CEBU CITY – The Asian Orthopedics Spine and Joints Center opened its Movement Lab today, 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 for 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 help 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.
