Hands on massage procedure VS AI robotic massage, Will the Field of Massage Therapy Survive the Expansion of Artificial Intelligence?

From the author

Our massage field includes many different specialties and goes by many different names. However, I believe that most of us who practice soft tissue mobilization through massage are significantly contributing to human health. Certain massage protocols can prevent surgeries, restore function, and give people suffering from chronic conditions their lives back.

As we all know, artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding into many fields, replacing the need for direct human involvement. From flipping burgers and driverless taxis to robotic surgeries (which still require operators for now), it’s clear that full automation is only a matter of time.

I want to make a strong statement: there is no substitute for hands-on massage when it comes to treating painful and disabling back and limb disorders, stress management, and conditions such as tension and migraine headaches. No form of movement therapy—including exercise and other basic movement techniques—can replace the results achieved through skilled mssage therapy. The fast and sustainable results we see using medical massage protocols cannot be replicated by any other available methods, including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or similar tools.

If anyone disagrees with this statement, I welcome your perspective. It's important we discuss this openly because artificial intelligence is beginning to enter our field as well. For example, I received a link from Goodfellow about an AI-based massage system. I responded that, based on what I saw, it cannot replace the massage protocols I use in practice. I also provided an in-depth explanation of why robotic massage cannot match the work done by skilled human hands.

It’s critical that we have a detailed discussion about this topic. Otherwise, it's only a matter of time before many of us lose motivation to practice or even to attend massage schools.

That said, those who use massage solely for superficial relaxation—what I call "destructive therapy" that is mistaken for stress management—will probably not survive long in the profession. Our field must evolve with clear, science-based protocols that AI cannot replicate.

If we want our profession to survive, we must take this discussion seriously. We must adapt in a way that keeps our human skill set essential. In this article, I will present my case for why artificial intelligence and robotic massage cannot replace hands-on medical massage in the treatment of spinal disorders — including disc herniations, pinched nerves, and other joint-related conditions.

Looking forward to your thoughts and opinions.

Best wishes,
Boris

If you are curious to observe robotic massage ,please click the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjMsCWhKcM0

In my humble opinion, what I saw, is an a pure destructive touch.

“Feels-good” relaxation massage VS Medical full-body stress management massage

“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. However, it does not effectively suppress sympathetic nervous system activity or balance sympathetic/parasympathetic responses, therefore it cannot be categorize as an and stress management massage,

In the 1960s, scientists studied the traditional full-body Siberian massage and developed what we now know as a medical full-body stress management massage. A key difference is that this method always begins with the toes, specifically focusing on the lateral parts. Strategically, this already begins to suppress sympathetic activity.

At least 50% of the session is spent using kneading techniques, especially on the lower extremities. This intense focus is crucial for stimulating the central nervous system and triggering reflex responses. These reflexes include muscle relaxation, blood vessel dilation, reduced secretion of stress hormones, easing cardiac workload, and other positive effects on organs and body systems. Let’s keep in mind all rules of engagement I have mentioned, was developed and concluded through scientific experiment, concluded through extensive research and observations. All was done by higher standards of research practice, but most important for many years it was clinically proven as real and very powerful stress management procedure.

To read more, please click on the following links:

https://www.medicalmassage-edu.com/blog/integrative-medicine-in-action.htm

Why Robotic Systems Will Dominate Surgery—but Not Medical Massage

The medical field, particularly surgery, is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Some may find this statement too bold or exaggerated, but I believe it is accurate: surgical specialties as we know them may soon disappear.

About six months ago, a highly complex kidney transplant was successfully performed entirely by a robotic system, without the physical involvement of a surgeon. Today, many surgeries—including kidney transplants and other complex procedures—are carried out robotically, with the surgeon remotely controlling the robot.

The surgeon operates using joysticks that translate their hand movements into precise robotic actions. These systems are equipped with high-definition 3D cameras and surgical instruments. One critical factor accelerating the transition to fully robotic surgery is that these systems can scale down the surgeon’s hand movements, enabling unmatched precision. This allows the robotic system to correct or limit the possibility of human error, resulting in fewer complications and faster recovery times.

Additionally, the growing shortage of physicians—especially surgeons—has sparked conversations about artificial intelligence filling the gap. As robotic systems become more advanced, we may see a decline in interest in medical school enrollment. Why spend years studying, pass rigorous board exams, endure sleepless nights during residency, and take on massive student debt, only to enter a field where your skills may no longer be needed?

In the future, surgical residencies could be replaced or repurposed. Physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners might take over roles such as post-surgical monitoring or even assisting in incisions—though, it’s important to note, the robot that performed the solar kidney transplant also made the incisions independently.

Why Robots Cannot Effectively Replace Medical Massage

While robots may be able to perform surgeries with extreme precision, they cannot replicate the nuanced, clinical decision-making involved in hands-on medical massage therapy.

Robotic surgical systems are driven entirely by imaging—high-definition 3D views, exactly like CT scans, MRIs, and other radiological data. Based on this visual data, software guides the robotic arms to perform specific tasks, such as tumor removal, herniated disc etc..

But how do orthopedic surgeons currently decide whether to perform spine or joint surgeries? Largely through radiological findings. And yet, we know that radiology doesn't always reveal the root cause of a patient’s pain. Radiating pain to the extremities, chronic discomfort, and muscular tension are often not visible on MRI or CT scans.

Please take time to read my article on that subject

https://www.medicalmassage-edu.com/blog/medical-massage-prevention-ospinal-fusions-other-orthopedic-surgeries.htm

As I explained in a previous article:

“It’s important to note that buildup of tension within the fascia and muscles cannot be detected by radiological imaging such as MRI scans. This is one reason why many doctors, relying solely on imaging, recommend unnecessary and complicated surgeries that sometimes fail to resolve the patient’s condition.”

This is a crucial limitation. Orthopedic robots are programmed based on the same image-driven diagnostic model. Therefore, they may continue to perform surgeries that are not clinically necessary—surgeries that hands-on therapists, using palpation and patient feedback, would avoid or manage differently.

In summary, robotic systems may revolutionize surgical procedures—but they cannot, and should not, replace the skillful and personalized application of medical massage therapy.

You're welcome to share your thoughts, questions, agreements, or disagreements.

Best wishes,
Boris Prilutsky