A different approach to physiotherapy in Amsterdam, combining whole-body assessment, movement analysis and Japanese acupuncture when appropriate.
We don’t only focus on the area that hurts. We assess how different parts of your body work together and identify factors that may be placing repeated stress on the painful area.
Pain does not always begin where it is felt. Restricted movement, reduced coordination, previous injuries, breathing patterns or repeated daily and sporting demands can influence how load is distributed through the body.
If symptoms keep returning, it may be useful to look beyond the painful area and assess the wider movement pattern.
This may sound familiar
We begin with your history, symptoms, daily activities and goals. We also consider previous injuries and treatments.
We examine the painful area as well as relevant joints, movement patterns, muscle coordination, breathing and load distribution.
Treatment may include physiotherapy, manual techniques, movement retraining, exercise and Japanese acupuncture when clinically appropriate and agreed with the patient.
About Japanese acupuncture
Japanese acupuncture is not a replacement for physiotherapy. It is one option that can be integrated into your physiotherapy plan when it is clinically appropriate — for example alongside manual treatment and movement retraining — and always discussed with you first.
The painful area is examined — and so is the wider pattern that may be loading it.
Findings guide the plan, rather than the plan being fixed in advance.
Both are available in one practice, so acupuncture can be added when it is clinically appropriate.
We work on how you feel now and on how you move over the coming months.
We re-test as we go, so the plan can change when the findings do.
You leave each session knowing what we found and what the next step is.
“We don’t just treat where it hurts.
We look at why it keeps being overloaded.”
Whether this approach is suitable for you is decided together after the assessment. If your symptoms need medical investigation first, we will say so and advise you on the next step.
Hidekazu Kuwabara is a physiotherapist and acupuncturist in Amsterdam with experience supporting people with persistent pain, sports injuries and complex movement problems. His approach combines physiotherapy, Japanese acupuncture and detailed whole-body assessment.
He has more than ten years of clinical experience, has worked with professional football clubs in Belgium and the Netherlands, and has treated athletes in Europe and Japan. He is a BIG-registered fysiotherapeut and a certified CrossFit Level 1 trainer, and works in English, Dutch and Japanese.
Practical information
Appointments are available in English. We aim to explain the assessment, treatment options and next steps clearly, so you can make informed decisions about your care.
Alter Physio & Acupuncture is a non-contracted provider (in Dutch, an ongecontracteerde praktijk): we have no contracts with Dutch health insurers. Depending on your policy, you may be able to claim part of the treatment cost from your insurer. Please check the conditions of your own insurance plan before booking — we cannot confirm what you will be reimbursed.
Good to know
Hide’s physiotherapy is an ongecontracteerde praktijk (a practice with no insurer contracts), so treatment is not fully reimbursed — what you get back depends on your policy. We’ll explain invoicing at your first visit.
Good to know
Qualified in Japanese acupuncture (not registered with a Dutch acupuncture association). Because of this, Dutch health insurance does not reimburse these sessions. International / expat insurance may cover them — please check your own policy.
5.0150+ Google reviews
“I have tried multiple Physiotherapists in the Netherlands and none compare to Hide. You would be simply lucky to have him as your Physiotherapist. His attention to detail is immense, his deep understanding of the human muscular system is truly remarkable and his empathy and understanding he shows towards patients goals is top class. Do yourself a favour and visit Hide for any sports related/ general injuries, it is key for your recovery back to your healthy lifestyle.”
“I wanted to get back to playing football, but after going through multiple injuries and trying several physios, I was starting to lose hope. Most focused only on the symptoms and short-term fixes, no one really helped me understand what was going wrong or how to prevent it from happening again. That changed when I found Hidekazu. He really takes the time to listen and focus on the root causes instead of just treating the pain. For the first time, I feel like I understand how my body works and what I need to do to move better and stay injury-free. I’m genuinely happy to have found him, couldn’t recommend him more!”
“Hide saved me from a very bad cervical spine hernia! When I went to my first session, I couldn’t stay up or sit for too long. He was very patient and incredible with my rehabilitation. After two weeks, I was able to sit and have meals with my family again. After a month, I was able to go back to work and (slowly) get back with my life. It wasn’t just a physical work, it was also psychological. He deeply cared about me personally and I truly appreciate his dedication. Definitely recommend his work!!”
“He takes the time to really listen, explains the treatment calmly and clearly, and creates a very safe and relaxing environment. His combination of acupuncture and physiotherapy feels thoughtful and holistic, not rushed or generic. After the sessions I noticed a significant improvement in tension, stress levels, and overall body balance. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a knowledgeable and attentive practitioner in Amsterdam!”
“Very thankful to Hide’s skills and insights that finally gave me some hope for a full recovery. I had seen plenty of other physios since my complex knee surgery, and Hide is the only one who had tips that helped me to regain full range of motion. Highly recommended!”
“I got an elbow pain for months. Hide treated me and after 1 session I already felt very good. The pain moved fully away after few days. Awesome help. Thanks a lot. I can only recommend him to anyone. On the top of it, he is very friendly, flexible and giving extra guidance to prevent it happening again.”
Book an appointment for a personalised assessment and discover which factors may be contributing to your symptoms.