Is that Massage Therapist (nutrition) a Prostitute?
By Tina Woodall
The professional field of massage therapy is often confused with the unprofessional field of prostitution. Many of you reading this article will immediately understand what I’m saying and many of you won’t. For those of you who don’t, an old prostitution trick is to disguise themselves under the massage therapy profession and provide additional “happy endings” service for their massage clients. This makes it difficult at times for legitimate massage therapists when clients don’t understand the difference between these two professions.
As a massage therapist, this thoroughly irks me and yet provides times of amusement. I personally have never been approached for anything more than a massage. I imagine it’s because I dress very neutral when working and tone down all outward feminine appearances. Projecting the right image usually gets the results I’m looking for - respect. The funny thing is that most massage therapists who complain of come-on’s don’t quite grasp image management. My thoughts are, “Well honey, when you wear Daisy Duke shorts and your breasts are just waiting to escape your low cut shirt, what do you expect? Please don’t get all innocent on me. You think the guys are just excited about your Swedish massage techniques?” These therapists are harming a wonderful profession and setting themselves up for an ugly experience with a misled, frustrated client.
Clients are funny to. In our business, we screen our clients on the phone carefully to ensure we are getting customers who only want massages. My business partner was chatting with one potential male client on the phone who was asking, very much in detail, what parts of the body did we massage, how did we massage, etc. We work with many tourists, so are very patient with all types of questions. She calmly explained that he would always be draped by a sheet and that yes, there is a massage on the butt if needed (wonderful for sciatica pain!). After all the questions, he finally exclaimed, “You charge all that and there is no sex!?!” I laughed out loud when she told me about it. At least he was honest!
Moral of this story? If you are a massage therapist, don’t dress like a hooker. If you are a client, don’t expect massage therapists to be prostitutes.
If you are seeking a massage therapist and not sure where to look, I highly recommend the American Massage Therapy Association. The therapists listed on this site are licensed and insured, with the majority of them being true professionals who have a commitment to the art of healing and comfort through massage.
Tina Woodall is an Orlando FL massage therapist. Her company, A-Team Massage Orlando, is an elite team of Orlando massage therapists that you can trust your loved ones with. Visit their website to learn more about them today.
