Comments on: The need for Male Massage Therapists

By: Kevin Tomford, CMT, AMTA

Kevin Tomford, CMT, AMTA — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:10:05 +0000

Good morning,
I realize that this thread is beyond “dead”, having had its last posting in 2008. However…as a male massage therapist, I entered the profession fully aware of the challenges and stereotypes facing males in the bodywork industry. I did not let this dissuade me though.

My personal experience with this is that I give a FABULOUS massage. And those clients of mine, whom most are female, that become regular clients, have realized that this is the case. Clients rebook because you give them what they’ve been looking for!

I’ve had to deal with the same issues that female therapists deal with. As a male, in some respects, I’m less fearful about some of the issues that arise…such as clients who act inappropriately. And again, client’s rebook when you give them what they’ve been looking for – even the inappropriate ones! So…if you don’t want that client’s business anymore, make sure you don’t give that client what they’ve been looking for.

Admittedly, in this touch deprived, body conscious, and overly intimacy-phobic society, those men that DO seek male therapists out, predominantly tend to be homosexual or bi-sexual, but certainly not ALL of them. I have only a few male clients that are what I’d consider ‘regular clients’. I personally don’t know their gender-preferences (nor do I care in particular) when it comes to intimacy, but I do know that they behave the very same way on my table that my regular female clients do, which is professionally.

Those female clients who DO seek male therapists tend to do so for a wide variety of reasons also. I’ve had female clients act inappropriately also. Though, some of them tend to withdraw their inappropriate behavior and / or discontinue it, and a healthy, professional, therapeutic relationship evolved.

Being a male massage therapist to me is about the quality of my bodywork and the clients who grow to want and need it. Sure, it might take more effort and/or time to generate income, but to me it’s been worth it! Because I’m doing what I ENJOY – and I’m getting paid for it.

Kev ~

By: Jason Meinhart

Jason Meinhart — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 21:14:51 +0000

I am studying to be a massage therapist, and I am not homosexual, nor am I a pervert. I feel that by never asking and even cancelling a clinical session, this person is in fact being discriminatory. A true, licensed massage therapist has been taught proper techniques to ensure that the boundries are never crossed. Not just the draping, which has specialized movements so as to never expose anything beyond what a bathing suit or underwear and braziere would expose, but also in conversation, ethics, and other professionalism items. This being said, I also understand that if someone is so uncomfortable with this issue, it would be impossible to enjoy and relax enough for the massage to have the desired effect, whether it be healing or just relaxation. I say to each their own, but would encourage men and women alike to be a little more open minded as to the benefits either gender could offer with their learned techniques.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 20:17:07 +0000

I agree!!!! Once the therapist is professional male/female I am good to go. I actually prefer a massage from a male therapist versus a female. I often need a deep tissue massage and feel that I get a more beneficial result from a male therapist.

Catherine

By: James Seay LMT

James Seay LMT — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 16:43:43 +0000

I pose this question, “If it was between a male therapist with 14 years of experience and over 15,000 massages under his belt and a female therapist straight out of school, which would you prefer?” Female I’m sure, but would you use the same thinking about a doctor???
Most people don’t even think about it. Male doctors are still looked at as more professional than female docs…is that true? NO.
Once people get over themselves, they realize how silly they are about there hang-ups. I have personally changed hundreds of female and male clients’ views on the subject…their words not mine. And they thank me for it, so take a deep breath and trust someone else besides your own mind. “Don’t believe everything you think” LP

By: Ginarin lailakiyu

Ginarin lailakiyu — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:10:01 +0000

I’m a female and have been receiving body massage for the past ten years.To be honest, i’ve never and will never ask for male therapists whenever i need a massage .It doesn’t matter if i’ve to wait for an hour or two for the FT to be free to attend me and i’ve also cancell a few appoinments because no FT was available on the particular day.
I’m not discriminating againts MTs but its just that i’m extremely modest about when it comes to touch and nudity.I only want my husband to see me in nude or perform anything intimate.I think a body massage itself is very intimate in nature to me.
I know MTs are profesionals and ethical in their jobs but the reality is no one can read minds.

By: Joe Giglio

Joe Giglio — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 02:45:02 +0000

Hi, I’ve been licensed and working full time for 17 years. I have a lot of rules but my number one rule is I make shure I ask or whoever asks do you want a male or female therapist. the client should always chose. if they him and haaa over a male i will not work on them.to many places don’t give that choice bad idea.yes, more people ask for women. yes, it takes longer for a male to get clients,sorry but that is the life.stick to your rules you will get there.male or female it takes time to build to where you want to be.hang in there.and don’t talk through your sessions .GOOD LUCK TO US ALL>>>MEN AND WOMEN.feel free to ask me anything.I hope this helps.
Joe Giglio
cincinnati Ohio

By: Anthony

Anthony — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:57:15 +0000

Don’t be discouraged Chris! I prefer having a guy do massage work for injury recovery or to loosen up my back. It’s rare to find male massage therapists in my area, so after reading this article, it’s encouraging to hear you are taking on the challenge. Keep up the good work!

By: Ken Shim, RMT (massage therapist)

Ken Shim, RMT (massage therapist) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:54:49 +0000

Richard Meyer,

Thanks for the book suggestion. I’ll look it up

By: Lance Lucas

Lance Lucas — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:54:29 +0000

Thank you as well…. I am a budding MT and I have had wonderful experiences in clinic so far. People have been genuine, supportive, and kind to me.

We as male MT’s should not be afraid to nurture, heal, and learn from one another. Our gift to help and heal should not be wasted or be taken away by others stereotypes.

I also practice Reiki and have incorporated it into my routine. MT’s looking to “boost” there healing energy I highly recommend it!

By: Richard Meyer

Richard Meyer — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:34:42 +0000

Thanks for addressing concerns regarding male therapists. I’ve been in private practice for 10 years. I have a wide variety of clients, most of them are female who have been with since the beginning. They are awesome people!
I highly recommend “The Highly Sensitive Person” by Elaine Aron. She addresses cultural prejudices against sensitive individuals, especially males. It helped put my life in a more perspective.
I am less defensive about being a massage therapist. I am proud to be someone that both men and women can trust. Being a male therapist with integrity is a powerful marketing tool.