Boris Prazdnikov Bolshoi Theater massage therapist, chiropractor Country: Russia

Content:

1. Boris Prazdnikov: The Best Massage Therapist
2. American Supermodel Cindy Crawford
3. The Transformation of Boris Prazdnikov
4. The Mysterious World of the Bolshoi Theatre
5. Boris's Journey to Becoming a Therapist
6. The Recognition of Boris's Talent
7. Meeting with Nikolay Kasyan
8. Working with Ballet Dancers
9. A Meeting with Supermodel Cindy Crawford
10. Working with Prominent Figures
11. Weight Loss Efforts with Galina Brezhneva
12. Working with Boris Yeltsin and Boris Berezovsky
13. Sinewy Hands and the Bolshoi Theatre

Boris Prazdnikov: The Best Massage Therapist

Boris Prazdnikov is a renowned massage therapist and is considered the best in the country. However, he prefers to refer to himself as a manual therapist or chiropractor. He carries the fitting surname of Prazdnikov, which translates to "festive" in English.

American Supermodel Cindy Crawford

Even American supermodel Cindy Crawford traveled hundreds of kilometers to seek a few sessions with him. When ballet dancer Nikolay Tsiskaridze injured his leg in Paris, he immediately dialed Boris's phone number. Boris's reputation had reached the legendary Maya Plisetskaya, who had been bedridden for over a week due to a common radiculitis. After numerous unsuccessful physiotherapy sessions, Plisetskaya reached out to Boris as a desperate gesture. To her surprise, within forty minutes of his arrival, she was up and about. She even tried to convince Boris to leave his current job and join the Bolshoi Theatre.

The Transformation of Boris Prazdnikov

This life-changing encounter took place over thirty years ago. At the time, Boris was content working as a massage therapist for the Soviet Sports Committee. However, Plisetskaya's persistence eventually convinced him to join the Bolshoi Theatre. Boris spent nearly fifteen years working with Plisetskaya, becoming familiar with every joint and freckle on her body. It was through her that he developed a love for ballet, witnessing the performances of a completely different era of artists.

The Mysterious World of the Bolshoi Theatre

To enter Boris Prazdnikov's office, one must navigate the intricate maze of the Bolshoi Theatre. The backstage area of the country's premier theatre is not for the faint-hearted. It reeks of mice and filth, with dirt and dust permeating every corner. Heavy curtains and pieces of stage sets threaten to fall at any moment. When Boris shares his observations of the theatre, he is met with the response that it is part of the historical ambiance. Boris, however, has a different opinion, referring to it as the most detrimental building in the country, filled with malice and envy.

Boris's Journey to Becoming a Therapist

If someone had told Boris Prazdnikov during his childhood that his life would be connected to ballet, he would have laughed in their face. He was interested in sports and saw his future in that field. Initially, he pursued boxing and then joined a Sambo club with a friend. By the age of seventeen, he had become a master of sports in professional wrestling. It was through sports that Boris discovered his talent for massage. Whenever injuries occurred during training, a massage therapist would be present to promptly provide assistance. Boris also tried his hand at it and discovered that he had a natural talent. He observed an elderly bonesetter living near his home and regularly visited her to learn and observe her techniques. When the time came to choose his career path after high school, Boris decided to study sports medicine at the Institute of Physical Culture.

The Recognition of Boris's Talent

Boris's sensitive hands did not go unnoticed by Anatoly Biryukov, a senior professor at the institute and a former wrestler himself. Biryukov advised Boris to pay more attention to his talent. After graduating from the institute, Boris spent two more years honing his massage skills under Biryukov's guidance. When Boris retired from competitive sports due to age, he was offered a position as a massage therapist in the Sports Committee. It could be said that all Soviet gymnasts passed through his hands. The sport was highly injury-prone, and Boris's theory from the institute combined with his practical experience proved to be successful. He had a unique ability to manipulate joints and vertebrae, but he understood the risks involved. Boris developed his own method, which has been emulated worldwide.

Meeting with Nikolay Kasyan

Boris had an acquaintance with Nikolay Kasyan, a renowned bonesetter, who treated politicians, cosmonauts, and celebrities. Approximately twenty years ago, Boris received a call from one of the advisors to Eduard Shevardnadze, who had experienced back problems. Shevardnadze sought treatment from Kasyan, who practiced in his village of Kobylyaki in the Poltava region. However, Shevardnadze's pain returned shortly after returning to Moscow. Boris was called upon, and he promptly resolved the issue. Shevardnadze later praised Boris and mentioned him to Kasyan. Kasyan suggested a meeting, and Boris, despite the nine hundred-kilometer journey, decided to take the risk. He discovered that their approaches and methodologies were similar, although Kasyan's movements were slightly gentler. Boris adopted some of Kasyan's techniques and had the opportunity to meet with him several times during their performances in Japan.

Working with Ballet Dancers

Boris became a familiar face behind the scenes during ballet performances, often referred to as "emergency aid." Renowned artists would refuse to go on tour if Boris wasn't included in the delegation. He developed a long-standing friendship with Maris Liepa, the legendary ballet dancer, which started with a heated argument. However, when Liepa suffered a severe leg injury, he immediately called Boris for help. Boris successfully treated him, and their bond grew stronger. Boris's presence became invaluable to the Bolshoi Theatre, and he was often referred to as the "skoraya pomoshch" or "emergency assistance."

A Meeting with Supermodel Cindy Crawford

One day, supermodel Cindy Crawford unexpectedly appeared in the dusty corridors of the Bolshoi Theatre, leaving everyone in awe. The previous day, representatives from Cindy's team had called Boris to inquire about an appointment. Boris, not taking it seriously, casually scheduled it for the following day. However, when a friend dropped by on the scheduled day, Boris told him he couldn't stay as Cindy Crawford was due to arrive any moment. To Boris's surprise, Cindy Crawford entered the room at that very moment. It turned out that she had spoken to the "Russian Rocket" Pavel Bure, who recommended Boris to her. Boris's casual response to the call had inadvertently led to this meeting.

Working with Prominent Figures

Boris's reputation reached the highest levels of society, and he treated many prominent figures. Galina Brezhneva, Boris Yeltsin, Boris Berezovsky, and many others sought his expertise. However, Boris rarely reveals any personal details about his patients, respecting their privacy. He has been warned by the Bolshoi Theatre to be more discreet in his interviews, as he once shared sensitive information with the press.

Weight Loss Efforts with Galina Brezhneva

Boris's work with Galina Leonidovna Brezhneva, the daughter of the former Soviet leader, Leonid Brezhnev, was not focused on healing but rather on weight loss. Boris helped her shed excess weight through a twenty-session program, three times a week. Unfortunately, Galina could not resist indulging in extra slices of cake or portions of steak, rendering the massages ineffective.

Working with Boris Yeltsin and Boris Berezovsky

Boris did not treat Boris Yeltsin or Boris Berezovsky for weight loss but rather focused on their common sports-related issues. Tennis players often face problems with their forearms and elbow joints, and Boris provided treatment accordingly. However, Boris did not consider their cases to be extraordinary.

Sinewy Hands and the Bolshoi Theatre

Boris's skillful hands have treated numerous individuals, including those with significant weight. The walls of his office are adorned with photographs of notable figures. He has healed and massaged Galina Brezhneva, Boris Yeltsin, and Boris Berezovsky, among others. However, Boris states that the weight of his patients is of no concern to him, as his massage table can withstand any weight.

Chiropractor

Daniel Palmer

Boris Prazdnikov