Finding a way between osteopathic principles and evidence-based practices: Response to Esteves et al.

We were delighted to read Esteves et al.’s editorial [ [1] Esteves J.E. Zegarra-Parodi R. Dun P van Cerritelli F. Vaucher P. Models and theoretical frameworks for osteopathic care – a critical view and call for updates and research. Int J Osteopath Med. 2020; 35: 1-4https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijosm.2020.01.003 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (18) Google Scholar ] and the responses it has sparked regarding the evolution of osteopathy, osteopathic education and research development. Numerous differences exist in osteopathic practice and education all around the world partly due to differing legal recognition and professional statutes. The debate requires the consideration of all these aspects in relation to the professional environment in which osteopaths evolve [ 2 Bill A.-S. Dubois J. Pasquier J. Burnand B. Rodondi P.-Y. Osteopathy in the French-speaking part of Switzerland: Practitioners' profile and scope of back pain management. PLoS One. 2020; 15e0232607https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0232607 Crossref PubMed Scopus (3) Google Scholar , 3 Steel A. Peng W. Sibbritt D. Adams J. Introducing national osteopathy practice-based research networks in Australia and New Zealand: an overview to inform future osteopathic research. Sci Rep. 2020; 10: 1-11https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-57918-7 Crossref PubMed Scopus (7) Google Scholar , 4 Vaucher P. Macdonald R.J.D. Carnes D. The role of osteopathy in the Swiss primary health care system: a practice review. BMJ Open. 2018; 8e023770https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023770 Crossref PubMed Scopus (20) Google Scholar , 5 van Dun P.L.S. Nicolaie M.A. Van Messem A. State of affairs of osteopathy in the benelux: benelux osteosurvey 2013. Int J Osteopath Med. 2016; 20: 3-17https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijosm.2016.01.003 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (24) Google Scholar ] which may stimulate a rich debate on the consensus/disagreements surrounding osteopathic practice and education.