Comments on: Massage Therapy: Many Benefits but Risky in the Hands of Someone who is not an Expert

By: Donna

Donna — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:28:36 +0000

I also agree that the title masseuse decidedly does not give the impression of professionalism that the field of massage therapy deserves. What the article failed to point out was that the dangers of going to someone who is not trained can be physically damaging to the person receiving the massage. There are several contraindications that a licensed or certified professional will discuss with the patient before the massage begins. So, while I am happy that articles are now being written about the health benefits of massage therapy, I think it is important to do the research first- to get the information correct.
Donna
Licensed Massage Therapist, NYC

By: Carree Huffman

Carree Huffman — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:23:20 +0000

While I agree that if one should choose massage therapy for whatever reason that they should go to a licensed practitioner…I agree with the previous post that the article does not deliver what is implied in the title.

I am uncertain of other states though here in AZ one must be licensed to practice massage. One must also drape.

This being said, I am a body work practitioner. I practice Polarity Therapy and Cranial-Sacral Unwinding. I am not a LMT. I am a member of APTA which also adheres to a high standard. I bring this up just to create the distinction of a ‘qualified’ therapist vs. a ‘licensed’ therapist.

I have had work from a licensed therapist that was less than brilliant. I believe that no matter what your modality you may be fantastic or not…it’s so individual.

I read the article because of the title. I posted because of my own reaction. Thank you!

Carree
Phoenix, AZ

By: Karen

Karen — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:52:00 +0000

As a “massage therapist” I agree, “masseuse” is an outdated term. I’m also confused why this is listed under “Strange News Stories”. I agree with the article, but the title was misleading, nowhere did it give any information as to why or how it would be risky in the hands of someone who is not an expert.

By: Walt Murphy

Walt Murphy — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:05:29 +0000

I have had several episodes of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). In order to regain some degree of physical strength, I had about ten sessions with a licensed massage therapist, at my own cost and initiation. It is my strong belief that massage therapathy accelerated my return to an acceptable degree of physical strength and vitality.

Walt Murphy
Linwood, NJ

By: MassageEthics

MassageEthics — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:37:59 +0000

In 2009, it is silly to refer to a qualified massage practitioner as a female “masseuse” instead of a massage therapist. The outdated masseuse term ignores the contributions of male practitioners to the healing art of massage therapy, and promotes gender, massage parlour, and prostitution stereotypes. Look for a competent massage therapist, not a masseuse or a masseure!