offer fully English-speaking physiotherapy and acupuncture in Amsterdam. Whether you’ve just arrived in the Netherlands or have been here for years, you deserve care that’s clear, personal, and effective — without language barriers.
Why Expats Choose Alter Physio
- Fully English-speaking — consultations, treatment plans, and aftercare all in English
- No Dutch required — we handle all documentation in English
- International insurance accepted — we work with expat health insurance providers
- BIG-registered physiotherapist — eligible for Dutch insurance reimbursement (vergoeding)
- Integrated approach — physiotherapy and Japanese acupuncture in one clinic
- Amsterdam Zuid location — near Vondelpark, easy to reach from the city centre
Our Services for Expats in Amsterdam
Physiotherapy in English
Our physiotherapy covers a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions: back pain, neck pain, sports injuries, knee pain, shoulder pain, and more. Hide Kuwabara is a BIG-registered physiotherapist who has treated hundreds of international patients in Amsterdam.
Acupuncture in English
Our Japanese acupuncture is offered for stress, sleep problems, hormonal balance, digestive issues, chronic pain, and general wellbeing. Japanese acupuncture uses very fine needles and a gentle technique — ideal for patients new to acupuncture.
Combined Treatment
One of the unique benefits of our clinic is that we offer both physiotherapy and acupuncture under one roof. Many expat patients benefit from an integrated approach — addressing both physical mechanics and the nervous system for faster, longer-lasting recovery.
Insurance & Billing for Expats
Navigating Dutch healthcare as an expat can be confusing. We are here to help.
- Dutch zorgverzekering — physiotherapy and acupuncture are often covered from the 2nd session under aanvullende verzekering
- International health insurance — we accept and provide invoices for most international insurers
- No referral needed — you can book directly, no GP (huisarts) referral required
- Transparent pricing — we discuss costs clearly before treatment begins
Have questions about coverage? Contact us or see our FAQ page for more details on insurance and vergoeding.
Location – Amsterdam Zuid
We are located at Arent Janszoon Ernststraat 665A, 1082 LG Amsterdam, in the heart of Amsterdam Zuid — a short walk from Vondelpark and well connected by public transport.
- Tram 2 and 5 — stop Marathonweg or Scheldestraat
- Ample bicycle parking at the door
- 10 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal by bike
Meet the Team
Hide Kuwabara is a BIG-registered physiotherapist originally from Japan, with extensive experience treating international patients in Amsterdam. He combines physiotherapy with Japanese acupuncture for an integrated approach that addresses the root cause of pain and dysfunction.
Our acupuncturist Haruki Sakai specialises in Japanese acupuncture for stress, internal health, and wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Dutch to make an appointment?
Not at all. All appointments, consultations, and treatment plans are conducted in English. We also speak Japanese and Dutch if needed.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
We typically have appointments available within a few days. For urgent cases, please call us directly.
More questions?
Visit our FAQ page for answers about costs, insurance, what to expect, and more.
Book Your Appointment in Amsterdam
Ready to get started? We’d love to help you feel better. Book online or call us at +31 6 40066580.
You can also explore our treatments, learn about physiotherapy or acupuncture in Amsterdam.


