Osteopathy Europe

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Osteopathy Europe

Osteopathy Europe
The Voice of Osteopathy in Europe The Association shall strive to generate all forms of osteopathy-related scientific research.

The purpose of the Association, which shall be devoid of any profit-oriented spirit, shall be the defence and promotion of osteopathy. Its mission shall be to promote and harmonize the profession in all countries of the European Union and the Council of Europe with all means at its disposal.

In all countries of the European Union and the Council of Europe, it shall collect data on the agreed co

nditions and modalities governing the exercise of the profession in the respective countries (education and training criteria, organisation of the profession and defence of professional interests, codes of ethics and conduct...). It shall strive to support its affiliated national organisations in attaining in their country – if necessary - a level of education as well as rules and regulations, which are compatible with the osteopaths’ aspiration of exercising a profession with a high level of responsibility, with specific skills as primary contact health care provider. The Association shall make efforts to work for the free choice of therapies and therapists, the free movement of practising osteopaths in the member states of the European Union. The Association shall be the liaison body for the administrative bodies of the European
Union. The mission of the Association shall not include a direct intervention with national authorities, unless its national affiliate demands such an intervention or unless there is no national organisation. L'association, qui est dénuée de tout esprit de lucre, a pour objet la défense et la promotion de l'ostéopathie. Elle vise à promouvoir et harmoniser la profession dans tous les pays de l'Union Européenne et du Conseil de l'Europe par tous les moyens à sa disposition. Elle collecte pour l'ensemble des pays de l'Union Européenne et du Conseil de l'Europe les conditions et les modes d'exercice agréés dans ces différents pays (critères de formation, organisation et défense professionnelles, références éthiques et déontologiques...).
STATUTS de l’ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONALE FEO A.I.S.B.L. / EFO I.N.P.A.

Elle œuvre pour aider les organisations nationales membres à obtenir, si nécessaire, un niveau de formation et des règles d'exercice compatibles, dans leur pays, avec l'aspiration des ostéopathes à exercer une profession à haut degré de responsabilité, à compétences spécifiques en tant que consultant de première intention. Elle vise à susciter toutes recherches scientifiques en rapport avec l'ostéopathie. L’association s’efforce d’œuvrer pour le libre choix thérapeutique et du thérapeute, la liberté de circulation des praticiens dans les états membres de l’Union. L’association sera l’interlocutrice auprès des instances de l’Union Européenne. L’association n’a pas pour vocation à intervenir directement avec les autorités nationales sauf sur demande de l’organisation nationale membre ou en cas de non existence d’organisation nationale.

22/07/2025

🧠 World Brain Day | 22 July 2025
Osteopathy Europe proudly supports this global awareness day by recognising the critical role of osteopathic research in promoting brain and cognitive health across all stages of life.

Osteopaths take a whole-person approach, integrating neurological, psychological, and physical health, to support overall well-being and optimise brain function. 🌍✨

We acknowledge the valuable contributions of osteopathic researchers exploring areas like stress regulation, interoception, allostatic load, enactivism, and the mind-body connection.

📚 Key Research Publications:

Bohlen, L., Shaw, R., Cerritelli, F. and Esteves, J.E. (2021). Osteopathy and Mental Health: An Embodied, Predictive, and Interoceptive Framework. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.767005

Fryer, G. (2017). Integrating osteopathic approaches based on biopsychosocial therapeutic mechanisms. Part 1: The mechanisms. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 25, 30–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijosm.2017.05.002

Lunghi, C. et al. (2020). Perspectives on tissue adaptation related to allostatic load: Scoping review and integrative hypothesis with a focus on osteopathic palpation. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 24(3), 212–220.

Zegarra-Parodi, R., Esteves, J.E., Lunghi, C., Baroni, F., Draper-Rodi, J. and Cerritelli, F. (2021). The legacy and implications of the body-mind-spirit osteopathic tenet: A discussion paper evaluating its clinical relevance in contemporary osteopathic care. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 41, 57–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijosm.2021.05.003

15/07/2025

Congratulations to Maurice Cheng MBE!
We are proud to celebrate Maurice Cheng on being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding services to osteopathy.

As the former Chief Executive of the Institute of Osteopathy (UK) and the current Chief Executive of Osteopathy Europe, Maurice has dedicated decades to tirelessly advancing osteopathy—both nationally and across Europe. His leadership, advocacy, and vision have left a lasting impact on the profession and its future.

Maurice recently stepped down from his role at the iO but continues to serve the profession through his ongoing work with Osteopathy Europe.

In his own words:

“I want to express my immense gratitude and humility in receiving this honour. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and the profession over the years.” – Maurice Cheng, MBE
📖 Read the full tribute via the iO:
🔗 iosteopathy.org/maurice-cheng-awarded-mbe

08/07/2025

Member Highlight – Portugal
Osteopathy in Portugal is moving forward with strong momentum.

✔️ Officially recognised as a healthcare profession under Law No. 45/2003
✔️ Around 2050 osteopaths actively practising
✔️ National associations working toward EU-aligned standards

Osteopathy Europe is proud to support Portugal’s commitment to regulation, collaboration, and excellence in osteopathic care.

🔗 Learn more in our latest report: https://osteopathyeurope.org/regulation

26/06/2025

Member Highlight: Marcos Gómez – ROE (Spain)
"What we’ve found in Osteopathy Europe is unity."
In this short message, Marcos Gómez, President of the Registro de Osteópatas de España, reflects on what it means to be part of a collective that brings together national associations to advocate, collaborate, and shape the future of osteopathy in Europe.
For ROE, membership in Osteopathy Europe offers:
- A stronger voice in Europe
- Shared professional values
- Opportunities to influence standards and policy
- Connection with like-minded organisations across borders
It’s about standing together for greater recognition, regulation, and respect for our profession.

19/06/2025

Osteopaths of Europe — Reykjavík is calling. 🇮🇸
Every year, osteopaths across the Nordics unite to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and move the profession forward.

If you’re passionate about high standards in osteopathy and believe in the power of collaboration — this is the place to be.

📅 13–14 September 2025
📍 Center Hotel Plaza, Reykjavík, Iceland
🎓 Theme: The Long-Term Patient – Clinical Considerations in Managing Chronic Conditions

Join us at the 6th Nordic Osteopathic Congress (NOC) for two impactful days of:
✨ Inspiring keynote lectures
💬 Insightful panel discussions
🧠 Practical, clinical relevance for your work
🤝 A vibrant, supportive community

🔗 Learn more and register: nordicosteopathicalliance.org

See you in Reykjavík!

12/06/2025

Research Matters: What Systematic Reviews Say About Osteopathy
A 2025 overview of 27 systematic reviews confirms what many clinicians experience daily — osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can be both effective and safe for managing musculoskeletal pain and more.

Strongest evidence for:
– Chronic non-specific low back pain
– Neck pain
– Pregnancy-related back pain
– Chronic non-oncologic pain

Safety?
Adverse events are rare, typically mild, and short-lived. Serious complications are extremely uncommon.

As the profession continues to advocate for recognition across Europe, evidence like this strengthens the case for osteopathy’s role in modern, person-centred healthcare.

Zipp, C.R., Semlitsch, T., Gregor Tögel, Krenn, C., Loder, C., Klaus Jeitler and Siebenhofer, A. (2025). An overview of systematic reviews on the efficacy and safety of osteopathic treatment techniques. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.03.018.

At Osteopathy Europe, we support and celebrate research that elevates clinical standards and informs public health policy.

07/06/2025

Spotlight on Finland

✅ Regulated since 1994
Osteopathy in Finland has been recognized as a regulated healthcare profession since 1994.

🏛️ Regulation Authority
The National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) oversees the practice of osteopathy in Finland.

🔎 Scope of Practice
Osteopaths in Finland are first-contact practitioners, and patients can see an osteopath without having a referral.

🎓 Education
Education is set on level EQF Level 6 in the public education in Finland, or 4 years of study for graduates from the private sector. Master’s degree (EQF Level 7) at the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.

💰 Consultation VAT
No VAT is applied to osteopathic consultations, aligning them with other healthcare services.

🛡️ Insurance Status
There are private insurances that cover osteopathic care

28/05/2025

On this International Day of Action for Women’s Health, we’re celebrating the role osteopaths play in caring for patients across various life stages, including areas specific to women’s health.

📊 Global Snapshot: More Women Seek Osteopathic Care
Evidence from various international surveys indicates that more females than males seek care from an osteopath. Specifically, surveys showed that:

🇨🇦 Canada: 62% of patients were female

🇪🇸 Spain: 61% were female

🇩🇪 Germany: 61% were female

🇨🇭 Switzerland: 57% were female

🇬🇧 UK: 58% were female (a separate UK study reported 61.1%)

🇧🇪 BeNeLux: Even gender split reported by osteopaths in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg

💡 Conditions and Areas of Focus Addressed by Osteopaths

While musculoskeletal conditions like low back and neck pain remain the most common reasons for seeking osteopathic care, many osteopaths also address issues related to women’s health, including:

- Chronic pelvic pain

- Low back and pelvic pain during and after pregnancy

- Menstrual disorders such as dysmenorrhea

- Menopause-related symptoms

- Conditions relevant to breast cancer care, such as upper extremity lymphatic drainage

🔬 What the Evidence Shows

A recent systematic review specifically on osteopathic care in gynaecology and obstetrics showed potential effectiveness in these fields (Ruffini et al., 2022).
While the studies included were too heterogeneous for pooled analysis or firm clinical recommendations, the review highlighted an increase in both quantity and quality of published research, as well as a broader array of conditions explored compared to earlier literature.

Notably, limited evidence suggests osteopathic care is safe when used as a complement to traditional gynaecological treatment.

💜 Why It Matters

The osteopathic profession is rapidly growing worldwide. In countries where it is regulated, osteopaths act as primary contact health professionals, offering hands-on, person-centred care.

The consistent trend of more women seeking osteopathic care, along with a growing body of research addressing women’s health conditions, reflects a meaningful engagement of the profession with this demographic. It also signals a promising area of future practice and research aimed at supporting women across all stages of life.

20/05/2025

In the United Kingdom, osteopathy has been a statutorily regulated healthcare profession since the enactment of the Osteopaths Act 1993. This legislation established the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), which oversees the registration, education, and professional conduct of osteopaths across the UK.
Osteopaths must meet rigorous educational standards, maintain appropriate insurance, and engage in ongoing professional development to retain their registration. The GOsC conducts annual checks to ensure compliance with these requirements, thereby upholding high standards of safety and competence in osteopathic care.

13/05/2025

In Norway, osteopathy has been regulated as a health profession since 2022, ensuring high standards in education and patient care.
This regulation ensures that only qualified professionals can use the protected title "osteopath," enhancing public safety and the quality of care. Patients can self-refer to osteopaths, who are now integrated into the national healthcare framework.
The regulation mandates that osteopaths meet specific educational and professional standards, aligning with the broader goals of safeguarding public health and ensuring high-quality osteopathic care.

20/04/2025

Aging can be an empowered, fulfilling journey.
Through gentle manual therapy, targeted exercises, and lifestyle guidance, osteopathic professionals help aging adults live with strength, mobility, and comfort.
Their approach honors not just the body, but the whole person - socially, psychologically, and spiritually.

19/04/2025

Cognitive health is essential to aging well and osteopathic professionals are here to help.
They motivate older adults to stay active, eat well, and maintain healthy routines, supporting brain health and reducing cognitive decline.
Their whole-person approach is key to maintaining clarity, memory, and quality of life.

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Website

http://www.osteopathyeurope.org/

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