The massage therapy industry is a great industry. It is a much needed service aimed at helping people to relax and activate the parasympathetic system so that they may heal. As massage can contribute to the alleviating of pain, as well as contribute to the alleviation of a host of symptoms associated with multiple pathologies, it is still seen by some as a tool for the wealth, elite or as a luxury service. That is simply not the case. However, there is also another issue plaguing the industry – male versus female therapists.
Int he industry, about 90% of massage therapists are female with the rest being male. Some reports say about 86% of massage therapists are female, with 14% being male. Of the 14% of male therapists, lest than 6% are said to be African American or of another ethnicity other than white. That being the case, in the industry, of the clients who request a massage, most ask for a female therapist, which leaves masseurs or male massage therapists out of a job or on the back burner.
That being said, it has become difficult for masseurs to get jobs because a lot of employers discriminate by only hiring women. Though this is not fair, some have said that the reason that women ask for a masseuse is because they feel less conscious about their bodies around a female therapist and the reason men ask for a female therapist, is usually because of homophobia or feeling uncomfortable about a male therapist as a lot of men associate massage therapy with sexual encounters (most not all). These have been used as the main excuses for why female therapists are usually requested. However, I have one or two reasons to add to the conversation.
Another reason as to why a lot of women prefer female therapists (masseuse) versus a male massage therapist (masseur) is because they subconsciously or consciously feel that all male massage therapists are perverts or unprofessional. Some women just won’t admit that they are biased with a generalization towards all male therapists which prevents them from using male therapists. Men on the other hand, for some, they are not homophobic as much as they just do not liked to be touched in general concerning a massage, by a female or male for that matter. This being the case, they are definitely not going to choose a male massage therapist if they have the choice. That being said, both groups are missing out on a wonderful and full massage therapy experience, especially for pain relief, well-being and relaxation by not using a male massage therapist. Why? Well lets get into it.
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Masseurs have more stamina, are capable of applying more comfortable and even pressure, and those tow attributes make them perfect for being able to reach those areas int he manner in which they need to be addressed that the client cannot. Additionally, male therapist can display a bit more professionalism, include more services in their massages and provide a better customer experience. Why? Well since male massage therapists have so much working against them, if they want to succeed, they have to excel in areas that others do not.
Additionally, in the sports industry, this is why a lot of teams employ male therapists when most of those playing professional sports are men. This makes sense due to the density and amount of muscle tissues athletes have, in conjunction with ROM, stretching and other myofascial techniques that require a level of strength and stamina to be effective. Having a good, educated and passionate male massage therapist can mean having an invaluable team member on your health care team of team of clinicians you use for integrative and long-term health.
In conclusion, using a male massage therapist could mean improvements in health with gains or pain relief that you may not have had had you not gone to one. For the men, I say, try a male therapist at least once to gauge the efficacy of the visit. Though you may not be a professional athlete, you may be surprised at the therapeutic gains, and you will be helping a male massage therapist make a living. To the ladies, I say give it try. Not all therapists are the same, and we are focused on giving you a great service, over all else.
