Osteopathy at ActiveHealth, Beirut, Lebanon
Evidence-based treatment for pain relief and mobility
Osteopathic medicine is a non-invasive, evidence-based manual therapy that focuses on the musculoskeletal system, including the spine, joints, muscles, fascia, and related neuro-musculoskeletal structures. Through precise, hands-on techniques, osteopaths aim to restore mobility, improve biomechanics, and reduce mechanical stress that contributes to pain, movement restrictions, and functional disorders.
Osteopathy is particularly effective in the management of chronic pain, sports-related injuries, joint stiffness, muscle tension, postural imbalances, and mobility limitations. Using gentle mobilization, myofascial techniques, and targeted manual interventions, osteopathic treatment supports the body's natural capacity to adapt, recover, and function optimally.
At Active Health Clinic, osteopathy is fully integrated into a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach. Our internationally reputed osteopath, Dr. Charbel Kortbawi, specializes in chronic pain management, sports osteopathy, and complex musculoskeletal conditions. Each osteopathic consultation is based on a comprehensive clinical assessment, allowing for personalized treatment plans tailored to the patient's condition, activity level, and long-term functional goals.
Osteopathy services
General Osteopathy
Excellence in osteopathic care in Beirut. The consultation includes a complete postural assessment, a functional evaluation, and treatment tailored to each patient's profile. Among the conditions commonly treated:
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain and whiplash injuries
- Tendinitis (shoulder, elbow, hip, knee)
- Sciatica and cruralgia
- Functional digestive disorders, tension headaches
Osteopathy for sports related injuries
As an osteopath specialized in sports therapy, Dr. Kortbawi offers care tailored to athletes of all levels, integrating an approach based on up-to-date scientific data and the principles of biomechanics and neurophysiology of movement.
Sports expose the body to significant mechanical stress that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, joint dysfunction, and postural imbalances. Each treatment begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment including a postural evaluation, a functional analysis of the sporting movement, and an exploration of the interactions between the different body systems (musculoskeletal, neurological, fascial).
Thanks to his dual expertise in osteopathy and movement neuroscience, he offers precise, individualized support aimed at optimizing performance, preventing recurrence, and improving the body's adaptability to exercise.
Pain management
Dr. Charbel Kortbawi is a specialized osteopath in chronic pain management, working with patients who have been experiencing persistent pain for more than three months. Chronic pain is often complex and multifactorial, and may affect different areas of the body, such as the lower back (chronic low back pain), neck (chronic neck pain), present as recurrent headaches or migraines, or manifest as widespread pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia, sometimes without a clearly identified organic cause.
As a complementary approach to conventional medicine, osteopathy relies on evidence-based manual techniques aimed at restoring tissue mobility, improving posture, and rebalancing muscle, joint, and fascial tensions. These mechanical interventions contribute to pain modulation through the central nervous system, helping to reduce pain perception and improve the body's adaptive capacity.
Specialized in therapeutic patient education, Dr. Charbel Kortbawi integrates an educational dimension into the management of chronic pain. This approach helps patients better understand the mechanisms of their pain, identify contributing factors, and adopt self-management strategies adapted to daily life. By promoting patient autonomy, body awareness, and active participation in care, this integrated approach significantly enhances the effectiveness of osteopathic treatment and supports long-term functional improvement and quality of life.
Osteopathy for pregnant women
Former osteopath at the Maternity Unit of the American Hospital of Paris, Dr. Charbel Kortbawi offers specialized osteopathic care for women during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, osteopathy helps relieve common functional musculoskeletal discomforts such as low back pain, sciatica, pelvic pain, and thoracic or chest tension, which may arise as the body adapts to physiological and postural changes.
Frequently asked questions
What conditions can osteopathy treat?
Osteopathy at Active Health Clinic is commonly used for lower back pain, neck pain and whiplash injuries, tendinitis of the shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee, sciatica, tension headaches, functional digestive disorders, sports injuries, and chronic pain syndromes. It is also adapted for women during pregnancy.
How many osteopathy sessions will I 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.
What happens during the first consultation?
Every osteopathic consultation starts with a comprehensive clinical assessment: a complete postural assessment, a functional evaluation, and a review of your history and activity level. Treatment is then tailored to your condition and long-term functional goals.
Is osteopathy safe during pregnancy?
Yes, when delivered by an osteopath trained in perinatal care. Dr. Charbel Kortbawi worked at the Maternity Unit of the American Hospital of Paris and treats women throughout pregnancy, with techniques adapted to gestational age and obstetric considerations.
What is the difference between osteopathy and physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy focuses on restoring movement and function through exercise and rehabilitation protocols. Osteopathy evaluates how the body moves and uses manual techniques to relieve pain, improve mobility and support functional recovery. The two approaches are often combined for optimal results.