MEDICAL AND SPORTS MASSAGE EDUCATION FROM BORIS PRILUTSKY® — OR NOT A GOOD INSTRUCTOR?

From the Author

In the past, many times in my writings, I have talked about a troubling phenomenon in the massage therapy field: people creating alternative names for massage, creating new names for new methodologies, and teaching continuing education courses based on limited clinical experience.

It can be enough for a presenter to learn some “NEW” scientific data from various medical fields, present it in a way that creates the impression of scientific authority, and attract massage therapists who have a strong desire to “be scientific.” They attend these seminars, learn something that may have very little clinical application, and then continue to spread the “new” information.

In the post-COVID era, I believe this approach deserves much more serious consideration. The old assumption that “if this is not helping, it cannot harm” is no longer acceptable in many clinical situations. Some approaches that may once have seemed innocent can potentially aggravate a person's condition.

Over the last few years, I believe this situation has gotten out of control. I have seen people essentially copying my writings, making minor changes, and presenting similar concepts as their own “new” discoveries.

This brings me to the point where I felt I had no other choice but to apply for the ® registration. So, don't be surprised if you see the following statement on my website:

Today's Story Is About One of My Former Students

He graduated from my school approximately 25 years ago and went on to establish a solid practice. Unfortunately, he forgot one of the most important principles I taught:

As a teacher, I would feel bad and guilty if I had not taught my students the important professional rules I have always emphasized. I even asked him: “Would you want a car mechanic who specializes in engine repair to work on your brakes?”

His answer was no. But then he said something that, in my opinion, was one of the most concerning things a professional massage therapist could say: “I was following your article on the subject.”

The Story

His wife, a 52-year-old woman, began experiencing multiple symptoms, including sleep disorders, brain fog, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and dizziness.

She went to a doctor, and MRI and other evaluations were performed. According to him, the results did not identify a clear cause. Her doctor prescribed an anti-anxiety/antidepressant medication.

She was also a massage therapist and continued taking the medication. Because the medical tests had not identified a clear cause, she continued working.

Little by little, her condition became worse. She began experiencing nausea, an increase in the frequency and severity of her dizziness episodes, and eventually significant difficulty functioning normally.

And then came the part that concerned me most. He had read my articles on the subject and decided to treat the condition himself. He called me and begged for help, telling me that his wife's condition had become so severe that they ended up in the emergency room. Because of the nausea and dizziness, she could barely stand on her legs.

I asked him: “How many treatments did you provide?” His answer was: Three treatments.

Then I asked: “Why did you continue treating her after you saw her condition getting worse?” He simply said: “I'm sorry, Boris.”

I needed to understand the thinking behind his decision, so I asked him what articles of mine he had used to “prepare” himself before beginning treatment. He did not give me a clear answer.

I then asked him: “You were my student. Why didn't you take my continuing education course on this subject before attempting to treat someone?” You are making money from your practice. What was the reason you continued treating a patient without having sufficient knowledge of what you were doing?

It was a very emotional moment for me. But I did not feel guilty as an instructor. He had been trained by me to practice responsibly and to understand the limits of his knowledge.

I asked him one additional question: “Did you read this particular article?” https://www.medicalmassage-edu.com/blog/massage-therapy-demand-vs-client-retention.htm

At this point, I am convinced that he was not truthful when he answered: “No, I didn't.”

What Happened Next

I am very proud to report that, after subsequently receiving eight treatments from me, this patient got much better. Most importantly, her symptoms of nausea and dizziness were no longer present, and she reported a better quality of sleep. I hope we can all learn something from this case.

We are entering a new era in healthcare. In many cases, there can no longer be an innocent compromise based simply on the idea that “it feels good.” A technique that feels good does not necessarily mean that it is appropriate for a particular condition.

The Responsibility of the Practitioner

Knowing when not to treat is part of being a responsible healthcare professional. Knowing the limits of your education is not a weakness. Recognizing your clinical limits,is not a failure. And learning before attempting to treat an unfamiliar condition is not optional—it is professional responsibility.

About My Previous Writings on “NEW”

In my previous articles, I discussed what I consider to be the growing problem of presenting repackaged or insufficiently tested ideas as “NEW” discoveries in massage therapy and continuing education. Just in case you missed those articles, I have included the link below: https://www.medicalmassage-edu.com/blog/be-informed-or-else.htm

What Do You Think?

This is a subject that deserves discussion. Please share your opinions, agreements, or disagreements. I would especially like to hear from massage therapists and other healthcare professionals who have encountered similar situations in their own practices.

Best wishes,
Boris Prilutsky