The OCI must impart key messages to the Public and the Membership

The Public

osteopathy

  • Role and Responsibility of OCI:

    The OCI is the competent authority for governing and regulating Osteopathy in the Republic of Ireland since 2009.

  • Protection of the Public:

    The primary role of OCI is to protect the public by ensuring that registered osteopathic practitioners adhere to a specific set of standards and a proper code of ethics and practice.

  • Standards for Osteopaths:

    All osteopaths on the OCI register must meet certain standards:

    • Minimum BSc degree level 7 qualification in osteopathy.
    • Professional indemnity insurance for private practice.
    • Annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of at least 30 hours.
    • First aid certification to be renewed biennially.
    • Certification in Child Protection from Tusla – Child and Family Agency, renewable every three years.
    • Abide by a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (aligned with other European regulatory bodies).

  • Ongoing Review:

    The OCI is committed to reviewing these standards continuously to ensure they are relevant and comprehensive.

The Members

osteopathy

  • Registration Requirements:

    To be accepted on the OCI register, osteopaths must adhere to the specified standards, including educational qualifications, insurance, CPD, first aid, child protection certification, and adherence to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

  • Commitment to Code of Ethics:

    Members are required to adopt the Code of Ethics as a key part of protecting the public and maintaining professional standards.

  • Ongoing Professional Development:

    Members are expected to maintain their professional knowledge and skills through annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of a minimum of 30 hours per year.

  • Certification and Renewal:

    Members must hold valid certifications in first aid and child protection, which need to be renewed on their expiration (currently every two and three years respectively)

  • Compliance and Accountability:

    Members are accountable to the OCI for their professional conduct and must adhere to the agreed-upon standards of competency, conduct, and safety.

  • Participation in Regulatory Processes:

    Members are encouraged to participate in the ongoing regulatory processes and communications with the Department of Health to achieve statutory regulation under CORU.

Regulation of Osteopathy

The OCI is a self-regulatory organisation which set out strict rules, regulations, and ethical standards for its membership. Statutory regulation under the state body CORU is a work in progress. The OCI is working tirelessly with governmental departments, agencies, and other key stakeholders to deliver formal CORU membership.

In regulating Osteopathy in Ireland, the wider public can be assured of a standard of care. Further, regulation brings protection of title, currently, the title of Osteopath can be used by unqualified persons. The current purpose of the OCI is in assuring the public that members listed and registered with the Council are regulated and standardised.

Globally Osteopathy is regulated and protected in states such as the United Kingdom, much of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Ireland is currently an outlier in this regard and the OCI is striving to deliver on this important regulatory element.

Definition of Osteopathy:

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.

Word from our President 

(TBA)

Osteopathy was founded in the late 1800’s by the physician Andrew Taylor Still.

Three principles guide Osteopathy:

• The body is a unit
• The body has a self-healing mechanism
• Structure governs function

osteopathy

In broad terms Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that is non-invasive, safe and effective. It seeks to restore function and health in the patient.

Osteopathy is based in science, Osteopaths are regarded as primary healthcare practitioners with extensive knowledge in Anatomy, Physiology, Neurology, Pathology and Orthopaedics etc. In this regard Osteopaths are trained to recognise if and when a patient requires medical referral.

Osteopathic treatment has many approaches. Some Osteopaths may use one model or a blend of models. These models are often referred to as the following:

  • Structural: This uses a hands-on approach working directly into the soft tissues (Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments) and/or mobilisation or articulations of joints.
  • Cranial: Cranial Osteopathy is a very gentle approach where light touch is used on the head, spine and/or pelvis.
  • Visceral Osteopathy: Visceral osteopathy is a branch of osteopathy that aims to address these organs’ mobility within their natural body position to allow a better function of the whole system

Whilst the models as above are within the scope of Osteopathy, on occasion, practitioners will have studied other modalities and they may apply these in practice. Therefore, it is important that the Osteopath discusses their treatment approach with each patient and educates them on the reasoning behind it.

Who and what do osteopaths treat?

Osteopaths believe everyone can benefit from a tailored, whole-person approach to health. There is no age restriction in the patients treated by Osteopaths. However, different Osteopaths may practice in different ways and it is important for patients to discuss any age-related queries or concerns with their Osteopath in advance of an appointment.