Answer: Dear site visitors, this question is asked more often than others. The best way to clarify is to read Boris's reply to a comment on his recent article.
Also, for curious minds, click this link to read a history of medical massage.
Answer: Physical power, ability to lift weights, and great physical shape play no role when practicing medical massage. It's all about the appropriate application of biomechanics. In Boris’s instructional video demonstrations, you will observe the correct positioning of the therapist’s body during massage performances. This observation is priceless training on biomechanical applications. In fact, the most successful massage therapists are women who may be able to lift less weight than muscular men. Please take two minutes to listen to Boris's explanations offered five years ago in an interview. Boris's interview witch Dr. Jessica L Kallio Part 2
Answer: No, in order to practice medical massage, you do not need special certification, just licensing. However, a certificate of completion is a kind of proof that the therapist is trained to perform certain medical massage protocols.
Answer: No, they are the same contraindications: in cases of different viral and bacterial infections, a higher than normal body temperature, to avoid massage on new formations similar to lipomas and other tumors, etc. In cases of Thrombophlebitis, (DVT) deep vein thrombosis, avoid massaging areas of wounded skin.
Answer: Any clinical work must include deep tissue mobilizations. During demonstrations of each medical and sports massage protocol, Boris also performs deep tissue massage. Deep tissue massage should not be confused with vigorous, traumatizing soft tissue pressure. The rules of pressure engagement in medical massage are as follows: pressure should be significant but not enough to activate the pain analyzing system. When pressure is vigorous and triggers involuntary protective muscular spasms, we must decrease pressure, as this is evidence of activating the pain analyzing system. When patients request less pressure without demonstrating protective muscular spasms, we must decrease pressure. In the instructional materials ,Boris repeatedly reminds of these rules of pressure engagement.
Answer: No, Boris believes in a simple approach to medical and sports massage. Please spend five minutes listening to his explanation on this subject. IS MEDICAL AND SPORTS MASSAGE A MYTH?????
Around 30 years ago, I graduated from Boris's massage therapy program, immediately began practicing, but in the evenings, I continued attending the physical therapy aide and chiropractor's assistant program. It was an excellent program that not only provided a strong theoretical and clinical foundation but also significantly expanded my employment opportunities.
Towards the end of the program, Boris offered me the chance to enroll in his instructors' program. I was taken aback and uncertain if I could become an instructor. However, Boris was confident that I possessed all the qualities necessary to be a good instructor. He told me that I just needed to learn the methodology of teaching. He also assured me that, even after completing the program, I would assist him before becoming an independent instructor. And that's exactly what happened. I'm grateful that I heeded his advice.
All instructors at IPPT School of Massage were required to manage a massage practice. Boris believed that all clinical instructors should be actively involved in private practice. He often said, "We must teach our students the intricacies of the treatment room and share our own clinical experiences." He was absolutely right, and to this day, I continue to teach while also actively practicing.
When Boris retired from the school, he insisted that I take over the massage therapy department. I had my reservations, but once again, he encouraged me to step into the role. Today, the school is known as the Southern California Health Institute. The primary reason I still teach is to ensure that his legacy in massage education continues and that it doesn't end after he sold the school. I still adhere rigorously to his massage protocols.
Truly Grateful
Angel Gregorio
Director of Massage and Physical therapy aid program
Southern California Health Institute
Sign up and be the first to hear about latest special offers & updates.
