Who are the OCI?

Since 2009 the Osteopathic Council of Ireland (OCI) is the competent authority for governing and regulating osteopathy in the Republic of Ireland. The primary role of the OCI is to protect the public and provide resources for its osteopathic practitioners registered on its register. Resources such as CPD training options, information on ethics, insurance, regulation and standards and online tutorials.

“The EFFO, in the animation below was re-titled OE (Osteopathy Europe) in 2023”.

The OCI are the only governing body to hold the register of qualified osteopaths in Ireland. All osteopaths accepted on to the OCI register must adhere to the following standards:

  • 1

    Has a minimum BSc degree level 7 qualification in osteopathy.

  • 2

    Holds professional indemnity insurance to treat the public in private practice.

  • 3

    Maintains annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of a minimum 30 hours per year.

  • 4

    Holds a certificate in first aid to be renewed every 2 years.

  • 5

    Is certified in Child Protection from the Tusla – Child and Family Agency, renewable every three years.

  • 6

    Agrees to abide by a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice aligned with other European regulatory bodies for osteopathy.

OCI  Standards

The OCI aims to protect the public by assuring that all members on the OCI register adhere to the proper Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice within the profession of Osteopathy in Ireland. Adopting this code is a key part in this process and, as the profession develops, the OCI is committed to reviewing these standards on an on-going basis to ensure that they remain both relevant and comprehensive.

What Is 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.

To an osteopath, for your body to work well, its structure must also work well. Therefore, osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible, without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension. Enhancing blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture or exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.

Who and what do osteopaths treat?

Osteopaths believe everyone can benefit from a tailored, whole-person approach to health. Patients include the young, older people, manual workers, office professionals, pregnant women, children and athletes. Treatment is sought for a wide variety of conditions, including back pain, postural problems, pregnancy pain, work strain, emotional strain eg: stress, inflammatory issues, minor sports injuries and more.

Regulation of Osteopathy in Ireland

Osteopathy has helped millions of people since the 1800s and is recognised throughout the world. The profession of osteopathy is already statutorily regulated throughout much of Europe, as well as Australia and New Zealand. The OCI is currently a voluntary self-regulatory organisation for osteopaths practising in Ireland. Although the OCI has set out strict requirements for all its members to meet, it is working hard towards achieving statutory regulation under CORU and is in on-going communications with the Department of Health to meet this goal. By regulating osteopathy in Ireland, the osteopathic title can be protected by law and Irish citizens can be assured of the quality of service they receive. In addition, referral pathways with GP’s and other healthcare professionals can be conducted in the confidence that all regulated osteopaths meet the high standards of competency, conduct and safety set by the regulatory authority.