Osteopathy
Definition, indications and conditions treated
Osteopathy is a non-invasive therapy that aims to improve the health of the entire body system by manipulating, stimulating and strengthening the neuro-musculo-skeletal framework. Osteopathy is the basis of what we now call “manual therapy” or “manual medicine”. It was founded in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still in the United States. It is based on a holistic concept of the human body, in which all the components of our organism interact and influence each other. With the evolution of science and medicine, this schema is known today as the bio-psycho-social system, which takes on its full importance in the management of chronic pain. An osteopath focuses on the joints, muscles and fascia. Treatment aims to mobilize the musculo-articular structure and stimulate the body's nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems. Osteopathy is highly effective for mechanical pain, as well as complementing other treatments for more complex pathologies and syndromes such as headaches, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome etc...
It is important for the patient to ensure that his or her osteopath practices therapeutic indications based on scientific evidence and not on pseudoscientific grounds or beliefs.
In Paris 16, Charbel J. Kortbawi, osteopath, is specialized in chronic pain management and neurosciences offers adapted care to different patient profiles, including adults, athletes and pregnant women. He pays particular attention to athletes, who are often prone to chronic pain and injury due to the intensity of their physical activity. Through manual therapy, he helps prevent injury, optimize performance and speed recovery after intense effort or competition. For patients suffering from chronic pain, his approach incorporates the latest scientific advances to offer lasting solutions.
​
It is essential for all patients to ensure that their osteopath bases his or her practice on sound scientific evidence, to avoid any pseudoscientific drift. By combining expertise and scientific rigor, Charbel J. Kortbawi guarantees effective treatment adapted to each individual case, thus helping to improve his patients' quality of life.
​
When to consult an osteopath?
For athletes and sports injury
Reduced joint or muscle flexibility will affect your performance and may lead to injury. Your osteopath will facilitate the return to optimal function and prevent the development of compensatory mechanical adaptations and tensions. This will minimize recurrences and enable a quicker return to physical activity. Osteopathic treatment involves safe, gentle and effective manual techniques. Charbel Jean Kortbawi, Osteopath in Paris 16, will offer treatment based on the latest scientific recommendations in sports medicine, as well as advice and exercises adapted to each patient's activity. All major athletes and professional teams are regularly treated by an osteopath.
​
​
Back pain
Back pain (cervicalgia, dorsalgia and low back pain) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders treated by osteopathy. Up to 95% of this pain is described as mechanical in nature, meaning that the underlying cause is a functional abnormality, rather than an inflammatory disease, tumour or visceral condition. Charbel-Jean Kortbawi, Osteopath in Paris 16, offers osteopathic treatment of and acute back pain of mechanical origin, as well as chronic pain management.
Osteopathy for pregnant women
During pregnancy, the body undergoes major changes in a relatively short time. To adapt to these changes, your body releases a hormone called relaxin. This allows ligaments throughout your body to soften and stretch, helping your posture to adapt as your baby grows. If your body is adapting well to this increase in size and weight, you'll usually experience minimal pain and discomfort. If your body is struggling to adapt to these changes, excessive strain may be placed on your spine, neck and shoulders, causing pain and discomfort. Osteopathic treatment during and after pregnancy is safe and can be beneficial in a number of ways: To relieve some of the physical discomforts of pregnancy, such as low back pain, sacroiliac joint pain, neck pain, and so on. Prepare joints and muscles for the demands of labor, and help the mother recover after birth.
Charbel Jean Kortbawi, former osteopath at the maternity of the American Hospital in Paris, is specialized and qualified in the management of pain associated with pregnancy.
Headaches
What does osteopathy treat: migraine or tension headache?
Tension headache is the most common headache. It is generally a diffuse, mild to moderate, bilateral pain in the head, often described as a feeling of tension around the head. Tension headache is the most responsive to osteopathic and manual therapy treatment. The most common theory is that patients with headache are more sensitive to pain. Increased muscle sensitivity, a common symptom of tension headache, may result from a sensitized pain system. The osteopath will play a major role in reducing pain by relaxing the muscles of the neck, head and jaw. Acute migraine without aura can also be an indication for osteopathic treatment.
Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, commonly referred to as “TMJ”, are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction of the jaw. Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders can include: pain or tenderness in your jaw, pain in and around your ear, difficulty chewing or pain when chewing, facial pain, limited range of motion, making it difficult to open or close your mouth. The osteopath, in collaboration with a specialized dentist, will play a major role in reducing the pain, releasing the jaw muscles and maintaining a functional range of movement of the joint.
Chronic pain management
Chronic pain is persistent pain that lasts for more than three months and can significantly impair quality of life. Chronic pain is often multifactorial, involving physical, psychological and social components. This global approach is known as the bio-psycho-social model, which is essential for understanding and treating this type of pain.
Osteopathic treatment of chronic pain focuses on the body's balance and mobility. Using manual techniques, the osteopath mobilizes joints, relaxes muscles and works on fascia to release accumulated mechanical tension. The aim is to restore harmony to musculoskeletal structures.
Osteopathy is particularly effective for chronic pain of a mechanical nature, such as joint pain. As a complement to other treatments, it can also offer relief for more complex conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraines or digestive disorders. By taking into account the individual as a whole, the osteopath tailors treatment to the patient's specific needs, contributing to a significant improvement in well-being.