Eric Purves RMT

26/07/2025

Another good read from OSS.
This article discusses the battle against pseudoscience. The last paragraph is relevant to much of the discussions we still have today.

This article was first published in The Montreal Gazette. “A gesture as effective as sending out a boy with a peashooter to bring down a rhinoceros.” Sometimes I feel like I’m the boy and the rhino is the compendium of quack therapies ranging from coffee enemas, raw juice diets and therapeutic...

25/07/2025

This is a wonderful testimonial from Alanna Thompson. She has some great course content coming out this year. You can see her present at the Knowledge Summit this October.
I was honoured to work with her and the rest of the members in my course creators' group.

25/07/2025

Thinking is Power = is one of my favourite sites.
We should not hold onto our ideals too strongly, because they could be wrong

We've all been there. The more we’ve invested in an idea the harder it is to let go. But the ability to admit we were wrong and change our minds is crucial for learning and growing. Let's strive for the humility to do so, and extend that same grace to others.

23/07/2025

As I continue my learning journey on how best to engage with those who are promoting science denial and/or pseudoscience, the suggestions are to not let the information go unquestioned.

When you hear or see someone spreading misinformation, you are supposed to engage with them by asking questions and try to understand their perspectives. This is not easy to do because so many therapists personally identify with their technique, modality, approach, framework, etc.

I am still amazed at how much implausible information is promoted in the massage and MSK world. Seeing courses that promote 1980's structuralist ideology is not serving the public's best interest.

23/07/2025

Although I haven't released many new episodes this year, I am happy to see the steady growth of my podcast. I recently rebranded it to "Massage Science."

The focus will now be on exploring the science and ideas on topics I think are important for massage and manual therapists.

Coming up soon will be a series of 3 episodes with the presenters at the upcoming online conference, The Knowledge Summit. Next I will be releasing a 10 episode series on the science of pain and pain management.

Have a listen to some of my previous episodes here:

Massage science is the next iteration of the Purves Versus podcast. This is a podcast created for the massage, manual and movement therapist. Eric Purves is a massage therapist, educator, and researcher with a passion to have the massage and muscu...

22/07/2025

Every summer I open up space for my new cohort of course creators.

This program is for those who want to create and teach their own course, or for those who already teach CE courses and are looking for support, guidance and accountability to improve and adapt what they already have.

The program runs online from Sept to April. It includes 12 online modules plus live small group meetings via Zoom.

For more information send me a DM or comment below.

09/07/2025

Meet the presenters for The Knowledge Summit. Featuring RMT educators and researchers from across Canada and the UK.
This online conference is October 5th 9am-330pm PST. If you cannot attend live, not to worry, a recording will be made available.
Approved for credits across Canada and can be used to complete both your PDP learning goals in BC.
Tristen Attenborough, Sarah MacAulay, Alanna Thompson, Meaghan Mounce

08/07/2025

5 common factors in science denial:
- Cherry picking evidence
- Belief in conspiracy theories
- Reliance on fake experts
- Committing logical errors
- Setting impossible expectations for what science can achieve.

Next time you are reading a post, watching a reel or having a conversation with someone about a topic in our industry, ask yourself if any of these logical errors are being made. Either by them, or yourself.

01/07/2025

Changing a belief is difficult. Especially if identity is attached to that belief.

Addressing the problems of pseudoscience in MSK care involves challenging many assumptions and beliefs that are deeply rooted in the educational system, the industry and the public.

Teaching critical thinking skills to educators, students and therapists which empowers them with the abilities to recognize the elements of pseudoscience, to challenge assumptions, and to ask well reasoned questions is a potential strategy to help move away from a belief based profession and towards one that is based on current evidence and best practices.

27/06/2025

Over the last few years I’ve taken a deep dive into books and research on critical thinking, logic and reasoning. This book is an easy read which I highly recommend.

My reasons for doing it were to try and understand why pseudoscience is so prevalent and to try and learn how to push back against it in a way that invites conversations and encourages questions rather than arguments.

Magical thinking, faith based beliefs, and poor reasoning skills are something that is very prevalent in MSK healthcare.

There is a way to move forward and to create meaningful change that will result in better healthcare. A first step is to have leadership and educators become familiar with the problems and the challenges, and then empowering them with the skills in how to handle those who defy science and reasoning.

21/06/2025

One of my favourite things about Saturday’s is the email I get from “University of McGill, Office for Science and Society.”
Their tagline is, separating sense from nonsense.
They explore the science on various topics and they debunk common trends using science and logic. It’s free and their articles are fun and easy to read.
Here is an example from today,

Recently, I was forwarded an email about the Biomat—a $1,950 USD “healing mat” that claims to cure everything short of a broken heart. And boy oh boy, is it ever a hotbed of pseudoscience wrapped in a cozy cotton cover and priced like a small vacation. When I dug into the science behind the Bi...

18/06/2025

Thank you Meaghan Mounce for creating this mini course for my site.
Move Through Cancer: The Role of Exercise in Treatment and Recovery.
This 90-minute self directed course is available starting now for only $37. The price will go up by $20 on July 1st.

This course is designed to help massage therapists, health care providers, and caregivers gain knowledge and be more confident supporting people affected by cancer. Learn how to safely incorporate exercise into the care plan of someone going through or recovering from cancer. Real life case studies....