Who are we?

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 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 2nd

  • 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, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and 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 sportspeople. Treatment is sought for a wide variety of conditions, including back pain, changes to posture in pregnancy, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and minor sports injuries.

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.

Word from our President – Paula Marran

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.

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.