Massage in the Treatment of Cancer – Part 2

Please click the link to read Part 1. https://www.medicalmassage-edu.com/blog/massage-in-the-treatment-of-cancer-part-1.htm

From the Author:

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.

For example, several years ago, I treated a Parkinson’s patient who developed an acute case of lower back pain. While lying on his stomach during treatment, he suddenly experienced a panic attack and complained that he couldn’t breathe. I immediately turned him onto his side and began working in an inhibitory regime for about 15 minutes to suppress his sympathetic nervous system reaction. He fell asleep, and when he woke up, his tremors had almost completely stopped, and he was able to walk normally. He asked to continue treatment.

Over the course of many sessions, I focused primarily on kneading/petrissage techniques—just as I had in the first treatment, where the “miracle” occurred. He stopped using dopamine patches and even resumed playing tennis. The patient later insisted on a repeated CT scan with dopamine contrast. The scan confirmed his Parkinson’s diagnosis—yet he was no longer shaking.

As you understand, I cannot and should not claim that medical massage is a definitive treatment for Parkinson’s. However, we do know that massage—particularly petrissage techniques—can stimulate mitochondria. This offers a possible explanation for the phenomenon I observed.

Just as I presented in this articlehttps://www.medicalmassage-edu.com/blog/harm-by-massage-in-cases-of-amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als-part-1.htm

, I’ve chosen to share these cases because we cannot work blindly. Perhaps a younger generation of massage therapists will use this information to initiate research at a higher standard, observe similar cases, and develop ready-to-learn protocols.

Again, this presentation is not intended as a definitive claim, but rather as a contribution to an ongoing discussion. It serves as yet another reminder of the diverse healing potential of massage that must be further acknowledged and explored.

Throughout my career, I continue to practice, gain new experience, and refine my skills. As an educator, I remain committed to sharing this knowledge—including through my writings.

I hope this commentary encourages deeper reflection on the scope and possibilities of massage therapy. I invite open discussion—whether it be agreement, disagreement, skepticism, or encouragement.

Please feel free to participate. Active engagement in such conversations makes us all better therapists.

Who hasn’t read Part 1 should do so first—it will be difficult to follow the conclusions otherwise.

As you may have noticed in Part 1, I was emotionally involved—not only because human lives were at stake, but perhaps also because something inside me was urging, “Take this case.”

My biggest concern was the primary care physician’s warning: “If the prostate cancer metastasizes to the bones, he will die in agony.”

This prompted me to reach out to colleagues from my home country. One friend reminded me of a case from the late 1960s in the Soviet Union. Cosmonauts returning from space were developing severe osteoporosis. Professor Kogan, MD, PhD, the director of the Baikonur Cosmodrome Medical Center, proposed whole-body vibration therapy using vibration plates. The results were striking—within a short time, astronauts regained normal bone density.

Later, in the 1970s, researchers discovered that high-frequency vibration therapy could also reduce the growth and spread of prostate cancer. I advised my patient to find a gym that offered this kind of therapy, and he did—just a few blocks from his home. We agreed he would use the therapy three times a week. I was relieved because it gave me confidence to continue treatment without constantly worrying about metastasis.

As mentioned in Part 1, stress can significantly suppress immune function.

My patient could afford an intensive treatment plan. For the first three weeks, we alternated sessions: one day focused on medical stress management massage, and the next on acceleration of lymphatic drainage. We agreed to run a PSA test after the first 15 treatments.

Thank God, the test came back at 0.4. This result strongly supported the idea that our approach—enhancing and unleashing the immune system—was having a positive effect on cancer cells. Over the course of 14 weeks, he received 31 treatments. A follow-up PSA test showed undetectable levels.

I was ready to continue, but the patient decided to pursue a three-month program at a branch of a Siberian clinic located in the Czech Republic. The original Siberian clinic is known for its extreme nutritional program, where cancer patients are kept on very low-calorie diets—just enough to survive—under constant supervision by medical doctors. The idea is that normal cells can survive this starvation, but cancer cells cannot.

I tried to dissuade him. I truly believed we needed to continue our work. But he insisted. His argument was: “I gained 85 pounds and need to lose them. This program will make sure every last cancer cell is gone.”

I’ll see him in three months and will report back.

Honestly, I don’t blame him. This experience changed him. He became more aggressive in fighting the disease. I remember how quiet and polite he was before. Now, he’s determined.

When I received news that his PSA was undetectable, I was thrilled. I immediately called the primary care physician who referred him. This doctor is a very good professional—and a good person. But instead of congratulating me, he responded coldly and said, “Most likely, it’s a placebo.”

I replied, “Possibly. But should we care? Even if I have the ability to trigger placebo, shouldn’t that count for something?”
He answered, “That’s a stretch, Boris.”
I said, “I’m texting you the article. Please offer constructive criticism—whether you agree or disagree.” https://www.medicalmassage-edu.com/blog/the-placebo-effect-and-its-role-in-massage-therapy-part-2.htm

He later called back and said, “There’s much to prove.”
I responded, “Our rich clinical experience, including repeatable results, is itself a form of proof. The article presents interesting arguments. Argue them if you can.”
He replied, “No, I wouldn’t argue.”
I said, “Thank you.”

Conclusion

Dear colleagues,

Massage therapy is not rocket science—but the science of massage must be learned, understood, and continuously refined. Hands-on mastery must be developed and perfected over time.

This is not the first time that physicians have had difficulty accepting shocking, positive outcomes from massage therapy.

I know that our professional community loves slogans like: “We need recognition!” These slogans excite thousands of our colleagues—but sometimes this excitement distracts us from our real work: the day-to-day effort of delivering consistent, repeatable results.

It is through this consistent clinical success that recognition will come—big-time recognition.

Our mission is simple and powerful:
To help people who are suffering.

Yours,
Boris