Mar 28 2008
Masseuse, masseur, or massage therapist?
With the untimely death of actor Heath Ledger, the issue of what to call ourselves in the massage profession comes up again. The news media continues to prefer the term masseuse, as evidenced by the many uses of the term in referring to the woman who discovered Mr. Ledger’s body. A few news reports did use the term massage therapist.
In my experience, many people still use the word masseuse, even when referring to a male massage therapist. Masseur and masseuse are French words, and French nouns are gender-specific. Here in the USA, we’ve gone more and more to gender-neutral terms, like massage therapist, wait-person, administrative assistant, etc.
Although most of us prefer the term massage therapist, not all in our profession like that title. What do you call yourself? Do you correct clients, or potential clients, when they use the “wrong” title for you?
I prefer “massage therapist” and let people know my preference and why. It’s my experience that the people who refer to me as a “masseuse” are not aware that this carries a negative connotation. While gently educating them, I like to think I’m doing my part to steadfastly educate others.
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Barbara reply on April 4, 2008:
Yes i agree with you and sometime most of the time feel insulted being called a masseuse but like you I do gently and respectfully educated people about the difference between the two.
Bob reply on April 7, 2008:
Don’t you find it a little bit strange that it is only in the US that masseuse and masseur titles carry a negative connotation? I beleive this connotation is nothing more than misguided marketing by groups such as the AMTA to imply that those of us who do massage are something that we are truly not. Massage is an art…a great art, but it is not rocket science. And I say this as a licensed masseur with over 20 years of experience.
patt constantine reply on April 7, 2008:
bob
the AMTA isn’t marketing the negative connotation of masseuse; (and i don’t belong to them so i have no bias.)
—–they are encouraging people to replace nebulous jargon — a word that has come to mean two drastically different “services” and legitmize and distinguish the educated skilled professionally licensed therapist from the “masseuse” at “pussycat escort service”.
it’s an issue in the united states because we practice western medicine and the title here has overlapped with the prostitution community in the orient (not sweden, not germany, not france, not russia). my father in law was a marine colonel with a PhD; when i announced that i was going to school back in 1992 to be a massage therapist (after i already had a bachelors degree in a “respected” profession) — he freaked out and asked me if i didn’t understand what people would think of me. i was highly insulted and thought him to be very ignorant for a man with a doctorate in education and wife who was head of IV therapy at the local hospital. however, his experience with a masseuse came from a stay overseas in japan and involved the offer to end with sex and HE needed to be re-educated. i said = i’m studying to become a licensed therapeutic massage professional - not a hooker!
I do (gently) correct those that use an “incorrect” term. Many individauls search for the correct term, “masseuse, massotherapist, massage therapist,” in their speech. I simply state the correct term of “massage therapist.” I haved earned my credentials by testing at the State Medical Board of Ohio and am a licensed massage therapist. Lesser terms for a massage therapist tend to connotate lower education and even those in the sex trade, which massage therapy is clearly not. Defending the credentials in a gentle way has been effective.
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When someone calls me a masseuse I (take a deep breath first then) calmly and kindly tell them that I am a massage therapist. The public is much more savy, due to all of the attention and popularity of spas, so they pretty much know the correct term to use. I feel that if the spa owners and users as well as the therapists themselves keeps using the term “massage therapist” the public will use it as well and shy away from “masseuse”.
I also hate, hate, hate the word massage parlor. Both of those words are offensive to me as they bring to mine brothels, prostitution, dirty rooms, drugs, child slavery, negative vibes - need I go on?
I own and run a small massage supply & gift shop which offers massages as well. So I decided to come up with a plan to avoid all the awkwardness and unpleasantness. When someone enters my shop and they want to know about massages, I hand them a brochure and introduce myself, “Hi I’m Cathy and I’m the massage therapist, if you have any questions please ask.” This will save a lot of time and explanations on why I don’t like to be called a masseuse and no one leaves embarrassed or with the feeling that they were just scolded by their teacher.
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absolutely. we need to distinguish our licensed legitimate profession from the brothels. i’ve found the interpretation of the “masseuse” to be intertwined with “prostitute” - particularly in the yellow pages — so i correct people immediately. (always strangers, first time clients, people who approach me on instant message or chatrooms). it gives me the opportunity to distinguish that my services are holistic and professional and no inappropriate talk or touching - however minor - will be tolerated. i am easy going and liberal but i have no sense of humor being insulted with sexual inuendo before, during or after a session. i have found that older military veterans associate the word with the services they received in asian countries - and i don’t mean acupuncture or thai massage. i always insert the word licensed before massage therapist; fortunately connecticut required licensure over a decade ago and it helped legitimize and distinguish us from the seedy side of the old nomenclature. when i have to explain the term i emphasize the schooling, testing and continuing education requirements and make very clear that it doesn’t involved a “happy ending.”
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JELENA reply on April 22, 2008:
Hello Patt!
Are you Patricia Constantine Patt ???
constant@pweh.com ???
CALM
61 Sharon ln
Wethersfield CT 06109
(spring st) ???
I am Jelena from Yugoslavia-Serbia (2002 in USA).
Remember me?
Please give me your E-mail or write me.
J want to renew contact with you.
good afternoon!i personally choose licensed massage therapist when speaking to people.i live in new york and unfortunately you can turn to the back of many papers and magazines advertising masseus\\\’….we have all worked very hard to gain our license and should be given that respect,we need to educated the public on what our education entails(not just rubbing bodies)in the past ten years of practice i have received a few calls about what kind of massage i do,i always ask the caller where did they get the number and have they received massage therapy in the past for any medical conditions. i will correct a person if they refer to me as a masseus,my reply is that i am proud to be a licensed massage therapist with over 1000 hours of training and ongoing continuing education. we have a wondrful career……much peace, health and happiness……..
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I prefer to be called “massage therapist.” I believe it is more professional sounding than “masseuse.” Somehow, my gut associates “masseuse” as a negative title and somewhat related to sexual inuendo. I don’t like the term and I do correct current and potential clients by saying that “massage therapist” is my preference. Then they ask, “what’s wrong with “masseuse.” I simply reply, “I am providing therapeutic massage and prefer to be called “massage therapist.” Period the end!
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I call myself a masseur, and the women I work with I refer to as masseuses. I feel these titles very appropriate, especially in a field where clients often have gender specific requests for their provider. And yes, I do correct clients who use the “wrong” title in reference to me. I realize there are some individuals who feel that the connotation for masseuse and masseur some how reflects negatively on their practice, but to me that is ridiculous. Car salesman do not always have the most glorious stereotyped reputation, but that does not mean all car salesmen are scoundrels. We are, who we are; nothing more and nothing less.
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M. Viesselman reply on April 4, 2008:
I assume, since you are a “masseur” that you are not a Certified and Licensed Massage Therapist, If you are a CMT and/or a LMT then you are legally, ethically, and logically, miss identifying yourself, which is a breach of professional ethics. If you are not…go for it. In this country the title you have choosen denotes a lack of credentialling and education…as well as the other less savory conotations.
Bob reply on April 16, 2008:
In response to a reply to my comment from M. Viellelman:
M. Viesselman reply on April 4, 2008:
I assume, since you are a “masseur” that you are not a Certified and Licensed Massage Therapist, If you are a CMT and/or a LMT then you are legally, ethically, and logically, miss identifying yourself, which is a breach of professional ethics. If you are not…go for it. In this country the title you have choosen denotes a lack of credentialling and education…as well as the other less savory conotations.
Your assumptions are totally incorrect. I am a fully licensed masseur and fully certified in a number of modalities. In my licensing state I am in no way legally, ethically, or logically misidentifying myself nor am I breaching any professional ethics (nor are the licensed masseuses I work with). It’s amazing how you feel qualified to speak for “this country” when in fact you are quite ignorant about the subject.
David reply on May 24, 2008:
Bob,
Times have changed - in the state in which I am professionally-licensed and in the city and county in which I am business-licensed, we can only refer to ourselves as “licensed massage therapists” - this is stated clearly in the law to reflect our scope of practice. If we refer to ourselves in any other way, we are breaking law. If the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork were to audit or investigate its certificant (for which MTs are increasingly required to hold in most professionally regulated jurisdictions across the country), and the certificant were found to be using other than the prescribed “NCTMB” or “NCTM” title, to which the certificant agrees to use by default of certification, then the certificant is in violation of the NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice, which is subject to consequences outlined to include up to suspension or revocation of credential.
Technically, the term masseuse or masseur is less used these days because it lacks focus and specific connotation for a scope that needs to be defined in an ever-growing and -diversifying CAM industry, of which massage therapy is a part.
Your term is not wrong if the jurisdiction in which you are licensed allows it specifically in the code written for standards of practice, which is written into all professionally-related business license law.
I prefer the term massage therapist, because that is exactly what it is I do–massage THERAPY. There is no confusion about it, no negative connotations. I am a Licensed Massage Therapist in Oregon.
While I like the French language, the connotations IMPLIED with the use of masseuse and masseur here in the US is far from positive, and the media and general public evidently are not aware of gender specificity.
I do not generally have to correct/educate my clients because they usually use the same term I do and are aware of what the license says. If they do refer to me as a masseuse, which is not often, I would casually mention later on that I am a licensed massage therapist. They usually get the hint after that.
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Hello all and great day to you…I speak fluent french…the two terms that you are referring to does NOT imply what we as therapist do. When a “massage therapist” work, it is on a professional basis, and we are seeking to assist the client/patient to healthier homeostasis…however! When a masseuse, or masseur offer services…they are not seeking to heal…but instead please…look it up! Holy element of surprise…
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Justin reply on April 7, 2008:
This is a direct quote from someone that speaks the language the words come from… perhaps the best point ever for the difference between the different titles… It isn’t about the US or western medicine… it is about the words themselves…
[quote]I speak fluent french…the two terms that you are referring to does NOT imply what we as therapist do. ….. When a masseuse, or masseur offer services…they are not seeking to heal…but instead please…look it up! Holy element of surprise…
[/quote]
Those of you who persist in NOT calling yourself a therapist, or maybe acting like a therapist, have you ever looked at what the word actually means…? As Mario here has suggested… It is re–education that we are NOT what the word masseuses or masseurs mean… we are not french hookers or any other type of prositute from any other country… we ARE THERAPISTS or at least we should be.
I would think that we are all working to make the world a better place, one body at a time as Massage Therapists!
Justin Taylor
Bob McAtee asks, “What do you call yourself?”
Given the choices, masseur… Massage therapist/massage therapy is a very charged political issue, in California, at least. The dust has not settled regarding licensing, so there are many ways one can operate and many titles one may call ones self, especially with the option to operate as an Unlicensed Healthcare Professional.
Sadly overlooked is one of my favorites, Rubber…
Sincerely,
Rev Rob the Russian Rubber
http://tinyurl.com/yoxwqv
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Bob McAtee reply on April 6, 2008:
Rob, Thanks for adding your two cents. Colorado College used to have a renowned “rubber” (in the 60’s, I think) and I’m sorry I never had a chance to meet or learn from him. I’ve heard a few stories about his work with the athletes there.
If you decide to use the UHP designation, would that be pronounced “oop”?
Bob
Client education about massage therapy is vital. Massage Therapist…not Masseuse. I work in an office…not a room. It’s a table…not a bed. And I don’t “do” anyone…I work on clients.
Correct terminology projects a level of professionalism and practiced with a smile, adds to easing the mind of a potential or existing client and establishes good working boundaries.
Cheryl Smith, CMT
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Bob McAtee reply on April 6, 2008:
Hi Cheryl,
I don’t “do” anyone either and usually correct clients when they refer to the table as a bed.
In England they call the table a “couch”, which I don’t care for either, but adapt when I’m there.
Thanks for your comments.
Robin reply on June 18, 2008:
Very well said Cheryl………’table’….’bed’…..’do’……’work’………it makes a difference, particularly in regards to the kind of clients you wish to attract. Even in this time in history, as therapists, we deal with the stigma of decades gone by. What a shame for such a wonderful and healing modality. We certainly have our work cut out for us.
The term masseuse, rub-down and so on seems to be a never ending subject. As a original german with a lineage of massage therapists and 23 years in this great country working as massage therapist with wife and friend (former students) I must say that if one went to school and earned a Certification after 750 hours (or 500) and is by law -after receiving the license- entitled to be called Massage Therapist. Not only because of the license but also of the work we apply. Most applications or modalities are therapeutic so why not be a Therapist. All the other labels like masseuse and so on refer to a lesser treatment if not illegal for therapists. So try to educate everybody in a light and understandable manner what the difference is. I do it and never had any problems with it, because it doesn’t only show that you stand up for what you do, it also shows pride in what you do. One Client at a time and the world is a more relaxed place to live in.
love and light
John
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I don’t mind either term; masseuse or massage therapist. I have no need to get defensiveness if I hear masseuse because usually people mean no harm with the term. They are just ignorant of any other term. On my business cards I have “massage therapist” however if, and when, someone refers to me as a masseuse I take their knowledge or lack of knowledge in consideration. I don’t bristle at the word “masseuse” and I think it’s a beautiful French word. Just because those in the sex field hi-jacked it doesn’t mean I have to ban it from my vocabulary. So either way, masseuse or massage therapist suits me fine.
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Yes, most definitely. I understand the misconceptions and why people use terms that aren’t completely accurate, but I call myself a massage therapist, so I believe others should too. I’m in the business of providing a form of therapy, not just some sort of vanity or pleasure service. Not that it isn’t pleasurable and something that could even be considered useful for vanity purposes. People should get massages frequently or more often than just when they want a special treat. It can be used for special treats, but it should also be a part of normal every day life and if it is a part of regular people’s lives, shouldn’t a therapist be the professional to provide it?? I believe what we do is more or should be more than just the ‘fluff and buff’ and what we call ourselves or what others call us should reflect that. When someone gets a massage, I believe they should walk away feeling much better not only physically but about themselves. That’s what therapy does.
So again, I provide a form of therapy, something very professional, that I feel designates my technical training. I spent a lot of time and money to be ‘technically’ trained to do the many types of massage work that I am capable of performing, so I feel the title is appropriate to that level of training.
To me it is much like the difference between Native American and Indian. I am Native American and often correct people, in a very nice way mind you, when they erroneously use Indian. There is a difference and even though you may hear us sometimes use the words interchangeably when we speak about ourselves or to each other, it is usually because there is still a small amount of confusion even among ourselves due to the labels that have been forced on us. But clearly one is more accurate and less demeaning.
If you take a deeper look at the roots of the French words and gain a better understanding of how those words came to be, as well as pay attention to the use and meaning of the words in some countries, you’ll probably find that you won’t want to ever be called anything but a massage therapist too.
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I prefer massage therapist. I do not always correct those who use the word masseuse, but I will reiterate the term massage therapist. I worked a chair massage event where a floor manager made the statement that I had turned his area into a massage parlor. To say the least, it was demeaning. And unfortunately the word masseuse feels demeaning to me.
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I know that I studied long hours to understand the body\’s internal environment, the musculoskeletal system, the body\’s communication network, the circulatory system, the respiratory system and so much more. Let\’s not forget to mention the 85 practice sessions that was required in order for the school to say o.k, now your ready for the state\’s 3 hour Massage Therapist licensing exam. The license I have framed and hanging on my wall for my clients to see is something I have earned, and it reads Massage Therapist.
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I refer to myself as a massage therapist but have never corrected anyone who used the term masseuse, though I have corrected the health club manager who kept referring to my colleague as the “male masseuse”. Masseuse and masseur are simply old-fashioned words no longer in vogue. Come to think of it, the term in vogue is no longer in vogue…I live and work in New York in a sophisticated, cosmopolitan city. The people using these terms have no desire to insult me, they are simply using terms they are familiar with to mean “one who provides massage”.
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I also prefer Licensed Massage Therapist. The reasoning is very simple. I sacrificed, time and money. I went to a respected accredited certified and licensed school in the United States of America, which states once completing the required hours and passing the state board exam my title is and will be therafter \
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This topic (Masseur / Masseuse vs Massage Therapist) is very controversial, mainly when here in the United States the culture about Therapeutic Massage is still a crawling baby and the idea that exists out there about a massage is a little bit twisted, probably due to the backgrounds or due to those that wether licensed or not still practice something further than a Therapeutic Massage.
We, Massage Therapists, have the hard task to educate gently and let people know about the diffrences between one term and the other. It is going to be a long road, but YES we can achieve it.
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I simply Love being called Licensed Massage Therapist. Since 1991 when I received my license not a day goes by I am asked “so how long have you been a masseuse” after all these years now I laugh and say I have never been nor do I ever want to be a masseuse and they look at me confused and say “dont you have to be to do this job” and I correct them saying well you just called me a woman who does massage and we laugh. I am a License Massage Therapist (I love the letters after my name). To use the term masseuse and masseur are foreign terms that we should simply not use. Yes the public doesnt know and as a professional I correct them.
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This is a direct quote from someone that speaks the language the words come from… perhaps the best point ever for the difference between the different titles… It isn’t about the US or western medicine… it is about the words themselves…
[quote]I speak fluent french…the two terms that you are referring to does NOT imply what we as therapist do. ….. When a masseuse, or masseur offer services…they are not seeking to heal…but instead please…look it up! Holy element of surprise…
[/quote]
Those of you who persist in NOT calling yourself a therapist, or maybe acting like a therapist, have you ever looked at what the word actually means…? As Mario here has suggested… It is re–education that we are NOT what the word masseuses or masseurs mean… we are not french hookers or any other type of prositute from any other country… we ARE THERAPISTS or at least we should be.
I would think that we are all working to make the world a better place, one body at a time as Massage Therapists!
Justin Taylor
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Bob Gallo reply on April 7, 2008:
As a French speaking American, it appears to me that you obviously have no idea
what you are talking about. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a
masseur is a male who practices massages and a masseuse is a female who
practices massage. And those are quotes. Check it out if you do not believe me.
Get your mind out of the gutter. You are what you are, irrespective of your
title. The title of therpaist means nothing. Food is therapy, conversation
also is, etc. Anything can be therapy…even sex. It’s a meaningless title.
And why the need to add “licensed” to the title? Does your doctor advertise as
a licensed doctor?
Bob, a professional licensed experienced (20+ years) masseur.
i am a licensed massage therapist and very proud to be. i have on occasion “kindly” corrected clients as to that fact. i explain to them that massage therapists and the massage field has a lot of educating to do and we are trying to accomplish that task. we have got a long road to go to accomplish this but we will do it. i spent 10 long, arduous months in school to pass that 4 hour test to become a LMT and i am very proud of it and will always “kindly” correct misconceptions about masseuse and licensed massage therapist. yes, my doctor advertises that he is a MD with his license number listed, so that indicates that he is licensed.
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The doubt seems to be in the mind of those in the profession. I’ve called myself a Masseur since 1993 when I became licensed. At that time many of the public did not know what an LMT was. When i get called a Masseuse I just laugh and tell them that I am plumbed wrong to qualify.
We will be accepted as a profession by whatever name we prefer to be called when we think of ourselves as professionals and demonstrate the same by the way we act towards each other and the public, and by the way we charge for our services. I never worry so much about what I’m called only that I am called. Thankyou.
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Bob Gallo reply on April 8, 2008:
I couldn’t have said it better, and I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts. And if I may add an additional comment. In Connecticut, just about every imaginable career path is licensed including teachers, plumbers, physicians, paramedics, etc. Yet no one I know of in these careers feels the needs to reference his license. I prefer to employ the KISS principle…Keep It Simple Stupid. I’m a masseur. two syllables, and easily understood. Those that need an alphabet after their need to get a life.
Bob Gallo
BA, MBA, LTUSN, LMT, AFO, and probably a few others I’ve forgotten.
I agree with you on the licensing thing… first off a license is just a tax anyway… they don’t make people honest or give them integrity or make them better at what they do in anyway… they aren’t a gauge of success either. They are simply a tax on our ability to make a living… that is obviously another topic altogether…
But clearly, when it comes to the name thing… I disagree. I do therapy as do many of the other people that have posted here. Anyone can give a decent ‘fluff and buff’ or give me a rub down… but that’s not therapy. It may have therapeutic effects, but still not therapy… (simply talking and listening can have therapeutic effects, but that doesn’t make me a psychotherapist). So for those that ONLY want to be a masseuse or masseur, all the more power to you. But those of us who have taken upon ourselves the next step and believe ourselves to be true healing professionals, we choose to call ourselves Massage Therapists… and no, we don’t have to use the term ‘licensed’ either… “Just I am a massage therapist and here’s why….”
I find people often end up pointing out the difference to me before I even finish explaining it, they understand that it is great to feel good to treat themselves to a great massage. But massage is about a lifestyle choice, a chance to truly work with a person long term to help them grow and achieve better health, that is what therapy is all about.
How can we ever expect the public to understand the difference and accept us as healing professionals, when we ourselves can’t even agree on what it means or what the differences really are…??
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amk, LMT reply on April 10, 2008:
I worked very hard in the 18 months in massage school and after to pass the Ohio State Medical Board. Because I did so, I have a medical license in the state of Ohio. I also have a tax id which I need here to collect sales tax for those w/o a written prescription for massage.
My license indicates that I am a Massage Therapist, and yes…I too correct (gently) the term masseuse. That may a term the French use, but I live in the US and I am licensed and also a massage therapist. Therefore, I take offense to anything else.
No one can offend us without our cooperation. To often we look to the external for justification or compelement when it is only our reflexion of our inner selves. When we find something offends us, we need to look internally to see why. Yes there are offensive things out there, but we take on way more than we need to and it is reflected in our lives and our happiness.
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I’m happy to see other LMT’s in the State of Ohio that correct clients on the word “masseuse”. The term “masseuse” was hammered into mine and other students in school on the negative stereotypes that were afflicted with “masseuse”. Also, why lower my credentials from having a Medical License to “nothing”?
I’ve also had many clients tell me that massage school couldn’t be that hard. I tell them that I’ve spent 5 semesters learning Anatomy and Physiology for massage, versus the 1 semester at KSU for Nursing. I also let all my clients know that in order for us to call it “massage therapy” or as a “massage therapist”, that we have to be licensed by the OMB (Ohio State Medical Board).
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Hi Bob,
I call myself a massage therapist since that is what I was trained to call myself through schooling. I have been called a masseuse by several people, but for the most part I’m not offended. In general, from my experience, people are just asking questions or making general comments. In any conversation, I just call myself a massage therapist. People usually pick it up and correct themselves or ask me why I don’t use the word massuese. When asked I let them know it’s not offensive to me, but it tends to carry a negative connotation. (Which, BTW, I have not really personally experienced; it’s something I was “taught” in school.)
I get more offended by friends who, dispite my title and professional demeanor, make sexual remarks and comments to me or others in my presence about the my line of work.
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I call myself massage therapist when people ask what I do for a living. I do not mind being called masseur, because although it originated in the French language, it is an English word now, too. I do correct people with humor when they say masseuse, though.
My diplomas and certificates all say Massage Therapist on them, so that is what I call my profession, but I do not take offense as the word masseur. I do correct people when they inject sexual innuendo into what I do, but even this is done with kindness.
I understand why (mostly women) take offense at masseuse, as it does bring up the seedy history of massage in the United States to many, but if we act with compassion, kindness, and a liberal dose of humor, we can re-claim that word from its sexual overtone.
It’s only a word. More important is how we behave.
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I also am a licensed massage therapist. I like to include body work along with massage. Recently I helped cleanup a flood damaged basement. I took my massage chair. I did not offer the crew a massage; I offered to do some “work” on their shoulders and backs of those who are doing some heavy work lifting and hammering. The muscles and minds respond much better to ” some muscle work” than a massage in this instance. So am I a bodyworkist or a bod worker or a bodyseuse?
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