Charbel Kortbawi DO, MSc.
Osteopath & Chronic Pain Specialist
Dr. Charbel Kortbawi is an internationally recognized osteopath and chronic pain specialist with advanced training in neurosciences and pain management. Since 2009, he has been practicing between Beirut and Paris, where he is known for his patient-centered approach and evidence-based care. As the founder of Active Health Clinic in Beirut, Dr. Kortbawi is widely trusted for his expertise in treating sports injuries, back pain, TMJ disorders, and chronic pain conditions.
Education
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French Diploma in Osteopathy – École Supérieure d’Ostéopathie, Paris, France
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Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine – European Council of Osteopathic Schools, Geneva, Switzerland
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Masters in Neurosciences – University of Paris Est-Créteil, France
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Diploma in Clinical Anatomy & Radiology – Université de Versailles, France
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Diploma in Chronic Pain Management – Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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Diploma in Pain Management of the Musculoskeletal System – Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, Valenciennes, France
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Professional Experience
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Founder & Director – Active Health Clinic, Achrafieh, Beirut (since 2017)
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Private Practice – Paris (Victor Hugo), France
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Osteopath – American Hospital of Paris (Maternity Unit – osteopathy for pregnant women, 2021-2022)
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Hospital Practice – LAUMC-Rizk Hospital, Beirut (2009–2013)
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Lecturer – Lebanese University, Department of Physiotherapy (2012–2020), teaching manual therapy of the spine
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Areas of Expertise
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Sports Injuries & Rehabilitation
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Chronic Back Pain & Sciatica
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TMJ (Jaw) Disorders & Headaches
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Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Syndromes
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Osteopathy for Pregnant Women
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Patient Education in Pain Neuroscience
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Professional Memberships
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Member, French Society for the Study and Treatment of Pain (SFETD)
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Member, Rehabilitation Commission of the SFETD
With over 18 years of experience, Dr. Kortbawi is committed to helping patients move better, recover faster, and manage pain effectively. His unique approach integrates osteopathy, neuroscience, and evidence-based pain management, making him a reference in chronic pain care and rehabilitation in Lebanon and France.​​​​​
* Online appointment are only for pain management, pain neurosciences education and follow ups
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions does Dr. Kortbawi treat?
Dr. Kortbawi treats musculoskeletal mechanic conditions across four main areas: back pain (chronic low back pain, sciatica, neck pain), headache and jaw disorders (cervicogenic headache, tension-type headache, TMJ disorders), sports and musculoskeletal injuries. His approach combines osteopathic manual treatment, pain neuroscience education, and evidence-based pain management.
How many sessions will you need?
It depends on the condition. Acute musculoskeletal complaints often improve in 1 to 2 sessions. Subacute or recurrent issues typically require 3 to 6 sessions spaced over several weeks. Chronic pain conditions are managed with a longer, structured plan combining manual treatment, education and active strategies, with regular re-evaluation. Dr. Kortbawi's clinical position is simple: if osteopathy does not produce measurable change within a defined number of sessions, the plan is reassessed rather than continued indefinitely.
Is osteopathy safe during pregnancy?
Yes, when delivered by an osteopath trained in perinatal care. Dr. Kortbawi worked in the Maternity Unit of the American Hospital of Paris, where he treated pregnant women throughout all three trimesters. Osteopathy is most commonly used during pregnancy for low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, sciatica and postural discomfort. Techniques are adapted to gestational age and to any obstetric considerations.
Can osteopathy help with chronic pain and fibromyalgia?
Chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, is no longer understood as simple tissue damage but as a sensitization of the nervous system involving biological, psychological and social factors. Manual therapy alone is rarely sufficient. Dr. Kortbawi's training in neurosciences (MSc, Université Paris-Est Créteil) and in chronic pain management (Sorbonne Université) supports a multimodal approach: pain neuroscience education, graded movement, manual treatment when relevant, sleep and lifestyle work, and coordination with the patient's physician and psychologist when needed.
Where does Dr. Kortbawi practice and how can I book an appointment?
Dr. Kortbawi practices in two locations. In Beirut, at Active Health Clinic, Independence Street, Malia Building, 4th Floor, Achrafieh, open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 7 pm. In Paris, at his private practice in the Victor Hugo area (Paris 16). Appointments in Beirut can be booked by phone (+961 1 336376), WhatsApp (+961 81 763210) or email (info@activehealthlb.com). Online consultations are available for chronic pain management, pain neuroscience education and follow-ups only.
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