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 conditions 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.

28/02/2026

Did you know that osteopathy is not yet a formally recognized health profession in Greece? 🇬🇷

Despite being a member of Osteopathy Europe and following strict WHO criteria, the Panhellenic Osteopathic Association is still fighting for state regulation.

Public awareness is growing, but formal recognition is vital to ensure patient safety and professional accountability. We are calling for European solidarity to help move this dialogue forward with national authorities.

Support the journey toward recognition: 👉 Visit osteopathy.gr for more information.
Πανελλήνιος Σύλλογος Οστεοπαθητικής - Hellenic Osteopathic Association

24/02/2026

Yesterday marked the formal signing of the UNITE Project (UNIfying osteopathic identity Through European consensus) — a collaborative research project.

The project focuses on developing a shared Osteopathic Professional Identity through a structured Delphi study, aiming to contribute to greater alignment and coherence across the profession.

This collaborative research initiative is supported and funded by Osteopathy Europe (OE) and led by the OE Research Committee, under the direction of Dr Jerry Draper-Rodi, with Health Sciences University (HSU) as the primary research institution.

The project brings together an international research collaboration including:
– Dr Gary Fryer (Victoria University, Melbourne)
– Patrick L.S. van Dun, MSc (OE Research Committee Member)
– Professor Paul Vaucher (University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland)

The agreement was formally signed on behalf of OE by Hanna Tómasdóttir, President, and Tomas Collin, President-Elect.

A sincere thank you to Dr Jerry Draper-Rodi, Dr Oliver Thomson, Louise Hanson (HSU Research Assistant), Professor Steven Vogel (HSU), and Maurice Cheng, OE CEO, for a very productive meeting.

A meaningful step toward strengthening and clarifying the professional osteopathic identity.

More to follow 💙

18/02/2026

Spotlight on Malta 🇲🇹

The Malta Association of Osteopaths (MAO) is a registered Voluntary Organisation (VO/1637) which was established in 2019 to represent osteopaths and promote the osteopathic profession locally.

Malta is one of the European Countries where Osteopathy is officially regulated. The title ‘Osteopath’ is protected by Law under the ‘Health Care Professions Act’ (Cap. 464). It is regulated by the Council of Professions Complementary to Medicine (CPCM) and individuals need to be registered with the Council in order to practice legally.

The Council also regulates another 19 allied healthcare professions. Osteopathy is regarded as an independent Healthcare profession and is exempt from VAT without credit (Cap. 464 - Laws of Malta). Although covered by most private health insurances, osteopathy is not available in public healthcare and is not reimbursed by the state.

Although Osteopathy was mentioned in the Health Care Professions Act in 2003, there was no active Register until 2012. The Malta Association of Osteopaths (MAO) has worked to educate the public on the benefits of Osteopathy as well as establish good rapport with other Healthcare professions. In May 2025, the MAO held a successful interdisciplinary meeting on chronic musculoskeletal pain.

There are over 280 individuals on the Osteopathy Register, although only about 15 are known to practice locally. For more information, visit https://osteopathy.org.mt/ Malta Association of Osteopaths

16/02/2026

Osteopathy Europe holds regular online meetings for representatives of Member organisations. Our Last online Network meeting on the 27th of January was well attended and we exchanged key updates from the OE board, all committees and individual member updates.

These meetings are an opportunity to update each other on the ongoing and important work by national organisations. It is also a time for us to appreciate the dedication and commitment that all members and involved parties have been putting towards the common goal of advancing the status of our profession. Well done to all!

06/02/2026

We are pleased to announce the Osteopathy Europe Spring Conference &
General Meeting 2026, taking place in Salzburg, Austria, on 6–7 March 2026.
Kindly hosted by the Österreichische Gesellschaft für Osteopathie (OEGO), the
meeting will bring together representatives from across Europe for productive
discussions, exchange, and collaboration.
Österreichische Gesellschaft für Osteopathie

31/01/2026

📢 Research participants needed: Registered Osteopaths
Are you an osteopath? We’d love to hear your perspective.

About the research:
We’re conducting the Osteopathic Models Synthesis (OsMoSys) Project — an international study exploring which osteopathic models matter most in practice and education. Your input will help shape a clearer, evidence-informed understanding of the frameworks that guide osteopathic reasoning, teaching, and clinical care.

What’s involved:
An online Q-sort activity (approx. 30 minutes) where you’ll rank osteopathic models according to their perceived relevance in your daily practice. The activity can be completed at your own pace, and all responses are anonymous.

Interested?
Follow this link: https://osmosys-study-clinicians.netlify.app/
OR scan the QR code below to find out more and take part.

Questions?
Contact Louisa Henson at louisa.henson@hsu.ac.uk
This research has received ethical approval [SREP – 102025-05].

29/01/2026

Following the landmark Law No. 3 of 2018 (the Lorenzin Law), osteopathy has moved from an unregulated field to a fully recognised healthcare profession. This journey marks a significant step in enhancing the National Health System and ensuring the highest quality of care for citizens.

Here are the key milestones:

✅ A Shift to University Education: From 2024, osteopathic training has structurally moved into the university system, with nine universities currently offering the degree. By September 2026, all new enrolments must be within the university framework.

✅ A Specialist in Prevention: Osteopathy is now officially classified within the "prevention area" of healthcare. This means osteopaths are regulated to intervene across all four levels of prevention—from assessing healthy individuals to managing chronic conditions and comorbidities.

✅ The Equivalence Pathway: For those trained in private institutions, a clear transition process is now in place. To regularise their status, professionals must:
• Certify at least three years and 2,400 hours of education.
• Address any educational gaps and enter temporary special registers for up to six years.
• Pass professional licensing examination at a university.

Why does this matter? 🛡️ The establishment of a formal Professional Register within the Federation of Orders of Healthcare Professions ensures patient safety. It allows the public to identify appropriately trained professionals and effectively counters illegal practice.

Ultimately, only those with a qualifying degree or a legally recognised equivalent will be entitled to practice, safeguarding both the practitioner and the patient.

Are you an osteopath or a patient interested in these changes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 👇
ROI Registro degli Osteopati d'Italia

23/01/2026

Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Osteopathic Education and Research?

How is AI transforming our profession? 🌐

A recent first-of-its-kind cross-sectional study published in the International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine has explored the perspectives of osteopathic educators and researchers across 18 countries.

Key findings from the research include:
• Positive Attitudes: Participants generally view AI as a beneficial tool for both teaching and research.
• Underutilisation: Despite this positivity, AI is currently underutilised, with 40.5% of respondents reporting they have never used it.
• Human Expertise is Core: The consensus is clear—AI should support, not replace, human expertise and critical thinking.
• Need for Guidance: There is a strong demand for institutional support, clear ethical guidelines, and structured training to foster responsible integration.
The takeaway? We are at a pivotal moment. The profession is ready to lead this change with wisdom and integrity, ensuring that technology enhances the core values of osteopathy while keeping patient care at the centre.

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🏔️ AI and its implications in the osteopathic profession will be a primary focus of the Osteopathy Europe Spring Meeting in Salzburg (6th–7th March 2026).

Our members will be actively engaged in:

• In-depth discussions on AI in Clinical Practice, Education, and Research.
• An AI Workshop on how to better utilise these tools in different settings.
• Panel discussions and feedback from across all committees.

Let’s shape the "Digital Backbone" of modern osteopathy together. 🦴💻

Mhadhbi, et al. (2025) Osteopathy Educators’ and Researchers’ Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence in Academia: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, vol. 57, 16 June 2025, p. 100774, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1746068925000306, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100774.

15/01/2026

Calling all Osteopaths and the European Osteopathic Community!

We are delighted to invite our members and colleagues across the 26 countries we represent, to explore the latest edition of the Nordic Osteopathic Journal (NOJ).

As an organisation dedicated to promoting standards, regulation, and recognition for osteopaths, we believe the NOJ is a crucial platform for sharing essential news, updates, and research within our profession. Each edition serves to advance the awareness of the vital role osteopaths play in the health and wellbeing of the public.

What makes the NOJ a must-read?

• Evidence-Informed Practice: It aligns with our mission to promote the value of evidence-informed clinical practice and its impact on patient care.
• Broad Accessibility: While there are versions for each Nordic country, a comprehensive English version is available for free online to ensure the wider European community can stay informed.
• Expert Insights: The journal is published annually and contains 80% common content across all versions, ensuring a unified voice for the profession.

We are also proud to share that Osteopathy Europe has contributed an article to the latest edition, further strengthening our collaboration with Nordic colleagues and the Nordic Osteopathic Alliance.

Staying updated with the latest research and professional developments is like tending to a well-used library; by regularly adding new volumes of knowledge, we ensure our clinical practice remains a rich and reliable resource for every patient who walks through the door.

📖 Download your free copy of the Nordic Osteopathic Journal online here: https://www.nordicosteopathicalliance.org/nordic-ostepathic-journal-noj/

31/12/2025

Osteopathy Europe – 2025 in Review 💙

As 2025 comes to an end, I would like to reflect briefly on what we have achieved together this year. It has been a year marked by meaningful progress on key priorities: strengthening the profession’s policy position, deepening member engagement, and improving our collaboration across Europe and internationally. We have also enhanced our outward visibility through more coordinated communication and strategic use of social media, helping us highlight key initiatives and reach broader audiences.
These developments have only been possible thanks to the significant contributions and sustained commitment, dialogue and trust from all our committees — including the Research Committee, Education Committee, Policy Committee and our Communication Task Force — as well as from our member organisations.
Below are some of the key milestones that shaped 2025:

🔹 Spring Conference & AGM in Mallorca – focus on statutory regulation, policy development and osteopathic identity

🔹 Well-attended online Members Network Meetings with relevant themes, committee updates and member news

🔹 Research Committee webinar: How to Publish Your First Research Paper – supporting more osteopaths to engage in research

🔹 HVLA in Paediatric Osteopathy Survey launched with international partners – mapping practice and education across countries

🔹 Autumn Conference & GM in Wiesbaden – adoption of the new Strategic Plan 2026–2028 and unanimous election of Tomas Collin as President-Elect

🔹 Osteopathy Europe joined the WHO’s World Rehabilitation Alliance (WRA) – strengthening our position on the broader rehabilitation community

🔹 Board decision to initiate the Osteopathic Identity Project – a Delphi study convened by the Research Committee, which will inform our preparation for the upcoming CEN revision and support a clearer shared professional identity across Europe.
In March 2026, both Lluís Horta and I will step down from the OE Board, leaving two Board positions open for election. On 11 December, all members received the full call for nominations, including details on how to apply. Please remember that the application deadline is 23 January 2026.

On behalf of Osteopathy Europe, I wish you all a healthy, peaceful and inspiring New Year. May 2026 bring progress for our profession, stronger collaboration across countries, and continued well-being for the communities we serve 💙

Warm regards, from Hanna Tómasdóttir, OE President

24/12/2025

Warmest festive wishes from all of us at Osteopathy Europe! 🎅🇪🇺

As the year draws to a close, we want to thank our member organisations and regulatory authorities for their dedication to advancing the recognition of the osteopathic profession.

It has been a busy year of growth and connection, and we are excited for what 2026 has in store.

Wishing our members and the wider community a peaceful Christmas and a healthy start to the New Year! 🥂

12/12/2025

We are excited to share the results of a recent study entitled: European research Priorities for Osteopathic Care (PROCare) (Vaucher et al., 2025).

The study successfully developed and validated the PROCare framework, offering a robust taxonomic structure for systematically evaluating research needs across diverse interested parties - including patients, practitioners, educators, and policymakers.

Osteopathy Europe encourages educational institutions to incorporate training in research priority assessment using the PROCare framework and skills in interested parties engagement.

By focusing on agreed core priorities - such as patient safety and physical activity promotion - we can advance evidence-based practice and ensure our research remains relevant to clinical care.

Access the study here: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-100757.

Vaucher, P., Carnes, D., Hohenschurz-Schmidt, D., Thomson, O., Vogel, S., Chiara Arienti, Bright, P., Bustins, G.A., Esteves, J., Esteves, N.K., Fawkes, C., Rinne, S., Roura, S., Loïc Treffel, Wagner, A. and Draper-Rodi, J. (2025). European research Priorities for Osteopathic Care (PROCare): a sequential exploratory investigation and survey. BMJ Open, 15(10), pp.e100757–e100757.

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