Regulation of Osteopathy in Europe

Currently, osteopathy is regulated in twelve European countries: Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland and the UK.

We strongly urge all governments across Europe to recognise and regulate osteopathy as an independent, primary healthcare profession.

We recommend that the title ‘osteopath’ is protected by law and that osteopaths and osteopathic physicians can only use the title if they meet certain statutory conditions in terms of competencies and registration and/or licensure.

This would normally require statutory registration, set out in national or state/provincial law, as the health professional must comply with set standards of practice that protect the patients they treat.

Patients should be able to consult an osteopath, confident in the knowledge that the practitioner is able to practise efficiently, effectively and safely. Countries that have properly trained and regulated osteopaths see the benefits of high patient satisfaction, safe practice and good patient outcomes.

The regulation map below provides an​ overview of the osteopathic profession is based on information collected by our Policy Committee and Osteopathy Europe member contributions, in 2021.

The content in this document will be updated annually and has been approved by the Osteopathy Europe Board, the respective national organisations, and the Policy Committee.

Regulations in Europe

For more detailed insights into the regulatory frameworks, please engage with our interactive map. By selecting a specific country on the map, you will be directed to an in-depth exploration of the pertinent regulations, legal guidelines, and any compliance requirements relevant to that region.

Regulation of the Osteopathic Profession in Europe Report

We are delighted to present the third edition of the Regulation Overview of the Osteopathic Profession, issued in October 2023. This report has gained recognition and is utilised worldwide, contributing significantly to regulatory processes. It has been a crucial resource for healthcare authorities, essential decision-makers, and other key stakeholders over the past two years, referenced in doctoral theses and peer-reviewed articles.

The regulation overview of the osteopathic profession is based on information collected by our Policy Committee and Osteopathy Europe member contributions, in 2021.​ The contents of report will be updated annually and has been approved by the Osteopathy Europe Board, the respective national organisations, and our Policy Committee.

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Switzerland

Population: 8.6 million
Osteopaths in Total: 1,300
Primary Health Care: Yes
Title ‘Osteopath’ Protected: Yes
Legislation based on CEN/WHO Benchmark: No

Cyprus

Population: 650,000
Osteopaths in Total: 18
Primary Health Care: Yes
Title ‘Osteopath’ Protected: Yes
Legislation based on CEN/WHO Benchmark: Yes

Denmark

Population: 5.8 million
Osteopaths in Total: 320 approx
Primary Health Care: Yes
Title ‘Osteopath’ Protected: Yes
Legislation based on CEN/WHO Benchmark: Yes

Finland

Population: 5.5 million
Osteopaths in Total: 500
Primary Health Care: Yes
Title ‘Osteopath’ Protected: Yes
Legislation based on CEN/WHO Benchmark: No

France

Population: 67 million
Osteopaths in Total: 25,600
Primary Health Care: No
Title ‘Osteopath’ Protected: Yes
Legislation based on CEN/WHO Benchmark: No

United Kingdom

Population: 68 million
Osteopaths in Total: 5,500
Primary Health Care: Yes
Title ‘Osteopath’ Protected: Yes
Legislation based on CEN/WHO Benchmark: No

Iceland

Population: 376,000
Osteopaths in Total: 8
Primary Health Care: Yes
Title ‘Osteopath’ Protected: Yes
Legislation based on CEN/WHO Benchmark: No

Italy

Population: 60.36 million
Osteopaths in Total: 12,000
Primary Health Care: Yes
Title ‘Osteopath’ Protected: Yes
Legislation based on CEN/WHO Benchmark: No

Liechtenstein

Population:
Osteopaths in Total:
Primary Health Care:
Title ‘Osteopath’ Protected:
Legislation based on CEN/WHO Benchmark:

Luxembourg

Population: 636,000
Osteopaths in Total: 250-300
Primary Health Care: Yes
Title ‘Osteopath’ Protected: Yes
Legislation based on CEN/WHO Benchmark: Partly

Malta

Population: 500,000
Osteopaths in Total: 26
Primary Health Care: Yes
Title ‘Osteopath’ Protected: Yes
Legislation based on CEN/WHO Benchmark: No

Norway

Population: 5.5 million
Osteopaths in Total: 500 approx
Primary Health Care: Yes
Title ‘Osteopath’ Protected: Yes
Legislation based on CEN/WHO Benchmark: Yes

Portugal

Population: 10.1 million
Osteopaths in Total: 2,050
Primary Health Care: Yes
Title ‘Osteopath’ Protected: Yes
Legislation based on CEN/WHO Benchmark: No