Approximately one week ago, I received an email from a Doctor of Physical Therapy with whom I collaborate closely. She shared the following update: “Researchers in Japan have identified a biological basis for Long COVID–related brain fog using advanced PET brain imaging. 

I typically write clinically oriented articles based on my direct clinical experience and observation. I do not develop educational material unless I have treated at least 20 cases, reproduced outcomes consistently, and followed patients after discharge to observe durability of results.

There are many painful musculoskeletal conditions in which massage therapy can be helpful. There are also many stress-related illnesses where massage may provide significant benefit. Massage can be helpful in post-concussion rehabilitation and in many other conditions as well.

Chronic stress–related illnesses produce a wide range of symptoms that overlap multiple syndromes and conditions. Over the past several years, I have successfully developed and combined protocols for myofascial mobilization, TMJ dysfunction, acceleration of cerebrospinal fluid drainage, tension headache techniques, and approaches to dizziness into one integrated, technically precise methodology for addressing chronic stress–related disorders.

When massage therapy produces results that clients describe as unbelievable or even magical, what they are often experiencing is not magic at all—but science fully dedicated to clinical application.

For the last almost 4 years ,I have observed a very substantial rise in patients presenting with brain fog, short-term memory impairment, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and autonomic imbalance. 

After publishing my overview “Be Informed—or Else,” I received a message from a former student who has become a good friend and a very successful medical massage practitioner. She graduated from my program 25 years ago and, 15 years ago, moved to a small vacation town in California, where she established a thriving practice.

The title of this article may sound like a warning. Some of us are sensitive to warnings, yet—as the saying goes—only the truth will set us free. In this overview, I revisit a series of past “exciting slogans” promoted by dishonest and/or misguided individuals that significantly distracted the professional field of massage therapy. These narratives successfully divided our community into so-called “advanced” versus “simple” massage therapists, extracted large amounts of money from practitioners eager to learn “new” methods ...

Approximately twenty years ago, with the rise of social media and online video platforms, so-called “medical schools of the Internet” began to grow. In my practice we noticed the effect immediately: patients—often referred by physicians and tested with every available medical exam—would search the Internet and return convinced they had been misdiagnosed. This led to a surge of self-diagnoses, anxiety, and new stress-related illnesses.

Dear readers,
Let’s continue the pattern. In the fields of medical and sports massage, both we and our patients often consider it a miracle when we achieve unusually fast and/or unexpectedly outstanding clinical outcomes. For example, when a person suffers for long periods from stress-related disorders and/or experiences significant anxiety or worry while preparing for a difficult surgery

Because of the importance of the case I am about to present, I decided to postpone writing “Miracles and Mysteries in the Field of Massage – Part 3.” In the meantime, for those who have not had a chance to read Part One and Part Two, you are welcome to click the links below.

Last Sunday, early in the morning, I published Part 1. By afternoon, I received a call from a retired board-certified internal medicine physician whom I’ve known and respected for 25 years. Years ago, we were members of a close-knit integrative medicine group. 

One can say that I cover nearly every possible condition we face in our practice. A few years ago, I truly believed that I had completed my teaching mission—that there was nothing more to cover or teach. That was my sense of accomplishment at the time.

I am planning to return to teaching and would like to share what you can expect—my views on continuing education and massage education in general. This way, if you decide to attend my classes, you will be better prepared to understand my approach and adapt to my methods.

Reality Check:
Medical schools as well as massage schools prepare students for clinical practice, generally focusing on building a solid foundation. Students then choose their specializations—MDs select different residency programs. In contrast, massage therapy school graduates do not require residency studies; they simply choose relevant continuing education programs to prepare for their desired careers.

Anyone who has attended my classes or follows my writings knows that I proudly declare: massage procedures, when applied appropriately, cannot do harm. Today’s presentation is about exactly that—do no harm. I often say that massage therapy is not rocket science. It is easy to learn hands-on techniques, and if applied correctly, massage procedures are 100% free of side effects. At the same time, massage is an extremely powerful therapeutic methodology.

A little over 10 years ago, when the “evidence-based massage practice” movement began, something strange happened. Suddenly, every author publishing in professional massage journals started attaching long lists of references. Many of these same authors, who had been publishing for years without citing sources, suddenly filled their articles with references—and this alone was interpreted as evidence-based writing.

Generally speaking, I am not a person who rushes to suspect conspiracies. However, in Part 1 I may have sounded as though I believed in conspiracies—suggesting that big pharma created “evidence-based medicine,” reshaped the norms of real research, and shifted the proper standards of FDA functions.

I believe that the FDA’s requirement to include patient-reported outcomes in product approval submissions was both necessary and overdue. At the time this rule was introduced, fraud in the scientific community was completely out of control—60% of research data could not be reproduced. In other words, researchers were “cooking” results.

Onset muscle soreness is not an innocent phenomenon—it is the result of trauma caused by neutrophils. If this repeated trauma is not prevented after each session of vigorous exercise, Olympians, professional athletes, and even members of the general public who train intensely and push themselves to the limit may, over time, develop significant sports-related injuries.

In Part II Mr. B. Prilutsky shares with our readers treatment protocol for the management of post-concussion syndrome and prevention of post-traumatic encephalopathy. We think that the information presented in this article is very important for patients and therapists.

In 1973 I received training performing medical massage protocol for rehabilitation from post-concussion brain dysfunction. During my long career, I wasn’t aware that the implementation of this protocol is such a necessity. 

I have a habit of occasionally revisiting old Facebook discussions, comments, and posts. Today's writing was inspired by a post I made back in March 2025, where I shared a rather sad story. Upon rereading that discussion and reflecting on the reactions it sparked, I felt compelled to analyze the entire conversation more deeply.

Over the course of my long career, I’ve treated many patients and have, on numerous occasions, achieved what could be described as “accidental” yet miraculous results—often for conditions that were not the primary focus of treatment.

The truth is, our treatment is nothing more than the stimulation of the body’s natural healing processes. As Hippocrates once said, “The natural healing force within each of us is the greatest force in getting well.” We simply assist the body in regaining its ability to heal.

Nearly 30 years ago, when I was working as a staff trainer at a physical therapy company, the owner introduced me to one of the referring physicians, who shared a remarkable case with me. His mother, then a 55-year-old woman, had reportedly developed psychiatric symptoms. 

It is not by accident that I titled this article "Harm by 'Massage'" rather than "Harm by Massage Therapy." The reason is simple: therapy implies a contribution to health improvement, while harm signifies the opposite. In all healthcare fields, there is a foundational principle: “First, do no harm.” In what situations can massage cause harm?

In Part II we are going to discuss mechanisms the therapist may use to trigger the Placebo Effect (PE) to enhance clinical effects of massage therapy and avoid activization or diminishing the negative impact of Nocebo Effect (NE). Of course, this is an introductory article.

In 1957 a patient in Long Beach, CA who suffered from multiple cancer tumors the size of oranges was given only days to live. While dying in the hospital he heard that scientists had discovered a horse serum, Krebiozen, that appeared to be very effective against cancer. He begged for them to use it on him.

When I arrived in the United States 33 years ago, I was hired as a staff trainer for a large physical therapy company in Southern California. This company employed over 120 physical therapists, 50 physical therapy assistants, and many speech therapists providing both inpatient and outpatient services to hospitals across the region.

About a year ago, I developed an instructional video lesson on the application of ice massage for various musculoskeletal pain disorders, including—but not limited to—cases of nerve impingement. Over many years of writing educational materials and creating video lessons, I have not always been 100% satisfied with the final results. Sometimes, after the fact, I would think, I should have added more… clarified better…

“Feels-good” relaxation massage typically involves applying mainly effleurage techniques over the entire body during a one-hour session. This kind of massage can distract from anger and create a temporary false sense of relaxation. 

In Part 1, in addition to other discussions, I wrote about “Medical and Sports Massage as a Distinct Science.” I apologize for repeating myself, but this distinction is crucial for both practitioners and the general public to understand.

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.

Those who follow my writings know that I strongly oppose the use of alternative names for massage. According to massage trade associations, we are promoting our services under thousands of alternative names. This practice undoubtedly confuses both healthcare professionals who may want to incorporate massage into their treatments and the general public seeking help for musculoskeletal pain, stress-related illnesses, and other disorders.

About 25 years ago, I had a patient suffering from fibromyalgia, whom I helped manage the condition. This patient invited me to participate in panels at a local fibromyalgia support group. During one of these meetings, I met an endocrinologist specializing in fibromyalgia treatment. Initially, he was skeptical about the role that medical massage could play in managing fibromyalgia.

Boris Prilutsky will share the knowledge, clinical experiences, and personal mastery he has developed over almost 50 years of practicing medical and sports massage. This mostly hands-on seminar will be presented in a master class format. Boris on the master class: "I was trained to perform step-by-step massage protocols developed through research. 

Job-related burnout is a disease.

Most professional publications usually attribute job-related burnout to constant stress. Today, I would like to discuss burnout in healthcare fields, especially among primary care physicians/family practitioners, as well as among massage therapists.

I was amazed at how this topic resonated with my own thoughts, which I had been mulling over for a while. From the article: "A new White House study found a 400 percent jump in prescription drug abuse between 1998 and 2008. Experts blame a lack of monitoring programs as well as Americans’ increasing unwillingness to bear even small pains."

When I arrived in the United States, the use of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) was initially limited to reducing lymphedema size. However, long ago, I was trained in performing full-body MLD for the sole purpose of detoxification. To avoid repetition, I will provide links to my articles at the end of this writing, which include detailed explanations.

It might seem strange to title a professionally oriented piece "KISS," but this was necessary to convey the article's message. I will also explain what KISS stands for, and I hope you understand that my intention is solely to support the message of my writing. Approximately 18 years ago, a hypertension patient whom I had successfully treated and helped to sustain normal blood pressure referred another patient to me.

Recently, I spoke with a knowledgeable colleague who shared a troubling story. In a professional massage Facebook group, an educator demonstrated a dangerously intensive technique involving compressing and massaging the carotid artery's sinuses. My friend commented, warning that this technique is dangerous and contraindicated. As a result, the group admin blocked my friend, stating, "You cannot criticize an internationally renowned educator publicly. If you disagree, you should contact him privately to avoid hurting his feelings."

“when treating intervertebral disc herniation cases, in medical massage approach,the specific clinical assessment cannot be overstated. Not the size of the herniation, as well as not an a intensity of pain determining my treatment plan strategy. For me prior to start soft tissue examinations, as well as treatment, important to find out if patient didn't lose reflexes, such as developments of incontinence, as well as different forms of areflexia. In most cases, reflexes remain intact, and surgery is recommended only due to very intense pain. In such cases, our treatment can make a significant difference in a short period of time."

My master class will soon be available. As we speak, I'm crafting articles and explanations for the master class. Here's a brief excerpt from an upcoming article.

” In this writing, I would like to share my personal views on the structure and meaning of a master class. Most likely, everyone would agree that a master class is a session where an experienced professional shares their knowledge with others who have an interest in learning from a particular expert..."

From the author:

Like today's writing, I have never written such a controversial opinion piece. In my opinion, it's There's nothing in between, including, but not limited to, no room for any demagoguery, just a reality check.

One of my followers, who prefers to remain anonymous, forwarded the report to me. Please read below

My first visit to the United States of America was in 1984. I was hired by an Olympian to manage his preparation and participation in the Olympic Games. I could hear languages from around the world; of course, this being the Olympics, the biggest international sports competition, there were representatives from many countries. This Olympian also hired an American physical rehabilitative sports medicine expert—a wonderful doctor and a great expert. Since then, we have developed a lifelong friendship.

In the pursuit of advancing our professional standing within the massage field and enhancing our ability to alleviate the suffering of others, I feel compelled to speak my mind. I offer these thoughts not as a personal attack but as an expression of my opinion.

I believe the term "corruption" encompasses a multitude of synonyms. Thus, in this discourse, I aim to be unequivocally clear when I employ the term "corruption," particularly within the context of the massage field.

Thank you for visiting my educational website on medical and sports massage. As you can see, I offer self-paced as well as instructional courses, including but not limited to Continuing Education (CE) courses , just instructional without certificate of completion.

As an instructor, I often witness a curious phenomenon. Many massage therapists expect me to disclose some "deep and dark secrets" of mine; some "magic" spot on the client’s body where they can press and relieve clients from suffering. When faced with such idiosyncrasy, I always experience a feeling of peace and power. These practitioners seek truth about massage, and it is very easy to teach them the truth about the power of massage.

In today's writing, I will dedicate my focus to brain dysfunction, whether it be from brain trauma or so-called Communicating Hydrocephalus, which is responsible for brain dysfunction. Below is my article on the medical massage protocol in post-concussion rehabilitation. If you listen carefully to Jodie’s post-concussion patient-reported outcome presentation, as well as to Paulina's, Gwynne’s, Kat’s, and Kathy’s stress-related case presentations...

Following the publication of my recent article titled "Claiming Evidence-based Massage Practice," a knowledgeable colleague of mine made a comment that I found appreciable: " I appreciate you being open to colleagues’ thoughts and feedback. 
I briefly scanned the linked article and regarding your summary, “Now days,no massage practitioner should or can consider themselves advanced practitioners, without capability to perform medical stress management massage.”

The expression "the only truths will set us free" applies to many life situations, but it's especially relevant in the massage field . We are the only occupation in healthcare that stimulates the healing process through touch. We work from insight, leaving no room for pretense or making up clinically unproven methods. If massage therapists pretend otherwise, it creates barriers that hinder their ability to practice the healing art freely.

In my writing on a clinical approach to holism, I emphasized the necessity of defining healthcare fields and, when clinicians discuss holism, specifically relating to treatment methods before explaining the holistic approach. Otherwise, it would be mere talk on holism, described as "no patient benefits intellectual demagoguery."

That's the topic of our discussion today as we delve into the realm of clinical depression, specifically major depressive disorder. It's akin to the age-old question: "What comes first, the chicken or the egg?" In this case, does clinical depression precede sleep disorders, thus triggering them? 

Modern conventional medicine has reached fantastic levels. Like 40 years ago, only in science fiction books could we read about lung, heart, kidney, and other organ transplantations. Today, surgeons perform them routinely. It's not science fiction anymore. Having said that, conventional methods of medicine are practically helpless when it comes to treating muscular syndromes.

Three orthopedic surgeons, after looking at MRI images, decided on hip replacement, citing "bone on bone." To be precise, "bone on bone" implies complete fusion of the bones. During my initial examination, despite experiencing pain, Eileen could move her hip joint to different extents and planes. When palpating, I detected a lot of tension within the entire gluteal muscles group, particularly within the piriformis muscle and Tensor fasciae latae muscle. This tension typically creates significant pressure within the hip joint, making it difficult to put weight on and impeding standing and walking.

Recently, the FDA has ceased accepting applications for approvals without patient-reported outcomes. This decision stems from the realization that 60 to 70% of research data, particularly in biology, cannot be reproduced. This alarming statistic indicates unethical practices among scientists and researchers, often resulting in manipulated outcomes. I have decided to adopt the practice of teaching through case presentations.

If we overview personal trainers' Scope of Practice, considering definitions of what they do, including designing and executing individual and small group exercise fitness programs tailored to the needs and attainable goals of the individual apparently healthy client, it would be appropriate to define "healthy client."

Have you ever experienced pain, clinical depression, and other symptoms, yet tests fail to reveal any support for your suffering? Does this make you question your mental well-being? In this blog post, we delve into such situations and explore the complex interplay of symptoms and mental health.

I am writing to share a noteworthy case presentation involving the successful application of medical massage protocols in the treatment of a chronic case. The patient, Sosi, had been suffering from symptoms such as charley horse/muscular cramps, headaches, dizziness, and hypertension for several years.

I am about to present a complicated case where the medical community couldn't find a solution using the clinical standards and reasoning of conventional medicine alone, without incorporating the practice of an integrative medicine approach. Prior to presenting the case, which includes but is not limited to a massage procedure, assessments, and the creation of an appropriate treatment plan, as always, we must listen carefully to our patient's presentation.

Dear collegues.I am writing to address a matter of concern within our community that warrants our collective attention. It has come to my notice that some of our esteemed colleagues, who are graduates of reputable massage schools, licensed massage therapists, and members of professional trade associations, 

It is absolute misinformation for the general public when it comes to detoxification and cleanse programs. A simple Google search for "full body detoxification and cleanses" yields thousands of products, all claiming to cleanse and detoxify, along with different diets making similar claims, many boasting scientific evidence for cleansing and detoxification. 

In my previous blogs, I’ve discussed that four years ago, I was hired by the biomedical research company as an massage therapist consultant. This group tried to develop drugs, for the prevention of developments of post-concussion encephalopathies.

By the way, in regards to the incident described in Part one of this blog, the lady who likely have gotten injured by the wrong application of massage, refused to see me. According to her husband, no matter how much he told her about my approach of avoiding vigorous pressure and only using gentle palpation in assessing soft tissues while figuring out the reasons for pain, she was stricken by fear and thus adamant about not seeing another massage therapist.

Over three decades of practicing and teaching in the United States have led me to explore the definitions of medical massage. But in my search, I encountered various explanations that often lacked coherence. It seems that the context in which a specific massage protocol is performed determines whether it is deemed medical or not. For instance, if the massage is given in a hospital setting, it may be labeled medical massage, but if the same protocol is applied outside the hospital by the same practitioner, it loses its medical designation.

The value of this research is in the importance of the exposed data. In addition, this study/research paper was published at "Science Translational Medicine," which provides considerable authority to this research.

On February 2nd, 2012, multiple sources issued a press release related to intense healing power massage therapy. At the time, it was widely publicized, including TV reports. Below are a few excerpts of this release.

Speaking about massage being essential services...

After so many years of clinical experience, the last few months I'm feeling like a student, who ”just got it.” My personal enrichment, during the last few months, was rapid, very exciting, and a bit unusual.

A few days ago I received a message from a colleague of mine, who is my student, my patient, and my friend.

“I've been talking to some of my fibro survivors. Many have symptoms of the post-viral syndrome and many have a history of neck trauma like whiplash or fractures. Could this be the double whammy? Neck injuries later create a post-viral looking syndrome almost like post-concussion syndrome?”

Hi all,

Recently I was invited by a large company that provides certifications for fitness specialists, to teach the post-exercise recovery certification program. I was happy to participate because as much as exercise contributing to health and wellness it might have side effects such as buildups of tension in muscles.

Forty years out of my forty-six years of clinical experience I have combined clinical work with teaching Medical and Sports Massage. I always loved it, and sharing my knowledge in massage procedures, is my passion.

Hi All,

As I have mentioned in the article below, I’ve met a researcher, 64 years old male, who has developed a significant short memory loss. His colleagues, family members, and, of course, he was worried. Yesterday, I have provided him with treatment number 11.

Recently I have had communication with LMT, who in the past took my CE classes.

In the middle of our discussion she said: "you Boris are a very advanced massage therapist, if all of us would be as advance as you are, massage therapists might be recognized as a healthcare provider."

A bit on the history of epidemics. Smallpox used to take the lives of millions of people. There are estimates that this disease only in the XVIII century and only in Europe killed 60 million people. Global immunization eradicated these deadly outbreaks and it is happened not long ago, in 1980.

Sometimes an accidental encounter explodes in your mind, assembling events, concepts, and memories in one logical chain that to you seems utterly natural and true. At the same time, the non-uniform nature of the components makes it a challenge to place them in one coherent narrative.

A few days after I published the article “Can massage techniques be equated with remedies?”, I receive a call from a cardiologist, whom I already knew for some time. He asked me if he can forward the link to my article to a friend of his who is a professor of medicine, double board-certified cardiologists, Ph.D., at one of the local medical schools.

I'm not an infectious diseases specialist, and wouldn't waste your time, offering the analysis on “What do we know about COVID 19”.

In this article, I am going to discuss the devastating effect of these pandemics on our society, and the fear that leading US infection disease experts and agencies subjected the society at large.

Based on my experiences practicing medical and sports massage for many years, I can say with conviction that, although massage techniques cannot be equated to remedies, in certain cases it is possible to discover or rediscover additional healing power that the use of massage techniques can entail.

People, who follow my articles and posts know that I am a big believer in professional discussions, and am not afraid of being challenged and support my opinion in a mutually respectful back and forth argument. Everyone can learn from this type of professional discussion: those who post, those who disagree, and those who are just following the discussion.

The recent article By Dr. Ross Turchaninov, MD “NEW SCIENTIFIC DATA TO REVISIT ACTIVE TRIGGER POINTS CONCEPT “inspired me to write this commentary.

The material presented here is partially from my article, first was published at 42 MASSAGE & BODYWORK • JUNE/JULY 2006

Hello friends!

I am of the opinion that massage therapists must remember about the great uniqueness of massage therapy when treating any disorders or dysfunctions.
Recently, a person from our fields, a friend of mine, posted this article on his site.

Below is my blog about this bizarre request “to break fascia.” In this blog, I am not only presenting this case, but also explaining fascia/muscles relations, pathophysiology, and much more. In addition, I am providing information about the historical developer of this methodology. It’s a fascinating story.

Like most people, forced by courante for inactivity, I was racking my brain on ways to be productive and if possible help to other people in that difficult time.

Hello Friends,

"Five years ago or so, I received a call from a patient. Her first question was: “Do you possess enough expertise and experience to break my fascia?” ???? Jokingly I answered: “I’m in the business of repairing, and not breaking.”

Dear friends,

It just crossed my mind that now because of the global tragedy it is appropriate to talk about the most powerful methodology in our toolbox that allows boosting the immune system. This is a methodology of detoxification and manual acceleration of lymphatic drainage. There is no other clinically proven scientifically based methodology, capable of competing with it.

To all my dear friends,

I hope that you and your close ones are safe and healthy.

It’s a tough time. The time of much worry, anxiety, and stress. We cannot avoid stress. Rather if we manage it properly, we can avoid its detrimental consequences on our immune system and health in general.

Fascia mobilization is an important massage modality. Unless a therapist releases tension in fascia it is impossible to achieve results. To find out why this is important on the physiological level.

Fascia surrounds each muscle, hosts pathways for nerves and blood vessels, participates in a nutritional supply and gas exchange and provides support for muscles when they are under a significant load. For example, when a biceps constricts, flexes forearm or lifts weight, fascia supports biceps action by sharing the load.

Five years ago or so, I received a call from a patient referred by MD. Her first question was: “Do you possess enough expertise and experience to break my fascia?” 

The works of Austrian physical therapist Elizabeth Dickle made known to the scientific community the importance of tension build-up in the connective tissue/fascia and its impact on chronic somatic and visceral abnormalities.

For approximately the last seven years, the interest of my practice shifted to post-concussion rehabilitation. I am glad and proud to report that in most of those cases I succeeded. Appropriately utilizing methods of post-concussion medical massage a practitioner could achieve sustainable results.

During my career, I had had many opportunities to provide successful treatments for people who suffered from essential hypertension. Although for some reason in the United States hypertension, secondary to vertebral artery syndrome, is also considered to be essential hypertension.

A person whose testimonial you’ll be acquainted with below attended my treatment sessions seven months ago. It was a well-observed case.

Thank God, I always have been successful during my entire career. Somehow, from the very beginning, I understood that the development of hands-on skills is a lifelong process. In this respect, the sky is the limit.

Hi all,

I didn't finish my discussion: ”Is massage therapy an innocent procedure?”

The degree of emotional reactions to everything is different. As we are different people, emotional reactions depend on our personal or philosophical views. At times, one can experience a significant emotional reaction without an apparent or explainable reason.

Previously, I already wrote about my consulting work in the research settings. While I am performing a massage procedure, scientists use recording equipment, and lab tests and they are trying to develop medications, to replicate outcome of massage.

Below, I am including a link to the article that was published in “Massage today” in 2005.

During my career as an educator, I always used to repeat to my students: ”we are teaching you the science-based massage therapy. You will be trained how to perform massage techniques, appropriate sequences of massage techniques specifically designed for different massage protocols.

The established, generally acceptable scientific concepts and conclusions, sometimes may not be fully supported by clinical observations and personal experiences. For example, the following is an excerpt from my article.

4 weeks ago, I received a concussion patient, in what turned out to be a difficult clinical case, including insomnia, headache/head pressure, disorientation, memory disturbances and more.

Usually, symptoms of painful skeletal muscular disorders, including to limited range of motion, are the results of tensions buildups within muscles and/or fascia/ connective tissue. Very often, in addition to tensions within fascia and/or muscles, trigger points would be developed.

In most of the concussion-related literature, a concussion is viewed as the result of a blow to the head. This, generally, is the accepted way of thinking within the medical community, and especially within the fields of neurology.

My partner forwarded to me the link to the article featuring the interview with Bo Jackson. You'll find it below, where Bo Jackson shares a startling hindsight that he: “I would have never played football. Never. I wish I had known about all of those head injuries, but no one knew that. And the people that did know that, they wouldn’t tell anybody.”

This year I'm planning to teach a considerable amount of workshops. The topic of these workshops will be ”The rehabilitation from concussions and the prevention of developments of brain dysfunction.

Recently I have received an FB message “medical massage VS. bronchial asthma ???”

Short and to the point. Isn't it? LOL. Yes, indeed. There is a significant room for a medical massage when managing bronchial asthma.

The last Thursday I had an opportunity to engage in a private conversation with one of the prominent neurologists, a professor of neurology at the local medical school.

In 1973 I received training performing medical massage protocol for rehabilitation from post-concussion brain dysfunction. During my long career, I wasn’t aware that the implementation of this protocol is such a necessity.

Below is a testimonial of my patient. For confidentiality purposes, let's call him Paul and let's call a referring neurologist Dr. Smith. By the way, in November this neurologist planned to do a presentation of this case at a big neurological forum. I will keep you updated.

Approximately 50 days ago I received a post-concussion patient who was 56 years old male. He experienced a severe concussion, lost conscious, paramedics brought him to ER and was hospitalized for five days, demonstrating classical symptoms of a severe concussion.

As I explained in the previous blog, when massage Magazine removed my article, without allowing me to reply to those complaints, my partner wrote Karen Manahan editor in chief an emotional personal e-mail. The text is below.

As explained in Part 1 and Part 2 of this blog the science of Soviet Medical Massage was originally developed by Professor Anatoli Sherbak in the nineteen-thirties as well as my Dr.Serazini, who was internationally recognized as a father of modern sports massage. In the nineteen fifties, these developments were expanded by German scientists Drs. Glezer and Dalicho.

As you may know, some time ago due to complaints Massage Magazine requested, to remove my article Specially designed medical massage protocol is the most powerful methodology for management of concussions symptoms and much more.

By Michael Gaft

I would like to start by saying that I am not a massage therapist or a medical professional and my interest in this matter is rather philosophical than medical.

Prior to getting familiar with the case I am about to describe, I highly recommend to read this article.

The mainstream position on concussion treatment states that “rest and time” will provide a sufficient cure.

I was inspired to write this when I came across the article Blood Pressure Reactivity to Psychological Stress Predicts Hypertension in the CARDIA Study conducted research.

Recently I've produced a video "Can massage be promoted as detoxification methodology". In my video I explain there the natural physiology of lymphatic draining and the way how professor Chernikh took advantage of the natural process and developed this methodology.

European Cranio-sacral therapy was developed by Bulgarian scientist Boris Ivanov MD. Ph.D. In 1966 he completed the research on the subject and proposed the concept of the relation between spinal mechanical disturbances and the development of spinal degenerative diseases.

https://www.massagemag.com/?redirect=massage-blog

Hi there,

Michael here, Boris' partner...

It turned out that many of WMF participants followed my FB battles, and approached me to discuss them in person. I was hoping I wouldn't get pulled into needless confrontations and become a target of unprofessional actions.

Before continuing to share my experiences at WMF, I would like to thank Cindy and Mike Hinkle, Mike Hinkle Junior, Darcy Neibaur and many volunteers for the great organization of this event.

Recently I come back from 2014 WMF. It was my second time. The first time it was at 2013 Long Beach California, where I was honored by being inducted to the Hall of Fame. Still I got the feeling of open and friendly atmosphere; free of politics of a professional convention.

Dear friends,

For last 40 years I am practicing and teaching medical and sports massage protocols. Protocols that where developed by scientists for us to learn.

Stretching is a good thing. It seems. Yet it all depends.

Several months ago I've gotten a call from a student of mine who is a DPT now. She asked me to take on a peculiar and difficult case of rotator cuff syndrome.

Running across this article "Prescription drug abuse surged 400 percent in past decade" I was amazed how resonant this topic was with my own thoughts; those that I was mulling over for a while and that were troubling me.

Six weeks ago I received a 48 years old woman who suffered from sharp pain in lower back, buttocks area, including a high intensity irradiation pain to right lower extremity for the last seven months.

Recently I had the most peculiar clinical experience that left me with a big question. A familiar dermatologist referred to me as a client for cellulite reduction massage. The main focus of my practice is painful pathologies and orthopedic massage.

When your office flooded, it isn't a pleasant experience but not a tragedy either.

Recently, a familiar physician, referred to me a 53 years old male, CEO of a huge corporation.

20 years ago I have established the school in LA - Institute of professional practical therapy, school of massage physical therapy aid, and chiropractor assistant program. 3 years ago I sold my school and now it’s South California health institute.

Massage therapy is a very simple and side effects free methodology. In certain cases, it can be so extremely powerful that it has no substitute. The doctor’s story I am about to present could be considered as an example of the massive phenomena of mechanical pain and dysfunctions that to a large degree could only be successfully addressed by means of massage.

As I discussed in the last week post, the neurologist whom I helped with his neck problem started referring me patients.

Lately much discussion transpires on trigger points. Something like

Are trigger points real?

What are trigger points?

What is the mechanism of trigger points therapy; how it work?

Is it necessary to include trigger point therapy when providing medical /orthopedic massage?

Hypertension is a very dangerous disorder. It literally endangers life. This disorder could lead to strokes, heart attacks, peripheral arteries diseases and to many other diseases.

Approximately 18 years ago, when I have started producing my medical and sports massage instructional medical massage educational video series, my friend’s wife told me: ”Boris don't do this. You guys should just teach live classes.”

Massage therapy is a very powerful therapeutic tool. Did I say something new?

Yesterday I had an opportunity to attend the presentation “Active Engagement Techniques” with Whitney Lowe at AMTA-CA Annual Education Conference.

Yesterday at the AMTA-CA Annual Education Conference, I was engaged into few interesting discussions.

The critical thinking is based on: analysis, critique and conclusions. In our field in most cases critical thinking is necessary at the time of meta-analysis. If scientists have an interest in research and development of hands-on protocols/techniques, the purpose of which is to accelerate quantities of lymphatic drainage, scientists analyze huge amount of available data on the subject, including, physiology of lymphatic system, its main duty, etc.

Massage therapy is not a remedy for all diseases. Yet it is so powerful, that for the sake of one's well-being, it cannot be ignored. We cannot rely on "feel good" sensations only. To achieve the best results, treatment strategies and underlying concepts have to be understood and step-by-step protocols should be followed to the letter.

As a therapeutic tool massage has been known and used since ancient times. The scientific community has given it serious consideration only in the last 100 years. Within this time, scientists have discovered many important factors that links massage with the treatment of multiple diseases.

Our lives are full of events that are connected by cause and effect. For instance, if we lift and release an object it's going to fall down. Gravity existed long time before Galileo and Newton described its behavior quantitatively. Millenniums before their time, knowing nothing about gravity beyond its cause and effect relation, military engineers created machines that catapulted rocks over the wall of besieged cities.

A sense of touch is a demarcation line that sets apart a good therapist and a great one. The greater therapist being the one who constantly delivers better results.

The existence of Vasomotor Reflexes /increase of blood supply triggered by massage therapy was originally shown by Prof. Zabludovsky (1913) who used a plethsymograph to register the phenomenon.

Back in 1987 one Russian neurologist, the specialist in sports medicine, has invited me to participate in a pilot experiment for chiropractic medicine educational program. He was hired by Medical College at city of RAMAT GAN at Israel to develop and to supervise this program for further approval by the Department of Education. At the time I was already experienced medical massage practitioner but knew little about chiropractic medicine.

Recently I had a rather stormy discussion in one of the user groups regarding my article "Body cells carry emotional memories.” This theory doesn’t have existing scientific explanation, only a working hypothesis.

Several weeks ago, I received a 53 years old male client who was suffering from what was introduced to me as sciatic nerve neuralgia. He had reported all classical symptoms of this disorder, including pain in the buttocks with irradiating to the leg.

According to Wikepedia the origin of the expression "No pain, no gain" goes back as far as the second century A.C. At that time though it was referring to spiritual rather than physical activity - unless a person endures some spiritual search or suffering - he or she won't achieve any spiritual gain.

20+ years ago when I arrived to Los Angeles, I have obtained the only available at that time license of massage technician. Adding to my bewilderment was fact that my license was listed under adult entertainment category.

It was said that ability of the mind to re-evaluate existing convictions upon acquiring new information is the sign of intellect. In other words a human being has to always strive to doubt existing authoritative opinions, push the envelope, and get outside the box to be on the winning team of progress.

Massage procedure is about rapid but sustained results. Lately too often I hear from people and healthcare providers who are a source for referrals, statements similar to this: "In the beginning massage therapy helped me and/or to my patient, but then it didn't work and therefore I continue consume/or prescribe painkillers, steroids injections, etc.”

Giving to the fact that most of us carry stress in neck and upper back region, it is extremely important for stress management to include proposed self-massage techniques into your stress management routine.