When calling a massage therapy clinic or spa if a request for a therapist is not done by name the front desk will ask is there a preference of male or female therapist.

Just as with any other medical or therapeutic service, some clients have a gender preference. The individual client is well within his/her right to have such request be granted. However, the purpose of this article is to educate the consumer and to debunk common misconceptions, myths, and other misinformation regarding massage therapy regardless of the gender of the practitioner. Depending on your experiences with touch it may not matter which sex of therapist is working on you as long as they can get the knots out, but for many individuals female therapist are the preference. Please do not let an opportunity to receive a relaxing therapeutic massage be ruined because you unable to book with a female therapist when a capable male therapist is available.

Why are female therapists preferred over male therapist?

• Our society places a lot of value on body image with television shows/ advertisements, magazine ads, and music videos of what a PERFECT body should look like. These daily subliminal messages make some individuals feel uncomfortable with their body because they feel that they are under a microscope being analyzed by a male massage therapist for every skin roll, stretch mark, or imperfection.

• Vulnerability is felt when a client is laying in a dimly lit room with soft music playing, unclothed not knowing what to expect next. The only thing separating the client and the therapist is a thin sheet that is manipulated throughout the entire session through many twist and turns, “ what if the therapist forgets one tuck all my business is there for them to see” can be thoughts that race through peoples minds.

• Male clients tend to like the nurturing touch of a woman and find it easier to relax. Many men may find a male’s soft touch to be emasculating or a sign of weakness when all of their life’s teachings have instructed men to be strong and not to show emotion.

These issues are valid for a large number of consumers when choosing a medical professional were the client/provider relationship is personal. If you consider massage as an indulgence, it may take some convincing to change your opinion about gender biases.
However many devoted massage therapy consumers do not take into account if the therapist is male or female. They are familiar with the routine and know the most important factor is the skill of the therapist and not the gender. A consumer of massage therapy services should make an informed decision, as they would do with any healthcare provider. This should be done with an interview with a therapist performing your session to investigate facts such as education, style of massage, and expected outcome for scheduled appointment to assist in developing a friendly but professional rapport.

Communication is key before, during, and after a massage therapy session.  The client should be comfortable with giving the massage therapist feedback regarding their therapy and the techniques being used.  One of which is draping: manipulation of the towels and sheets as to not expose too much of a client during a therapy session.  A client should feel comfortable stating any misgivings or discomfort with this during the session.  Another area is pressure upon the areas being worked on during the session.  The client should feel comfortable telling the massage therapist of problem areas and their need for increased or decreased pressure during the massage. Overall feedback is very important in the delivery of quality therapy that serves the needs of clients.  And much care should be taken by the therapist to ensure the level of candor and rapport needed to achieve this goal.

As a male massage therapist I rely on repeat clients and referrals I've invested considerable time and money to perfect my craft to get the outcomes my clients deserve when paying $50 to $65 an hour for my services. For that type of money to be spent in our turbulent economic times is a serious undertaking and leaves no room for a lack of professionalism.  In my opinion when an inappropriate situation occurs there has been a breakdown in communication and boundaries. Whether your session is booked with a female or male therapist in order to make sure you get the best result just communicate with your therapist. Do not feel that you will offend your therapist if you are very specific of what needs are during a session this will guide you to a better outcome and value for your session.  So hopefully the next time you call your local massage clinic or spa there will be less of a gender preference and more focus on your specific condition that's causing you discomfort, pain, or tension because the ultimate goal is to feel healthy and rejuvenated post session.