Philippines: calls for regulation of massage and chiropractic professionals
Recent cases in the Philippines highlight the dangers of unlicensed manual therapies, such as massage and chiropractic practices. Thai singer Phing Chyada tragically died after a neck-twisting massage left her paralyzed, while Leobert Mangubat Yurong suffered a fractured leg from an untrained chiropractor, resulting in significant medical expenses. The absence of regulation allows untrained practitioners, known as "bone settlers," to operate without oversight, posing severe risks such as permanent injury or death. Economic constraints and limited access to licensed professionals push many Filipinos toward unlicensed practitioners, despite the potential long-term consequences. Untrained individuals often overlook medical contraindications, leading to harm for patients with conditions like cancer, osteoporosis, or herniated discs. The Philippine Physical Therapy Association advocates for public awareness of verifying credentials and stresses the importance of a regulatory framework to ensure patient safety, establish standards, and recognize qualified chiropractors in the Philippines.