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Osteopathy in Portugal

Osteopathy is now a fully regulated health profession in Portugal. It is a therapeutic approach that uses manual techniques to restore balance to the body. According to Ordinance No. 207-B/2014, of October 8, "osteopathy is the therapy that aims to differentially diagnose, treat, and prevent neuromusculoskeletal disorders and other related conditions, using a variety of manual techniques."
Osteopathy was first officially recognized in Portugal through Law No. 45/2003, of August 22, which included it within the group of Non-Conventional Therapies. However, regulation of professional practice was only implemented ten years later, with the publication of Decree-Law No. 71/2013, of September 2, which established the legal framework for the practice.


In subsequent years, several ordinances reinforced and detailed this framework. Among them, the following stand out:

  • Ordinance No. 181/2014 and 182/2014, of September 12, which defined the rules for access to the professional card for therapists already in practice and the regime applicable to healthcare facilities in TNC.
  • Ordinance No. 182-A/2014, which established the mandatory payment of a fee for the issuance of a professional license.
  • Ordinance No. 200/2014, which established the mandatory professional liability insurance.
  • The aforementioned Ordinance No. 207-B/2014, which established the characterization of the profession and its functional content.
  • Ordinance No. 172-E/2015, which defined the requirements for the study cycles to obtain a bachelor's degree in Osteopathy.
  • More recently, Law No. 109/2019 updated the system for granting professional licenses, relaunching the regulatory process.


Osteopath Skills
Article 4 of Ordinance No. 207-B/2014 defines the essential competencies for the practice of osteopathy. The osteopath must possess:

  • Solid and critical knowledge of osteopathic principles, applying techniques in accordance with best practices.
  • Mastery of basic sciences and understanding of biological functions in health and disease.
  • Clinical training in physiology, pathology, and clinical observation, ensuring the ability to refer cases requiring further healthcare.
  • Ability to interpret the human being holistically, identifying signs of dysfunction and developing appropriate therapeutic strategies.
  • Knowledge of psychology and social determinants of health.
  • In-depth knowledge of biomechanics and palpation and proprioception techniques.
  • Knowledge of the indications and contraindications of osteopathic treatments, ensuring safety and efficacy.
  • Interpersonal communication and behavioral science skills, essential for advising healthy lifestyles and establishing a trusting relationship with patients.

 

Thus, the practice of osteopathy in Portugal is now clearly defined, regulated, and aligned with international standards, ensuring quality, safety, and rigorous patient care.