The Department of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Antonine University (UA) partnered with the Lebanese Order of Physiotherapists (LOPT) to organize a one-day seminar on Pain: From Research to Clinical Practice at UA’s Hadat–Baabda Campus on June 10, 2023. The event aimed to bring together distinguished experts from the fields of physical therapy, pain research, and clinical therapy to discuss the latest advancements in pain management.

The seminar featured keynote speakers and visiting lecturers, namely Drs. Jessica Van Oosterwijck and Mira Meeus, from Ghent University (UGent) and the University of Antwerp (UAntwerp), Belgium. Both are renowned researchers in rehabilitation, chronic disorders, and pain. This scientific day attracted a large number of students and faculty members from different Lebanese universities, in addition to professionals in the field of physical therapy.

During the seminar, participants engaged in two panels of lecture sessions that highlighted the importance of modulation, knowledge, and several pain management techniques. The Q&A session was particularly lively, with attendees sharing their own perspectives on pain management and therapy. In the afternoon, two meet-the-expert sessions discussed critical appraised topics on pain rehabilitation, as well as static and dynamic quantitative sensory testing of pain. The hands-on workshop, conducted by Dr. Elie El-Dahdah, provided attendees with practical insight about ultrasound-guided dry needling for pain.

Through this seminar, UA’s DPT provided a platform for pain researchers to share their work, with 11 posters on display. The Public Award went to the poster entitled “Adherence of Lebanese Physical Therapist to Low Back Pain Clinical Practice Guidelines,” while the Jury Award went to the poster entitled “The Results of Combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Physical Therapy” for their genuine innovative approach and methodology.

The closing ceremony left attendees feeling inspired and motivated to continue their valuable contribution in their respective fields, creating a lasting impact beyond the seminar. This scientific day offered an incredible space for knowledge exchange, demonstrating how the power of research can bring people together and drive meaningful change.