Time, perpetual enemy of life, is the undeniable nemesis of our existence. We fight, we exalt, we conform, but we always remain in the presence of this omnipresent abstract concept. Human genius could not stop it, but it is possible to learn to live with it. Some of us know better about the ‘tricks’ to do it, as is the case of a young couple, Ricardo Xavier Soares Pinho and Sandra Marisa Tavares Brandão, owners of Fisiopinho, at no. 147 of 5 de Outubro Street in São João da Madeira.

Of course, these so-called ‘tricks’ are no tricks at all, but the result of a rich academic journey that has enabled these health professionals to respond to the needs of the people of São João da Madeira. With the studies completed, these locals decided to set up a clinic in their homeland, knowing in advance the difficulties faced by the population, namely the expensive and not very accessible home care.

Fisiopinho’s philosophy is simple but effective: it is the individual as a whole, in the most mundane aspects of life, which, in truth, for those who have certain health problems, are the challenges to overcome. As Ricardo reveals to us: ‘we are not fragmented, we are holistic’ and soon we have to be treated as such.

This friendly couple also bets on training every year, always aiming at innovation and the possibility of offering new services. Alternative treatments are already sought after and offered by Fisiopinho, as is the case with mesotherapy, a treatment based on injectables in the affected area with homeopathic products. It is a more painful, but quick and effective method. Another alternative treatment is GPR, which stands for Global Posture Reeducation, a non-invasive method that dispenses medication and helps to correct musculoskeletal problems.

The expansion is also geographically planned: they would like to open another Physiotherapy office and a rehabilitation center for high-level athletes. This last objective is born of a direct contact with the high Portuguese competition, that according to Ricardo, is in great need, especially in Aveiro’s area. One of the aspects that brought visibility to the clinic was that Ricardo was a physiotherapist technician of the senior soccer team of São João da Madeira. With many athletes looking for their services and advice, Ricardo has become a master in the field, which makes his concerns about the Portuguese sporting reality an issue to be explored. We must also mention the convenience that this establishment brings to São João da Madeira, since it allows the dialing of home care with flexible hours, something very appreciated by citizens with mobility problems.

At Fisiopinho the atmosphere is relaxed, with clients treated by name and not by the number. The solution always searches for means that do not require drugs or medication, in an attempt to change some pre-conceived ideas about medicine, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life of its patients.

Given this, it is no wonder, the affection they show for our couple, expressed in symbolic gifts of appreciation. Ricardo mentions that the best gift they can offer is the return of the patients who bring with them family and friends. Whether it’s her torn smile, or Sandra’s frank serenity, the fact remains that Fisiopinho continues to grow. After visiting them, it is easy to see why. ‘Now all you need to do is straighten your back a little, ‘they whisper in my ear.