CEBU CITY – The Asian Orthopedics Spine and
Joints Center opened its Movement Lab on August 23 at the Jamestown Business
Center, Mantawe Ave., Mandaue City, to expand the center’s multifaceted
approach to health and wellbeing, integrating medical treatment with lifestyle enhancements.
Dr. Pierre Mella, an experienced orthopedic
spine surgeon specializing in degenerative and oncologic surgery, founded Asian
Orthopedics in 2022 to give patients a comfortable outpatient alternative to hospital
care that is both accessible and convenient.
“I’ve been practicing as an orthopedic surgeon
for the past 10 years now. About three years ago, we opened our own center
outside the hospital to better serve patients who are often disabled or have difficulty
moving around. With our current location, we’ve been able to greatly improve
accessibility for them,” Dr. Mella shared during the grand opening event.
The Asian Orthopedics clinic houses
subspecialists in hand, sports, joints, and bone cancer, making it a one-stop
shop where patients can conveniently receive consultations, X-rays, and
treatment, Dr. Mella shared.
“When patients require physical therapy or
sports and lifestyle conditioning, we refer them to the Movement Lab. It was conceptualized to address
a wide range of orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, with programs that
include spine-specific and arthritis-focused exercises,” he added.
Dr. Mella shared that Asian Orthopedics opened
the Movement Lab as an expanded wellness center, offering nutrition advice and
personalized exercise programs designed to support pain management and
lifestyle enhancement.
Dr. Mella explained that this initiative
reflects Asian Orthopedics’ broader philosophy of promoting overall health and
well-being. Beyond traditional medical interventions, the clinic emphasizes
proper nutrition, regular exercise, and lifestyle management as essential parts
of patient care.
Commitment
to health with comprehensive services
The Movement Lab builds on the philosophy of
holistic care by offering specialized programs not only spine and arthritis
care, but also for patients with joint pain, scoliosis, post-operative needs,
and those preparing for strength training or return-to-sport rehabilitation.
Dr. Mella explained that each patient follows a
structured program, starting with pain relief and rehabilitation, then
progressing toward general wellness and lifestyle exercises.
Recognizing the crucial role of nutrition in
pain management, Asian Orthopedics launched Peak Nutrition, a dedicated program for dietary
modifications and wellness planning. As part of the clinic’s integrated model
of care, Peak Nutrition works alongside medical treatments, physical therapy,
and lifestyle interventions to holistically support patients’ recovery and
long-term health.
Dr. Mella shares his personal commitment to
maintaining a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition
and daily exercise. As a doctor, he believes in leading by example and practicing
what he preaches. His team at the clinic follows the same principles, making
sure they, too, prioritize good nutrition and regular exercise.
According to Dr. Mella, Movement Lab is the
first of its kind. It is a rehabilitation facility which also features a gym
and recreational facilities including a basketball half-court, pickleball net,
and tennis wall. These unique amenities enable patients to rebuild strength,
improve overall fitness, and enjoy active pursuits even after rehabilitation.
Organic
farming and Nutrition as part of center’s offering
Asian Orthopedics extends its holistic
philosophy to food, embracing the principle that “food is medicine.” Part of good nutrition, Dr. Mella
explained, is knowing where food comes from and ensuring it is a clean and
healthy source. To support this, the clinic has invested in organic farming, allowing
patients access to naturally grown produce that complements their recovery and
long-term wellness.
“In 2018, I established Doctor's Green Pharm in
Borbon and Busay after concerns about chemical contamination in vegetables. We
now grow organic lettuce, kale, and arugula, supplying the excess to local
restaurants and to my patients,” Dr. Mella shared.
He emphasized the importance of connecting nutrition
with orthopedic care—ensuring patients have access to clean, organic food—and
outlined future initiatives such as integrating nutrition services, developing
bone health education materials, and implementing a screening program for bone function.
“The clinic has a certified nutritionist who
creates personalized meal plans tailored to each patient’s needs and health
conditions. I always advocate for preventive health checks, including bone and muscle
function tests and regular screenings to help prevent conditions such as
osteoporosis and dementia,” Dr. Mella said.
Elderly
Wellness Program Overview
The Asian Orthopedics Spine and Joints Center
and the Movement Lab offer rehabilitation services to improve mobility and
prevent future health issues, highlighting the need for awareness and education
on preventive health practices in the Philippines, especially revolving around
a new movement and wellness program for the elderly.
Dr. Mella shared that Asian Orthopedics offers
a program that begins with functional assessments which include mobility,
flexibility, strength, and balance tests. These helps determine fitness levels
and fall risk.
Patients are then matched with group classes
appropriate to their abilities, ensuring safe and effective progress. As
participants improve, they can advance to higher-level classes for continued challenge
and motivation.
Conducted by certified physiotherapists, the
classes are science-based and provided at minimal cost, making them a more
affordable alternative to one-on-one physical therapy sessions. The group
classes also emphasize the value of community engagement and encourage older
adults to take part in wellness activities tailored to their needs.
The
Bottomline
With the launch of the Movement Lab, Asian
Orthopedics Spine and Joints Center strengthens its commitment to holistic,
patient-centered care. By combining advanced orthopedic treatment, specialized rehabilitation, nutrition guidance,
and wellness programs under one roof, the center stands out as a true one-stop shop for
musculoskeletal health.
Patients no longer need to navigate multiple
providers or facilities. Their journey from diagnosis to recovery is
streamlined and accessible. At its core,
Asian Orthopedics champions the belief that orthopedic care extends beyond
treating pain or injury.
It is about restoring movement, preventing
future health issues, and empowering individuals to live active, fulfilling
lives. Most importantly, the center upholds a “non-surgical first” philosophy—maximizing
pain management through spine and joint injections, visco-supplementation, and
evidence-based rehabilitation—ensuring that patients receive safe, effective,
and accessible orthopedic care before surgery is ever considered.
Through its integrated services and unique facilities,
Asian Orthopedics delivers not only medical expertise but also a sustainable
approach to long-term well-being, making comprehensive orthopedic and lifestyle
care within reach for every patient. (Photos: MBCNewman)
