Differential Diagnosis of Spinal Pain

Massage therapists often see the same clients as doctors, with the exact same complaints. Because of the limited scope of their training, it is much more difficult for Registered Massage Therapists to understand the underlying pathology — they simply lack the necessary conceptual tools. Nevertheless, it is very useful to at least determine the general … Read more

On the Placebo Effect

In conversations with colleagues, I often encounter a surprising misunderstanding of the placebo effect. Not simply a lack of familiarity with the term, but a misunderstanding of the very essence of this phenomenon. At first glance, the concept seems simple. However, the placebo effect is often misunderstood even by medical professionals, and this misunderstanding can … Read more

How to Find and Choose a Massage Therapist

Choosing a Clinic You can find a massage therapist at a large clinic or a small private studio. Large clinics are pricier, nicer-looking, and often more conveniently located. Private studios are simpler, more affordable, and more flexible. At big clinics, therapists carry a heavier workload, and getting a specific person can be tricky — the … Read more

List of Pseudoscientific Concepts #2

This list focuses on instrument-assisted methods of soft tissue treatment. What unites them is pseudoscience: the claimed mechanism of action or declared effect lacks sufficient evidence. One clarification upfront: this is not a discussion of the absolute effectiveness of these methods. The question is framed differently — how much more effective is any given method … Read more

List of common pseudoscientific concepts #1

For novice massage therapists, navigating the modern landscape of therapeutic methods can be a daunting task. Limited foundational training often makes it difficult to distinguish evidence-based approaches from speculation and pseudoscience. This lack of clarity is actively exploited by unethical practitioners and self-proclaimed educators who promote simplistic explanations, guaranteed outcomes, and so-called “easy solutions.” To … Read more

Pseudoscience in Massage Therapy: How to Recognize It

In modern massage therapy, new “treatment methods” appear on a regular basis. As a rule, these methods are presented as fully developed from the very beginning — ready-made, turnkey systems. They come with ready-to-use theory, manuals, training programs, video materials, and one or more authoritative-looking gurus. High effectiveness is almost always claimed. Most often, we … Read more

Reduced Effectiveness of Relaxation Massage in Chronic Stress and Prolonged Sitting

Typical clinical situation A typical clinical situation presents as follows. An individual experiences emotional tension related to professional activities and spends a significant portion of time in a seated position, often with incorrect posture. Under these conditions, the muscular system is subjected to static overloads, resulting in a state of elevated tone in certain muscle … Read more

A new online massage booking system

I try to keep up with the latest internet technology.There are many booking systems for massage clinics. However, some of them require overwhelming payments, others limit the functionality of the available versions. At the same time, the capabilities of these systems often lag behind modern standards. I constantly monitor such products and choose the most … Read more