Clinic promotes physical therapy in the country
Licensed physiotherapist Gerald Rivera Buela aims to make physical therapy more accessible, educate people about it, and elevate treatments and practice
Physical therapy clinics that are very accessible are not common in the Philippines, and people with certain health issues do not know any recourse except hospitals. Also, people have many misconceptions what physical therapy is and are not aware that it can greatly benefit them.
Licensed physiotherapist Gerald Rivera Buela aims to change all that by making physical therapy more accessible, educating people about it, and elevating treatments and practice. As chief executive officer of Buela Physical Therapy Clinic, located at the Entrata Urban Complex in Filinvest, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, he recently opened another branch — at the Garden Walk, Felix Avenue, Cainta, Rizal — to reach more people.
Debunking myths
The commonest misconception is that physical therapists are similar to massage therapists, but physical therapists or physiotherapists are licensed medical professionals whose field of study takes five years. While massage deals with the muscles, physical therapy can go deeper dealing with muscles, bones, and nerves, affecting the totality of the body.
“Our promise is to fix your problems one posture at a time,” explains Buela.
When you don’t fix the posture, the muscles aren’t activated properly, the pain and discomfort will return. Several machines also target tissue at a deeper level that a simple massage cannot reach.
“Massages are good for relaxation, but you need physical therapy for pain and discomfort,” he adds.
There is also the perception that physical therapy is only for post-stroke patients or those recovering from accidents, but physical therapy can benefit everyone. There is pain management that aims to fix the root of the problem, dealing with every muscle, sinew, nerve and bone that cause the major or minor aches that plague daily life, such as back pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, scoliosis, to name just a few. Some patients think this is something you have to live with, but relief is possible with physiotherapy. Athletes of all levels can also look to Buela to boost their performance and be more resilient to injuries and to treat muscles that are overused in relation to their sport.
Advanced facilities
As Buela takes on the mission of raising the level of the practice, his clinic is one of the most advanced in the country, It boasts of cutting-edge technology and uses the latest machines in physiotherapy. With these and well-trained physiotherapists and in-house medical doctors, Buela offers a complete and holistic approach to physical therapy.
“That’s my advocacy — to elevate and push the boundaries of what this practice can achieve through technology and physiotherapy,” Buela says.
”Most of the physical therapy clinics in the Philippines are quite traditional,” he reveals. “I want to transform the industry into one of the most advanced in the region.”
All the machines at the Buela clinics are the latest models. It touts an advanced approach using these machines that aid in various treatments such asmyofascial dry needling, microcurrent/macrocurrent therapy, deep radiofrequency heat therapy, vibration therapy, manual therapy (joint mobilization and spinal manipulation), postural correction program, high-intensity laser therapy, focused shockwave, traction therapy and tecartherapy. Patients undergo a thorough screening and medical assessment by doctors and therapists to determine which treatment is most beneficial for their areas of concern.
Cost is also something that precludes people from getting the physical therapy that they need, often choosing to pop a pill for the pain. But that solution is temporary, especially for those with chronic pain. People don’t often realize that their health card coverage includes physical therapy, and a visit to the Buela clinic can bring them more lasting relief.
Freedom from pain
Buela clinic’s sleek and industrial chic interiors of blue gray, wood and steel is aimed at trying to do away with the cold and antiseptic feel of physical rehabilitation clinics, treating it more like going to a spa, gym or an aesthetician, while still getting the level of treatment you would get at the most advanced physical rehabilitation center.
“Some of our patients don’t do well in hospital settings. Their progress is very minimal, and they don’t find the level of pain relief they desire,” explains Buela.
Hospitals also don’t do certain treatments, like dry needling, a practice whose roots trace back to acupuncture but have now combined with Western research.
Buela has not only invested in machines, he also invested in people. The Buela clinic makes it a special point to design the staff area of the physical therapists to be as nice as the rest of the clinic. This does a lot for staff morale, as the staff room is usually the most neglected part of any establishment. Buela, who worked as a physiotherapist himself, knows the ins and outs of the industry and champions that therapists be treated as professionals. It’s only logical that happier staff can give better service.
During the pandemic lockdowns, many peoplehavebecomesedentary.Thework-from-home setup, which continues even through a hybrid setup, has resulted in a lot less time for moving and socializing, often just remaining at your desk for the whole day. This has resulted in a lot of posture problems that result in or compound all manner of bodily aches and pains.
“What we want to give to them is freedom from pain,” declares Buela. “That way, you can work more efficiently, have better relationships, and live your best life.”
Call Buela Physical Therapy Clinic at (02) 869-32428 or +63975-6702478. Email them at customercare@buelaphysio.com. Check out www.facebook.com/buelaphysicaltherapy and www.buelaphysio.com.