Educating The Masses About Massage Therapy
27 April 2010A state License in the United States for Massage uses terms like Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP), Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), or just plain old Massage Therapists (MT). Other states have Certification using terms like, Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) or Certified Massage Practitioner (CMP). But never on these official Licenses or Certificates does it say Masseuse or Masseur. Its true that some of the Bills passed in these states may contain these words in describing a Massage Therapist, however none of these terms are used on their board websites. Why?
I found this article by Suite101.com that explains it. These french massage therapist terms have negative connotations. I was taught in my school never to use these terms for that would mean you gave extra services of a sexual nature. I like this distinction, most are aware of it and when given the opportunity will correct any misuse of the terms involved. That is if they are aware.
Most of the time, state officials and media have a hard time knowing how to use these terms correctly. “Police raid a Massage Parlor and arrest 3 Massage Therapist” or Masseuse Awarded for Volunteer Work”. This confusion leads to the majority of the citizens not understanding how to use the terms or trust a Professional Therapist. I have heard of people receiving a prescription for a massage from their physician and not using it because they don’t see why or how it could help. Some are just uncomfortable and don’t know about therapeutic touch. Either way, because of good practitioners, these hindrance’s are being broken down and understanding is occurring.
So its hard to see articles like this, from online newspapers. Now you know this was submitted by the owners of this shop. So I’m confused, is it a Parlor or a Clinic?
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I did send an email to the owner, they confirmed that the paper changed the wording of the article. A complaint has been filed.
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