James Yap continues back treatment with Olympic doctor in Italy

PBA superstar James Yap is currently on vacation in Italy, the home of his girlfriend Michela Cazzola.

 

But it's not all fun for Big Game James, as he took the opportunity to once again get his back treated by Italian doctor Filippo Mechelli.

 

According to a translation from his official website, Mechelli is a physiotherapist and osteopath who served on the medical staff of the Italy for the Winter Olympics in 2006 and 2010 and the Summer Olympics in 2012.

 

Yap first sought the treatment for his ailing back in Italy in 2013, when he took advantage of the PBA's long break to give way to the FIBA Asia Championship in Manila. After being physically hampered by the injury during the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers' semifinals loss to Alaska in that season's Commissioner's Cup, Yap completed 12 sessions with Mechelli in Italy to try to get his back fixed.

 

 

"Have been doing back therapy with Olympic Doctor, Mr Filippo Mechelli," wrote Yap on Instagram in June 2013.

 

The therapy seemed to work, as Yap helped the Mixers win the next four PBA championships. While still dealing with minor injuries, Yap got better as the season went along, winning back-to-back finals Most Valuable Player trophies.

 

With another long offseason, Yap once again travelled to Italy with his girlfriend, which included a side trip to the Olympic doctor.

 

 

 

"Here again, first day of my lower back therapy with Olympian Doctor Filippo Mechelli #italy2014 #maintenance," Yap wrote on his Instagram post.

 

Italian holiday

 

In an interview with the Philippine Star, Yap said that he had already been with Cazzola to Italy five times.

 

Before leaving for their latest trip, Yap appeared on "Tonight with Arnold Clavio," where he revealed just how much he cherishes her caring nature.

 

"Grabe 'yun, talagang siya 'yung nag-aalaga sa akin," said Yap. 

 

"Nagluluto para sa akin. ‘Yung support niya talagang nandyan, kaya thank you talaga sa kanya." — JST, GMA News