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.

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.

06/12/2025

The Swedish Osteopathic Association (Svenska Osteopatförbundet - SOF) Svenska Osteopatförbundet has issued a press release arguing that a strained primary care sector needs more competencies, urging the inclusion of osteopaths.

Osteopaths represent an important resource that currently stands outside the system.

The Challenge Facing Primary Care:

Primary care in Sweden is heavily burdened. The National Healthcare Competence Council reported in 2022 that large parts of the country lack sufficient resources, with shortages in key competencies such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, and occupational therapists. This situation affects both patient accessibility and forces existing personnel to work under pressure, impacting the work environment and patient safety.

Emmelie Hansen, Chair of SOF, states that osteopathy has an important role when healthcare personnel cannot work sustainably.

The Path to Licensing (Regulation):

In its referral response to the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs (SOU 2025:63), SOF confirms that osteopaths now meet all requirements for licensing, following the establishment of a new Swedish higher education osteopathy program.

SOF stresses that Sweden is still the only country in the Nordic region without licensed osteopaths, despite the profession being regulated in Norway, Finland, and Denmark.

Licensing would facilitate collaboration, strengthen patient safety, and provide patients with safer access to competent caregivers.

How Osteopaths Can Relieve Pressure:

Osteopaths meet patients daily who suffer from pain, stress-related, and functional problems - conditions that make up a large portion of primary care patient flow. Osteopathy is a manual health profession based on natural sciences such as anatomy, physiology, neurology, biomechanics, and pathology.

Through manual treatment, counselling, and a person-centered approach, osteopaths can:

• Contribute early interventions that prevent long-term issues.
• Strengthen continuity and the patient’s own capacity for recovery.
• Relieve other healthcare professions through complementary interventions.
• Contribute to research and development in musculoskeletal health.

Ms Hansen emphasises that the goal is not to replace any profession but to strengthen the teams in healthcare.

She notes that the question is about quality and safety, not status:

“Regulation is a prerequisite for the patient to know who they are meeting, for the healthcare system to be able to collaborate effectively and for Sweden to utilise the competence that already exists”.

Ultimately, SOF believes that including regulated osteopaths will lead to “shorter waiting lists, earlier interventions, and better cooperation between professional groups” within the healthcare system.

Osteopathy Europe strongly supports the efforts of SOF to achieve regulation in Sweden. We believe the inclusion of regulated osteopaths in public healthcare provision is crucial for easing the pressure that is a reality in primary care across all of Europe.

As SOF Chair Emmelie Hansen states, the goal is not to replace any profession, but to strengthen the teams in healthcare, leading to shorter waiting lists, earlier interventions, and better cooperation between professional groups.

Full press release (in Swedish) here: https://tinyurl.com/496nkyd5

28/11/2025

Meet COME collaboration! At Osteopathy Europe we believe research drives our profession forward.

That’s why we’re proud to highlight COME Collaboration - a foundation accelerating international osteopathic research and education. Whether you’re a clinician, educator or student, there are opportunities to engage,
collaborate and contribute to projects that shape the future of osteopathy.

👉 Find out more about COME collaboration and who they are: https://www.comecollaboration.org/who-we-are/.

COME Collaboration Onlus

21/11/2025

New President-Elect Announcement
During our Annual General Meeting in Wiesbaden, Osteopathy Europe was proud to announce the appointment of our new President-Elect, Tomas Collin.

This marks a significant moment for our organisation, as current President Hanna
Tómasdóttir completes her term in Spring 2026, after seven years of dedicated leadership and service to Osteopathy Europe.

🇳🇴 Tomas has been serving as Treasurer of Osteopathy Europe since 2023.
He is the elected President of the Norwegian Association of Osteopaths, a role he combines with his clinical practice in Færder, just south of Oslo.

Tomas has played an active leadership role across the Nordic region through the Nordic Osteopathic Association, and since 2021, has chaired Osteopathy Europe’s Education Committee, contributing to the development of professional standards and policy guidance across Europe.

Please join us in congratulating Tomas as he prepares to step into this new role!

www.osteopathyeurope.org

13/11/2025

Osteopathy Europe’s Research Committee is proud to support this important
international study on the use of HVLA techniques in paediatric osteopathic care.

Your experience and insight are vital to guide future policies and practice.
To take part, please contact your national osteopathic association or regulatory
authority.

These surveys are not only intended for osteopaths who treat children, but for all osteopaths.

The survey only takes 5 minutes and is open throughout November 2025.

Together, we can help shape safe, evidence-informed osteopathic care for children
and adolescents.

In collaboration with COME Collaboration Italy Osteopathy Australia Osteopaths New Zealand Schweizerischer Osteopathieverband / Fédération Suisse d'Ostéopathie

Adres

Avenue Charles Madoux 59
Brussels
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Website

http://www.osteopathyeurope.org/

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