A medical expert from Davao has issued a strong warning to the public, especially parents, against relying on traditional bone setters for injuries sustained during sports or play. He emphasizes the critical need for proper medical examination first.
Risks of Traditional Healing for Fractures
Dr. Matthew Rex Madayag, a Fellow of the Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine and a consultant at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), revealed that his team frequently encounters cases where injuries become more severe. This happens when patients visit a manghihilot—an unprofessional chiropractor—instead of a doctor.
"We have many cases, for example, trauma from tripping, collisions in contact sports, or falls, and the patients usually go to the hilots. That's typically what they do," Dr. Madayag explained. He shared this concern during his appearance at the recent Healthy Davao Media Forum held at SM City Davao on December 28, 2025.
Hidden Dangers of Unseen Fractures
Dr. Madayag stressed that hilot practitioners, who use manual diagnosis and massage with oils and herbs, cannot detect fractures. Manipulating a fractured area without this knowledge can cause major damage.
"There was a patient who had a fracture and went to a manghihilot. The hilot didn't know a fracture was present, manipulated the area, and worsened the displacement," he cited as a common example. The correct protocol, he insists, is to have the trauma examined, typically via X-ray, to determine the exact nature of the injury.
Some fractures are not displaced and may not be immediately obvious, making professional diagnosis essential. Without it, a simple injury can deteriorate to the point of requiring surgery.
Affordability vs. Safety: A Community Health Choice
The doctor acknowledged that many Filipinos turn to hilot because it is a cheap, affordable, and accessible form of healthcare within their communities. However, he argues that this cost-saving measure can lead to far more expensive and painful consequences.
Drawing from several cases, Dr. Madayag strongly urged individuals and parents of children who get hurt from sports or playground accidents to prioritize a doctor's visit. Getting an X-ray provides certainty and paves the way for proper therapy and recovery, ensuring the injury heals correctly the first time.
