Biomedical Science vs. The Science of Medical and Sports Massage – Part 1

Medical Massage Protocol for Essential Hypertension

From the Author

What I am about to discuss is, in my opinion, equally important for both individuals suffering from medical conditions and practitioners who apply physical treatment methods, including—but not limited to—massage therapists.

Understanding Biomedical Science

Broadly speaking, biomedical science refers to the study of living organisms, including their functions and structures, encompassing all forms of life—humans, animals, and plants. Various branches of biological science fall under biomedical science, including human anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and biochemistry.

There is no doubt that the ultimate goal of biomedical science is the clinical application of research findings to help those who suffer. This includes, but is not limited to, advancements in surgical fields, diagnostic testing, the development of medications, and rehabilitative treatments.

Medical and Sports Massage as a Distinct Science

The science of medical and sports massage originates from general biomedical science and relies on its research. However, it differs significantly when it comes to clinical applications. The most critical aspects of medical massage include clinical thinking, strategic treatment planning, and the understanding that no disease or disorder exists in isolation. Any pathological condition triggers secondary dysfunctions and reactions within the body.

Achieving sustainable results in rehabilitation is impossible without addressing both the primary condition and its secondary effects on other organs and systems. A comprehensive treatment approach is essential for lasting recovery.

I understand that this concept may initially seem complex, but in my upcoming presentations, both patients and clinicians will see the simplicity and logic behind medical massage's effectiveness. The best way to understand clinical aspects of any treatment—including pharmaceutical approaches—is through case presentations with detailed explanations.

Case Study: Essential Hypertension

Essential hypertension is a dangerous, stress-related disease, often referred to by doctors as a "silent killer." It damages the kidneys, leads to strokes and heart attacks, and severely impacts quality of life.

Please click this link to testimonial/case presentations page.

https://www.medicalmassage-edu.com/testimonials/

Please find a case presentation by my former partner and technical support person—a tragic story of a brilliant software engineer. Click on the MGAFT 1 presentation and carefully listen. Pay close attention to the amount of medication he consumed and how, despite this, his hypertension remained uncontrolled and life-threatening.

Click on picture number 8 (MGAFT1), and then I will explain in detail why the medication alone was ineffective. In short, as I have stated before, every disease has underlying causes as well as secondary abnormalities. Both must be addressed for a treatment to work, and if only the symptoms are treated, any relief will be temporary at best.

Now, please take some time to read the preliminary pilot study report, where I explain the causes of hypertension in detail and describe the approach I used to normalize and sustain healthy blood pressure levels. https://www.medicalmassage-edu.com/articles/medical-massage-and-control-of-arterial-hypertension.htm

Due to various factors—especially prolonged hypertension—I support doctors' decisions to continue prescribing certain medications, such as diuretics or low-dose beta-blockers, even when I successfully normalize blood pressure. This helps manage the potential influence of central sensitization. In a later article, I will discuss the phenomenon of central sensitization of pain and anxiety—an essential concept that every massage practitioner should consider in certain cases.

The Importance of an Integrative Approach

Throughout my career, I have worked closely with medical doctors, practicing an integrative medicine approach. This collaboration benefits patients and also strengthens professional relationships, making doctors valuable sources of referrals. However, adjusting medications should always be done by appropriately licensed medical professionals.

When visiting the testimonial/case presentation site, https://www.medicalmassage-edu.com/testimonials/

please take a moment to read the endorsement by Professor of Medicine, Dr. Eli Gang. I contributed to the management of a severe hypertension case where a patient was repeatedly admitted to the emergency room with life-threatening hypertensive crises (blood pressure 210/140).

Understanding the Root Causes of Hypertension

As you read my preliminary study report, please note my description of a key cause of hypertension: excessive tension in cervical muscles obstructing the vertebral artery, reducing blood perfusion to the brain. In response, as a protective mechanism, the body increases blood pressure to ensure sufficient blood supply to the brain.

Additionally, observe the secondary reactions, such as increased muscular tone in the lower extremities, which causes vasoconstriction to further support blood perfusion to the brain. Without normalizing muscle tone in the legs, I would not have been able to achieve lasting results.

Also, pay close attention to my discussion of the lower threshold of baroreceptors—another crucial factor in hypertension. Without implementing massage techniques to increase baroreceptor thresholds, successful long-term management would not have been possible.

Why Medication Alone Was Ineffective

Hypertension medications work through different mechanisms:

• Diuretics remove excess fluid from the body.
• Calcium channel blockers and similar drugs relax blood vessels.
• Beta-blockers slow heart rate to reduce pressure on blood vessels.

However, these medications do not address:

• Muscular tension that compromises the vertebral artery.
• Increased muscle tone in the lower extremities, which contributes to hypertension.
• The baroreceptor threshold, which must be adjusted for long-term blood pressure normalization.

Since essential hypertension is a stress-related condition, periodic medical stress management massage is crucial for long-term maintenance.

Learn More About My Approach

If you click this link, https://www.medicalmassage-edu.com/instructional-massage-programs/

you will find a description of Program #2, where I teach the principles outlined in my preliminary study report, along with full-body medical stress management massage techniques and much more, two hours nonstop hands-on demonstration and accompanied by detailed explanations of each techniques.

I encourage you to ask questions and share your experiences. Those suffering from high blood pressure are also welcome to participate in the discussion.

Best wishes,
Boris Prilutsky

Coming Next – Part 2

In Part 2, we will explore the role of medical massage in spinal rehabilitation, including the treatment of disc herniations, spondylolisthesis, and the prevention of spinal surgeries. Everything will be presented in clear detail.