Cesar Exercise Therapy - moving in a way your body can trust
No machines and no passive treatment plan. Practical movement, posture and breathing guidance that fits your everyday life.
“Movement is a language the body never forgets.”Cesar Exercise Therapy at AQinesis - Apeldoorn
What is Cesar Exercise Therapy
Cesar Exercise Therapy is a recognised Dutch paramedical therapy that looks at posture, movement, breathing and daily habits. Symptoms can develop or keep returning without one clear injury.
A session maps these patterns and helps you practise movements that fit your day, work and body. The method was developed in the Netherlands by Marie Cesar and is monitored through the VvOCM and the Quality Register for Paramedics.
The difference with physiotherapy
Physiotherapy and Cesar Exercise Therapy both have their place. The difference is not that one is better than the other, but where they are strongest.
Physiotherapy often focuses on tissue, mobilisation or passive techniques. Cesar Exercise Therapy is more active and behavioural: you practise, I guide you, and we look closely at the context of your symptoms.
For an acute injury, physiotherapy can be a logical first step. For recurring, pattern-based symptoms, Cesar Exercise Therapy is often a useful route.
How does it actually work?
Cesar Exercise Therapy rests on three pillars: posture and movement awareness, breathing and relaxation, and applying what you learn in daily life.
Your body gets used to ways of sitting, standing, lifting or breathing. Some patterns were once logical, but now keep symptoms going. By becoming aware of them and practising alternatives calmly, you gain more choice in how you move.
A body that learns to move differently often learns to breathe and rest differently too.
For which symptoms?
Cesar Exercise Therapy may fit symptoms that slowly develop through long sitting, shoulder tension, lifting habits or breathing that rises under pressure.
Often seen with: chronic non-specific low back pain, neck pain, posture-related symptoms, hyperventilation patterns, pelvic pain during and after pregnancy, pelvic floor symptoms, postnatal recovery and COPD support.
Also supportive with: headache from the neck, RSI, work-related symptoms, stress symptoms, sleep problems and recovery after surgery or injury.
The treatment route
A course of treatment starts with an initial consultation and movement analysis. I look with you at what is happening, how it affects your daily life and what you have already tried.
The number of appointments differs per person. Sometimes a few sessions are enough; longer-standing patterns usually need more time. I evaluate honestly with you along the way.
Usually you do not need a GP referral. Since 2008, Cesar Exercise Therapy has been directly accessible in the Netherlands, which means you can make an appointment directly. For some reimbursement situations, your insurer may still ask for a referral.
What does the evidence say?
Active exercise therapy is a defensible approach for persistent back, neck and posture-related symptoms, especially when movement, load and daily habits play a role.
This does not mean it works for everyone or guarantees that symptoms disappear. I discuss honestly what is realistic.
Reimbursement by the health insurer
Supplementary health insurance. Cesar Exercise Therapy may be reimbursed through supplementary health insurance. Many Dutch supplementary packages reimburse a limited number of sessions per year, often about 9 to 20. What applies to you depends on your policy, indication and possible contracts.
For current fees, see Fees and reimbursement.
Some symptoms ask for two routes at the same time. At AQinesis I also work as an acupuncturist, so I can combine pain and tension support with practical movement guidance when that makes sense. Read more about my approach.
Frequently asked questions
Usually not. Cesar Exercise Therapy is directly accessible in the Netherlands. Some insurance situations may still ask for a referral.
No. Cesar Exercise Therapy is more active and awareness-based, with much attention to how you move in daily life.
Yes, often that can be useful. We discuss who does what so treatments complement each other.
You do not need to decide that yourself. During the initial consultation I look with you at which route makes sense.
That differs per person and per symptom. I evaluate regularly whether treatment is making enough difference.
Comfortable clothing you can move in. You usually work barefoot or in socks. Please bring your own towel if possible.
Unsure whether Cesar Exercise Therapy fits?
Let me first look at your symptoms with you.
Many posture and movement symptoms have more than one layer. Sometimes it starts with movement, sometimes with calm in the system. Asking a short question is always okay.
Would you like to discuss your situation?
You do not need to know exactly which treatment is right. Send me your question; I will think it through with you personally.
or call 06-30035299