Charbel NAJEM

Instructor

Institute of Physiotherapy

+961 (1) 421 000 charbel.najem3@usj.edu.lb

Dr. Charbel Najem is a Lebanese physical therapist, researcher, educator, and clinician specializing in chronic pain, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and pain neuroscience education. He is currently an Assistant Professor and Clinical Coordinator at the Department of Physical Therapy at Antonine University, Lebanon, where he also serves as a member of the scientific committee. In parallel, he has been leading Rehab Zone Clinic in Beirut since 2004, a rehabilitation center dedicated to sports injuries and chronic pain management. Dr. Najem completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy at the Lebanese University, followed by a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. He later earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Saint Joseph University in Lebanon and completed his PhD in Health Sciences at Ghent University, Belgium. His academic and clinical work focuses on culturally informed pain management, chronic low back pain, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and the integration of pain neuroscience education into rehabilitation practice. He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed international publications addressing pain, religion and culture, chronic musculoskeletal disorders, and psychosocial rehabilitation approaches. Dr. Najem has presented his work at several international scientific congresses, including the European Pain Federation (EFIC), the World Physiotherapy Congress (WPT), and the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). He is also actively involved in supervising master’s and bachelor’s research projects in physical therapy, chronic pain, and rehabilitation sciences. Through his academic, clinical, and research activities, Dr. Najem continues to contribute to the advancement of evidence-based rehabilitation and pain science in Lebanon and internationally.

Education

Degree University Country Year
Licence - Physical Therapy Université Libanaise Liban 2003
Master - Physical Therapy Katholieke universiteit Leuven - Belgique Belgique 2004
DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) - Physiothérapie Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth Liban 2019
Doctorat - Health and life sciences Ghent University 2024