Medical Massage Blog

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.