Frequently Asked Questions

Dr Charbel Alam is an osteopath and physiotherapist treating musculoskeletal problems: lower back pain, sciatica, neck pain, headaches, shoulder, hip and knee pain, sports injuries, posture-related pain and recovery after surgery.

Requirements depend on local regulations and your insurance policy. Contact the clinic before your first visit and check with your insurer if you plan to claim reimbursement.

A first appointment includes a full assessment and treatment and is longer than follow-up sessions. You will be told the expected duration when you book.

It depends on the problem and how long you have had it. Many recent problems improve within two to four sessions; long-standing issues usually need a longer plan with exercise. You will get an estimate after your first visit.

You do not have to choose. Dr Charbel Alam is trained in both disciplines and combines hands-on osteopathic treatment with physiotherapy exercise rehabilitation as your case requires.

Osteopathy and physiotherapy are low-risk when delivered by a trained clinician. Every patient is screened for conditions that need medical referral, techniques are explained beforehand, and treatment is adjusted to your comfort.

Bring any scan or X-ray reports, doctor’s letters, a list of medications and wear comfortable clothing that lets the area being treated be examined.

Yes. Almost every patient leaves with a short, personalised home programme. Exercise is one of the best-supported ways to recover and prevent problems returning.

Yes. The clinic is in Panorama Towers, Dekweneh, on the eastern edge of Beirut next to Sin El Fil, and welcomes patients from Beirut, Metn, Keserwan and across Mount Lebanon. Use Google Maps for directions from wherever you are coming from.

Message the clinic on WhatsApp using the booking button on this website, or find the clinic on Google to see directions and opening hours.

Most techniques are gentle. You may feel some tenderness in sore areas and mild aching for 24–48 hours afterwards, similar to after exercise. Treatment is always adjusted to your comfort.

Many recent, uncomplicated problems improve noticeably within two to four sessions. Long-standing or recurring issues usually need a longer plan that includes exercise. You will get an estimate after your first assessment.

Both are manual therapies. Osteopathy typically uses a broader mix of soft-tissue, mobilisation and joint techniques and looks at the body as an interconnected whole, rather than focusing mainly on spinal adjustment.

It depends on local regulations and your insurer. Contact the clinic before booking and bring any doctor’s letters you have. If anything in your assessment needs medical investigation, you will be referred.

There is significant overlap. Osteopathy leans more on hands-on techniques and whole-body assessment; physiotherapy places more emphasis on structured exercise rehabilitation. Dr Charbel Alam is trained in both and combines them as your case requires.

Comfortable clothing you can move in, such as shorts or leggings and a T-shirt, so the area being treated can be assessed easily.

Usually not. Clinical guidelines recommend imaging only when there are warning signs or when results would change treatment. If your assessment suggests imaging is needed, you will be referred to a doctor.

Seek urgent medical care if back pain comes with numbness around the groin or buttocks, new problems controlling your bladder or bowels, progressive leg weakness, fever, or follows a significant fall or accident.

They can contribute. A pillow that keeps your neck roughly level with your spine when lying on your side or back is generally most comfortable, but sleep posture is rarely the only factor.

Short-term protection helps in the first few days, but prolonged complete rest usually slows recovery. Most injuries heal better with early, appropriately dosed movement guided by a clinician.

It depends on the injury: a mild ankle sprain may take two to three weeks, while a significant muscle tear can take six weeks or more. Return is based on meeting strength and function criteria, not only on time.

Often within days, depending on the procedure and your surgeon’s instructions. Early, guided movement typically reduces stiffness and speeds recovery.

Yes. Please bring your discharge summary, operation notes and any rehabilitation protocol or restrictions your surgeon provided.

Posture alone is rarely the whole story. Research suggests that staying still for long periods, low activity levels and stress matter more than any specific posture. Variety of movement is the key.

Not necessarily. Standing desks can help some people by encouraging position changes, but standing all day has its own problems. Alternating positions and taking regular movement breaks matters most.