We checked in at one hospital, which has been using Technogym for years to rehabilitate patients on the road to recovery.

Technogym, the world leader in cutting-edge fitness equipment, not only outfits gyms but also offers valuable tools for medical facilities. A prime example is Asian Hospital and Medical Center, a tertiary hospital in the South of Metro Manila, which has been using Technogym products for patient rehabilitation and physical therapy.

We paid a visit to Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s Sports Medicine and Human Performance Center, and met Reynold Paolo O. Leus or Coach Paolo—one of the registered physical therapists and resident trainers in the facility, who is also a certified personal trainer of the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

“The typical patients we encounter either suffer from sports-related injuries or chronic conditions. In special circumstances we treat acute cases,” began Coach Paolo. “Doctors refer patients to this department, and then we conduct functional movement assessments and tailor programs to their levels—working closely with physicians for clearances if patients have underlying diseases.”

Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s Sports Medicine and Human Performance Center resident trainer Coach Paolo demonstrates the Technogym Radiant.

Coach Paolo appreciates the Technogym Selection Line Radiant Dual Pulley’s adjustability and versatility for a myriad of exercises—from both sitting and standing positions. He uses the Radiant for strength, flexibility, and conditioning with almost all recovering patients. Multidisciplinary workouts are possible using the rig—from lunges, squats, and deadlifts, to exercises that target the core, upper extremities, chest, back, trunk, and head.

Asian Hospital and Medical Center is still using the Radiant Dual Pulley model today, which is a testament to the evergreen durability and high quality of Technogym products. An updated version, the Selection Line Radiant Dual Adjustable Pulley, is now currently available on the market.

“We’ve used the Radiant for frozen shoulders, back pain, poor posture, chronic scoliosis, and even stroke recovery. We had a patient with a spinal cord injury; from his neck to his feet, he couldn’t move,” recalled Coach Paolo. “It took him eight months to recover from surgery and he spent a year doing physical therapy here, twice a week. We strengthened his shoulders and arms so he could at least start using crutches until he regained movement in his legs.”

Coach Paolo demonstrates the Technogym Excite and Radiant at Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s Sports Medicine and Human Performance Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

That’s where the Technogym Excite Synchro elliptical trainer comes in. “We use the Excite when we’re required not to put too much weight on the legs, especially if a patient is overweight. But at the same time, the elliptical will strengthen the leg muscles. We also use it to relieve back pain because it has a hand component. Patients can use their arms to propel the machine,” said Coach Paolo. “The elliptical is useful in weight-loss programs for hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.”

The Sports Medicine and Human Performance Center is also open to Asian Hospital and Medical Center employees. Long shifts and heavy workloads take their toll, so employees exercise to relieve stress, improve their staminas, and boost their immune systems. Coach Paolo proudly recounted how one large female employee significantly slimmed down after using the Excite three to four times a week.

We were soon joined by JC Rodriguez, Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Assistant Manager. “I looked to Technogym for variation since the Excite gives a full-body cardio workout,” JC said. “Asian Hospital got the machine in 2012 and it’s still running smooth. It receives preventive maintenance only once a year, and so far we haven’t had any problems. I used to work for a gym that used Technogym. I also use Technogym for my own personal workouts. I find it useful and innovative.”

“We do physical therapy right away to prevent further deterioration, sometimes as early as one day after operation or confinement. Almost anyone can benefit from physical therapy,” he continued. “Our goal is to get patients back to work, to enjoying their normal lives, and their hobbies.”

For sports and physical medicine services, please contact:

Sports Medicine and Human Performance Center
Asian Hospital and Medical Center
sportsmedicine@asianhospital.com
(02) 771-9000 local 8007

For other hospital services and inquiries, please contact:

Marketing and Communications Department
Asian Hospital and Medical Center
marcomm@asianhospital.com
(02) 771-9000 local 8017

Contact E-Sports International to learn how your physical therapy practice can benefit from the latest, innovative tools Technogym has to offer.

This interview has been edited and condensed.