Scoliohub Philippines is the first big step in the realization of a dream. I’ve always dreamed of a place in the Philippines where people with scoliosis receive the best conservative treatment from internationally trained specialists who are equally compassionate as they are competent; a place where they would feel empowered and realize their full potential, that they are not totally different or helpless just because of their condition.
My interest in scoliosis rehabilitation started when I was still a student clinician working in the adolescent clinic in UP - College of Allied Medical Professions. We had a task to determine the most appropriate treatment for patients with scoliosis based on the best available evidence. That’s where I first encountered the Schroth Method.
While working as physical therapist (PT) in a private tertiary hospital in the south of Metro Manila, I encountered a patient with scoliosis. It feels unfair and frustrating that I can’t provide the best treatment and service for them, knowing that the Schroth Method could be a possible solution.
I traveled to Kuala Kumpur, Malaysia, to study under Dr. Sanja Schreiber, a specialist and researcher in the International Schroth 3D Scoliosis Therapy (ISST). I learned that I was the first PT from the Philippines to be certified by the institute. I furthered sharpened my skills and successfully received my C1 course of the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS) in Ottawa, Canada taught by Ms. Andrea Lebel.
I began to focus more on working with patients with scoliosis to improve their condition. It was, and still is, a great fulfillment for me to witness their amazing changes and success stories through our hard work. That drives me to continue improving my craft and advocating for evidence-informed conservative treatment. I hope to positively affect people’s lives, one spine at a time.
Filipino Schroth Physiotherapists
Currently there are only three Filipinos physical therapists who are trained of Schroth in ISST and BSPTS. Mr. Dennis Gutierrez is based in New Jersey, USA and Ms. Sheila Vadil-Labrecque in Ottawa, Canada. The three of us started as online friends, sharing our experiences and joys in working. Despite the distance, we support each other’s growth and help each other as much as we can. We realized that we have the same dream and passion for promoting the best conservative treatment for the Filipinos with scoliosis. We decided to name our group “Filipino Schroth Physiotherapists” with the advocacy of patient and public scoliosis and spinal deformities education.
-Jerome Cerilla De Leon, PTRP
Mission:
To give hope to people with scoliosis in the Philippines by delivering internationally renowned and proven conservative treatments.
Objectives:
As the first scoliosis physical therapy clinic in the Philippines to offer Schroth method of International Schroth 3D Scoliosis Therapy (ISST-Germany) and Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS-Spain), our goal is to set the standard for excellent scoliosis and spinal deformity rehabilitation through:
• Providing evidence-informed assessment and non-surgical treatment according to the Schroth Method
• Collaborating with physicians, certified prosthetics and orthotists (CPO) to provide bracing and rehabilitation according to international guidelines
• Advocating for public awareness on latest evidence and trends in scoliosis and spinal deformities rehabilitation through physical and online promotion
• Empowering patients, families, and local communities with spinal deformities and scoliosis through individualized and solicitous/attentive care
Vision:
Scoliohub Philippines shall be the pioneer in Schroth-based scoliosis and spinal deformities rehabilitation in the Philippines through groundbreaking and excellent practice determined by knowledgeable, collaborative, and compassionate service.
