Addressing growing concerns over musculoskeletal health, Chinese experts introduce affordable, non-invasive orthotic therapies, offering new hope for broader accessibility and improved structural well-being in Thailand.
On October 30, 2024, the Thailand Charter of Health, in collaboration with Robotics Information Technology Co., Ltd., hosted a workshop at Thailand Science Park, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in biomechanical orthotic therapy. The event brought together leading Chinese experts to explore innovative, non-invasive therapies aimed at addressing musculoskeletal health concerns in Thailand. As bone and joint issues continue to affect a growing portion of the population, this workshop highlighted potential solutions that are affordable, accessible, and effective for a wider range of people.
Key Highlights and Objectives of the Workshop
Dr. Kampon Sriwatanakul, Chairman of the Thailand Charter of Health, opened the workshop by underscoring the urgent need to address musculoskeletal health concerns in Thailand. He highlighted the rise in issues related to joint pain, alignment, and overall structural health, particularly as the population ages. Dr. Kampon expressed his belief in the innovative potential of biomechanical orthotic therapy, emphasizing its non-invasive, affordable approach as a promising solution for improving quality of life.
Driven by his commitment to accessible healthcare, Dr. Kampon organized this workshop to bring together Chinese experts who are pioneering advancements in this field. The workshop aimed to explore ways these therapies could benefit a wider population in Thailand by providing cost-effective and readily available treatments.
Speaker Contributions and Key Insights
Professor Liu brought valuable insights into the potential of orthotic therapy to address various musculoskeletal issues. As an expert in orthopedics, he emphasized the diversity of bone and joint problems affecting patients and the importance of simplifying treatment options to make them more accessible and effective. According to Professor Liu, orthotic devices, such as specialized shoe inserts, can provide significant relief by redistributing weight and minimizing pressure on affected areas. He highlighted that these devices can effectively reduce foot pain, alleviate spine misalignment, and support conditions like gout.
Professor Liu also noted that the use of orthotic inserts could reduce clinical costs and improve treatment outcomes, making non-invasive therapies an essential part of musculoskeletal healthcare. By offering practical solutions that do not require surgery, this approach could enhance the quality of life for many patients suffering from structural health issues.
Professor Yongyudh Vajaradul expressed his strong support for the innovative orthotic therapies presented at the workshop. He acknowledged that these types of treatments are still relatively underdeveloped in Thailand, despite their potential to significantly improve musculoskeletal health. Professor Yongyudh emphasized the importance of introducing such accessible and non-invasive solutions to Thailand’s healthcare landscape and indicated his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote structural health and well-being across the country.
Kanokporn Marg-amar, representing Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, discussed the dual mission of integrating innovative orthotic technology for both commercial and social impact. She emphasized that back pain and other musculoskeletal issues often originate from foot alignment problems, making non-invasive orthotic solutions essential for effective treatment.
Kanokporn highlighted the university’s role as a certified body, tasked with maintaining standards and training professionals in orthotic therapy. She underscored the importance of community-focused healthcare, envisioning specialized units within local communities that can provide non-surgical solutions to those in need. She also announced plans to establish pilot projects where trained specialists deliver structural health support directly to communities, aiming to improve accessibility and support community health without the need for surgery.
Dr. Nichnita Thawaroj, Secretary of the Thai Clinic Association, expressed her strong support for the introduction of orthotic therapies in Thailand, noting their suitability for addressing both children’s and adults’ musculoskeletal issues. She highlighted the challenges faced by Thai families, as the current options for orthopedic treatments are often costly and require specialized medical operations, which most people prefer to avoid.
Dr. Nichnita acknowledged that Thailand lacks sufficient specialists in this field, making these accessible, non-invasive solutions even more valuable. She thanked the international experts for recognizing Thailand as a destination for this innovative technology and suggested that introducing orthotic support programs in schools could provide an affordable foundation for children’s musculoskeletal health. As these programs expand to shopping malls, they could become premium options, reflecting their value and versatility. Dr. Nichnita emphasized that parents increasingly recognize the importance of early structural health intervention for their children, making this initiative timely and impactful.
Dr. Kittipong Dumrongprat, CEO of Meta Esthetic International Co., Ltd., shared his enthusiasm for the innovation presented at the workshop, noting that his company is actively involved in research and development to bring these orthotic solutions to the market. He highlighted the importance of introducing such health-focused innovations at an early age, emphasizing that accessible, preventative care can greatly benefit children’s long-term musculoskeletal health. Dr. Kittipong encouraged government support to implement these non-invasive therapies in schools, where early intervention could lead to improved structural health outcomes across the population.
MOU Signing and Future Collaboration
The workshop concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Thailand Charter of Health, Robotics Information Technology Co., Ltd., Professor Yongyudh Vajaradul, and esteemed partners from China. This MOU formalizes a commitment to advancing musculoskeletal health solutions in Thailand. Key areas of collaboration include developing accessible orthotic therapies, conducting joint research and development, organizing training programs, and implementing practical solutions within communities and educational institutions. The MOU underscores the collective goal of enhancing healthcare accessibility and supporting structural health across Thailand.
