I stopped reading at #4. I have been a massage therapist for 22 years.. and this article has more of the flavor of TMZ or Star Magazine. Did you really get paid to write this? Are you even a real writer?

by ThaiChiShakra Monday, April 22, 2013 at 04:54PM Report as inappropriate

Interesting information. Cell phones should be off and you should definitely be clean before you're appt

by EricaF123 Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 07:01PM Report as inappropriate

Ugh. For some reason I thought the author of the article was in fact herself practicing massage therapy. Knowing she doesn't and just 'interviewed people'... I don't think she did. If she did, she must know the sleaziest people imaginable.

by Zgurl Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 06:37PM Report as inappropriate

I'd just like to say, as a massage client, that unless your client is 100% out of touch with their body, emotions, and intuition, we KNOW if you give off a gross energy. And those of us who are smart and have self-respect will either leave without a massage from you or stop mid-session. (sadly a lot of people feel too uncomfortable to speak up.) This list is not in any way accurate of most licensed massage therapists. Massage therapy is considered a healing profession and to be in a healing profession requires empathy. The obvious lack of empathy displayed here shows that the author should get a different job because massage therapy isn't for her. Maybe a job in a massage parlor giving "happy endings", which might be more in keeping with her level of class.

by Zgurl Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 06:30PM Report as inappropriate

I wish I could get a massage

by LittleBunny Friday, December 21, 2012 at 11:25AM Report as inappropriate

Titilating feature with no reedemable qualities!!

by CrunchyFrog Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at 11:50PM Report as inappropriate

This article is completely ridiculous. I am a Massage Therapist (not masseuse!) and I treat everybody with the same respect, no matter who gets on my table! And another thing for the naive commenters below: Nobody is "getting naked in front of a stranger", because if you are at a respectable and professional facility, we step out of the room while you get undressed, and at no point in the session see your off-limit body parts. Thank you.

by shan_s2beschaefer Monday, October 8, 2012 at 06:45PM Report as inappropriate

One more important point: Massage therapy is a safe, clean, professional and quite effective treatment for many ailments. Simple and natural, it relieves pain, discomfort, headaches, muscle spasm, and so many other problems they many people seek medical care for; often wasting time and money searching for the perfect cure. Try massage first or any of the 'alternative' means of care before seeing your doctor. Chances are, if it's muscular, we can rid the problem without any meds. It's a simple treatment and it has absolutely nothing to do with sex or "touching people in an inappropriate manner", gossip or otherwise. Look for a reputable therapist that is board certified and licensed. The AMTA is great place to start. A member of the Better Business Bureau is better still. Stay away from the "Kmart" brand of massage such as the Massage Envys and the Hand & Stones, who employ either inexperienced or frankly uncertified therapists (unfortunately this is a fact) and seek instead a reputable massage therapist in your area that people know. They way, there is no reason to avoid this incredibly powerful therapy that will amaze you, as it rids your body of so many ailments, naturally.

by jill_donato_davisyelle Sunday, September 2, 2012 at 07:32AM Report as inappropriate

This article was the most MISinformed article I've ever read and rather damaging to our industry. The ONLY truth to this article is the fact that a licensed therapist will not necessarily render a good massage. And excuse me, "JERKS"?! I think not. I've been a highly trained and respected massage therapist (NOT a masseuse) for 11 years. I protect my clients' modesty at all costs, and I never think about anything other than relieving their pain and relaxing them. I am completely insulted by this article. We NEVER see ANYONE completely naked. We DO NOT break confidentiality by speaking about any session with anyone. I've never had anyone who smells; please! Cellphones are fine. We are getting paid for the session. If there's an important call and the client needs to answer, that's their business; the massage continues unless it's an emergency, in which case the session may need to stop. There are clients who can be considered 'undesirable' in that they lack basic professional ethics, in which case we have the right to refuse them in the future. As for the drunks; first of all, this must be in isolated incident, because I have NEVER had a drunk client on my table. However, there was a misuse in the word entirely. While alcohol can indeed cause a person to fall asleep, they are still benefitting from the increased circulation; thereby literally pushing that alcohol out of the body faster. Being under the influence of alcohol is a general contraindication to massage in the first place, and these clients should probably be turned away. Finally, falling asleep during a massage and snoring is a compliment to a massage therapist; just like belching after a meal in Belgium. I would really like to know what kind of rinky-dink operation TotalBeauty contacted for this horribly informed article. Some of these comments are good, but the fact that anyone believed a great percentage of this article is sad. It angers someone like me who has build a successful and professional business; all the while trying to 'cure' the misconceptions about this profession, as stated to be true in this article. Shame on you TotalBeauty!!

by jill_donato_davisyelle Sunday, September 2, 2012 at 05:58AM Report as inappropriate

haha about the guy with the toupee!

by michellefuentes Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 05:47PM Report as inappropriate

Very informative, however, overly critical. I have been told by several MTs that I require a 90 minute massage instead of 60 minutes. I thought it was because they wanted to make more money. The reality is I am a very busy medical professional, and I truly need the extra time to actually relax, and enjoy the real benefits of a professional massage. Do not plan anything immediately after a massage, except for a nap to get maximum benefits. I'm scheduling a massage this week after reading this piece.

by robyne00 Monday, August 20, 2012 at 08:42PM Report as inappropriate

I don\'t want a stranger touching me anyway, especially if they might make fun of me after I leave, what a bunch of jerks.

by rachaellh13 Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 03:50PM Report as inappropriate

this article is so funny!

by olkrav319 Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 06:54PM Report as inappropriate

I agree with “RealRMT”. This article make me sad because it shows seemingly little understanding of the training, ongoing education, integrity and intention of the 99+% of licensed massage therapists (LMTs) in America. Professional massage is a wholesome, safe, non-evasive means of therapeutic support for one’s health, personal feeling of well-being and happiness. Massage provides a means of lymphatic support, pain relief, and range of motion ease. I found this article titled and written a bit for shock value and in a rather pejorative tone, rather then underscoring the incredibly great work that professional massage does in supporting the well being of its clients. I am saddened by the truth in any of the negative possibilities related in this story, however if you do the research I would suggest that inappropriate behavior is 10,000 to 1 more probable between acquaintances, friends and even spouses then found on a massage table at a professional spa. Professional massage is built on medical education, a strict code of ethics and a desire of LMTs to create and maintain a trustworthy, safe environment in support of their clients' well-being. I agree that everyone should know that they, and not their therapist is in control of their massage session - what makes them feel comfortable, what pressure to use and the need to guide their therapist so that their session is perfect for them. AND by all means, should anyone experience anything else short of professional conduct from a LMT they should stop the session and report any problems to no less the management, but to authorities should that be needed. As one of millions who suffered from child abuse, I have found in massage an ability to feel good about myself and trusting of touch again.

by biancamilan Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 03:02PM Report as inappropriate

I can only imagine what kind of wacky customers masseuses get. Nothing would surprise me.

by beautybody Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 06:16PM Report as inappropriate

I have only ever had one professional massage and it was in Las Vegas at a swanky spa. I felt totally out of place and it was a little weird for me. I love to hear the stories and we all tell people about our crazy customers! Great article!

by powerwoman033 Friday, March 23, 2012 at 01:23PM Report as inappropriate

I love the stories about people falling asleep!

by sportimonki13 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 01:35PM Report as inappropriate

I've been worked on by several excellent massage therapists - some women, some men. All of them have been courteous and extremely professional. This article seems like it's going for shock value rather than accuracy and objectivity. I find it hard to believe that it accurately represents the majority of professional massage therapists.

by Jewelrydesigner Sunday, February 5, 2012 at 02:16PM Report as inappropriate

The story about a guy with toupee is a winner! hahaha

by grass Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 10:18PM Report as inappropriate

Argh, getting naked in front of a total stranger even if that person is a doctor or masseuse is really embarassing.. i get my body massage with my undies on

by grass Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 10:12PM Report as inappropriate

I have been a Registered Massage Therapist for ten years. This article is poorly researched and full of inaccuracies. Perhaps young, non-licensed "masseuses" working in a resort or a shady spa may act this way, but a real therapist would not. We consider ourselves as much a part of our client's healthcare team as their physiotherapist or chiropractor. Our focus is on relieving pain, improving mobility, reducing stress and anxiety, and treating injuries. We teach clients how to stretch and strengthen as well as advising them on self-care techniques and correct posture. I don't know about certificates in the States, but here in Ontario they mean that I have completed a 2,200 hour massage course that included the study of anatomy, neurology, pathology, bio-mechanics, and ethics. My license also means that I have passed both a written and a practical province wide exam. To maintain my standing as a registered massage therapist, I must complete a certain number of continuing education units each year. We are also assessed by a member of our regulatory body once every three years to ensure we are upholding the standard of practice of an RMT. So please, DON'T call me a masseuse. I am a health care professional who cares deeply about her clients and who resents the way this article misrepresents my profession.

by RealRMT Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 09:03PM Report as inappropriate

super fun info

by modinosaur Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 01:25AM Report as inappropriate

I have a friend who is a masseuse, I'm going to have to ask her if these are really true.

by taryn.romero Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 08:36AM Report as inappropriate

Very nice article.

by 27cowboys Monday, October 17, 2011 at 11:57PM Report as inappropriate

Ugh - what a waste of time and a crock of s**t. I know quite a few Massage Therapists (as they do indeed prefer to be called!!) and this is so not true - they don't care about the cellulite, they don't care about undies, they don't care if you fall asleep (in fact a lot of them take it as a compliment!)... About the only thing worthwhile in this article was the shower tip... I think the author needs to actually do some research and interview real Massage Therapists and print an apology!! And that is the end my relationship with Total Beauty - more like Total BS!!!

by mrobinwood Sunday, September 4, 2011 at 03:03AM Report as inappropriate

What prompted you to write this ridiculous article? Did one of your 20-something, inexperienced newbie "therapist" friends disclose too many stories at a party? (btw, he/she won't last long) Or, perhaps YOU were the one who felt insecure on the table? Experienced therapists are compassionate and concerned only about the health and wellness of their clients. Period.

by jademountain Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 03:36PM Report as inappropriate

Wow! How late were you on your deadline for this assignment? Did you even talk to a massage therapist before you churned out this drivel?

by dwayne_pridgen Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 12:07PM Report as inappropriate

Oh, I forgot to rate this story, I wish I could give a negative rating.

by shayla_nesby Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 10:27AM Report as inappropriate

What a sophmoric and gossipy take on massage therapy and therapists. Please don't let this article form your opinion about massage therapists. Like any profession there are professionals and their are people who are less than professional. The best way to find a great massage therapist is by referral. Oh and by the way author of this article, most of us who do this for a living prefer to be called massage therapist, just FYI.

by shayla_nesby Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 10:20AM Report as inappropriate

Thank you very much the invaluable information. I have never had a massage, but my doctor recommend I get one due to chronic pain in my shoulders from stress. But after reading your what you had to say, I guess I'll try to find something else to help me.

by gloriasmith Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 10:12PM Report as inappropriate

I am appalled at this article. Do you really expect people to believe that all therapist are like this? This article is offensive in its misinformation and poor taste. I have know dozens of massage therapists and have never encountered any of these things. Your massage therapist does not care if you are wearing underwear, and they don't notice if you have cellulite. They are there to help nurture your body, not degrade it. While I'm sure the issues mentioned in your article do occur upon occasion, you are misinforming readers that this is the norm. In writing this you are even more unprofessional than the "masseuses" you interviewed (the correct term is massage therapist, but then you would know that if you had actually researched this article). At the very least, as a writer you should be embarrassed by the lack of effort that went in to researching this article. You should be ashamed of yourself. Very poor taste.

by operation.eight Friday, August 19, 2011 at 12:37PM Report as inappropriate

Too funny--in all the time I've been getting massages, none of this has ever happened. A classy massage tech. knows a thing or two about boundaries. The only problem I've ever had was where they wouldn't stop talking while doing the massage.

by puppyeyes70 Sunday, August 14, 2011 at 11:27AM Report as inappropriate

thanks for the info. i will never get one.

by jonny6000 Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 06:32PM Report as inappropriate

I usually love your articles, but as a massage technician, or therapist,i am deeply offended by your blatant attempt to dissuade people who probably need help from seeking it from us. You are supposed to be helping your readers not freaking them out and scaring our customers away! Such an article full of scare tactic makes me leary of returning to your site for any reason. Goodbye for now, Total Beauty, until you retract or amend this sad excuse for ad space. Thank you, my fellow therapists, for speaking up as well!

by heartzaflutter Friday, July 29, 2011 at 11:40PM Report as inappropriate

Massage therapists are a wide range of people, I doubt this article has to do with each and every one of them. And so what if they talk to other therapists? Some people if they're just plain rude they should expect to be talked about after they leave, but to insult someone about their body is a no-no, but the hair thing was funny...

by Bon_Bon Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 07:54PM Report as inappropriate

Wow. Um. I'm never getting a massage.

by LittleBunny Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 04:53PM Report as inappropriate

i will never get a massage and that's final!

by benbri1 Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 07:53PM Report as inappropriate

This list made me cringe--It's another thing to be anxious or paranoid about in this life! Just too-much-information that could do a big disservice to the massage therapy business.

by pepperglo5 Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 11:36AM Report as inappropriate

This article is a complete waste of time/piece of crap. I have been getting massages for 30 years and I have never encountered the prima donna bullshit that is being talked about in this article. What an absolute waste of time and energy. Good job selling ad space - I am sure you will get your paycheck. I hope the "masseuses" (the correct term is "massage therapist" for those of us that live in the 21st century/outside the Red Light district) in this article are fired from their jobs - what crappy employees and miserable little people. Massage Therapists are some of the kindest, most accepting people I have ever had the pleasure to know. Shame on you using scare tactics to sell advertising space - massage is such a personal thing!! Just...shame on you and the "masseuses" you interviewed.

by MrsT Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 06:13AM Report as inappropriate

Hmmmmm. I don't know about all this.

by MissPurple Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 04:06PM Report as inappropriate

Plus, why should they care if the person is drunk or not? Or if the person doesn't want to take their underwear off? They are getting paid either why, so why do they have to gossip behind the client's backs (no pun intended)

by katprincess Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 04:00PM Report as inappropriate

OBVIOUSLY the author know NOTHING about Massage Therapy!! And i don't know what places these massage therapists work at, but they won't be there for long after there bosses read this. I don't even know how this article made it onto the site.

by katprincess Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 03:58PM Report as inappropriate

Ridiculous! As a Certified Massage Therapist myself I am completely infuriated by the complete misrepresentation of Massage Therapists. I, for one, do not ever judge someone based on whether or not they want to wear their underwear - I could care less if they wanted to remain completely dressed! It's all about the clients level of comfort. I think that someone falling asleep during a massage is a huge compliment - it means that they are relaxed and trust the therapist. If the client shows up drunk, for their safety I don't massage them. I sure as heck don't massage someone and then gossip about them once they're gone like this article insists. Oh and by the way, it's Massage Therapist not Masseuse - unless you're hitting up the Red Light district or something. I think this article should be removed or at least rewritten. This is discouraging people from getting something that would benefit them greatly. People are already self conscious enough (myself included) without help from this article. Bottomline: Massage is wonderful and can benefit your health greatly. Therapists don't judge you, they want to help you. It's what their work is all about. Come, get a massage be open about what you are comfortable with and we will work with you. Don't let this article scare you away from amazing health!

by dawn_crockett Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 09:22AM Report as inappropriate

Trashy and inaccurate. I've never met a MASSAGE THERAPIST who fits this description. Maybe a masseuse in some nasty massage parlor fits this...but they also provide happy endings to their clients. This article has nothing to do with therapeutic massage.

by pitterpatter Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 10:13PM Report as inappropriate

Outrageous! If the author had done five minutes worth of research for this article, they would have know that MASSAGE THERAPISTS abhor the moniker of "masseuse." We are trained as healthcare professionals, and we treat our clients with utmost respect. We are privileged to have been given their trust. They trust us not to judge them, not to talk behind their backs, and to always work with their best interests in mind. We chose this career because we sincerely wish to help and to heal. Please don't cheapen our industry with your obsolete language and careless statements. Shame on you!

by nikki_hanson Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 09:00PM Report as inappropriate

What a terribly misleading article and misinformed author. To write something so inaccurate and full of the author's "personal issues" as projected upon an entire industry is particularly offensive when it appears under a tag line claiming "expert" and "unbiased". This work is a reflection of neither of those qualities and truly is of no value. We bodyworkers are professional healthcare providers and as such are charged with behaving with the utmost care for our patient's/client's well-being. If your sources are authentic they are Not of the caliber that they would find work at my, or any of my colleagues' practices. Nor do they reflect the opinions, behaviors or ethical principles consistent with our industry. Any authentic Massage Therapist would be rather stupid to out themselves and LOL their employers as being of such low professional caliber and are in need of serious re-education or perhaps a different profession all together. They are an embarrassment to themselves and a detriment to their employers and other practitioners. I suppose this is why many of us are overwhelmed with clients while others complain that the industry is over saturated. I would be glad to refer you to any number of professionals, industry leaders or even myself provide you with accurate and informative material if you care to correct this unfortunate piece of rubbish you have written. In fact I welcome the opportunity to address your concerns so that you may correct the damaging misrepresentations you have made about our profession by your reliance upon very, very poor research & sources. Elaine S. Poinsett, NCTMB, MyoSolutions, LLC, 812 Central Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090, 908-301-1188

by elaine_poinsett Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 07:42PM Report as inappropriate

this is not about wearing underwear===so what

by milty Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 06:50PM Report as inappropriate

The only thing I have to say about this is!!!! the author has made a huge mistake relating masseuse to massage therapist. Everyone knows that a masseuse is related to prostitution which is the ultimate fopa of professionalism and has been for many years..

by milty Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 06:39PM Report as inappropriate

Wow this is an a very sad representation of massage. If I was to experience this type of massage therapist (so far I have never) not to mention the masseuse that is referred to has not been spoken of since the

by milty Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 06:25PM Report as inappropriate

Holy cow, I just got past the terrible "masseuse" headline and read this terribly misinformed piece of awfulness. Yes, licensing *does* mean something, it means your therapist has been to school and passed either a state or national exam. No, your therapist is not startled when you snore. It's very common and normal. No, no-one considers you a prude if you leave on your underwear, in fact if your comfort level is to keep on ALL of your clothes we will understand and work around it. The client's comfort is the most important thing on a therapists mind, along with respecting the client. I will agree with one thing: the license of the therapists that were interviewed for this piece? Their license apparently *doesn't* mean anything, not if they think and act in the manner described.

by Coraline Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 02:43PM Report as inappropriate

Massage Therapists don't call themselves "masseuses" for starters. That's pretty much as far as I got with this horrible piece of drivel.

by Coraline Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 02:32PM Report as inappropriate

This is completly horrible! As a massage therapist (mostly pediatric) this is the worst article on this webiste. I've agreed with the previous comments.

by amy_bolls Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 01:58PM Report as inappropriate

I'm a Massage Therapy Instructor as well as being a Massage Therapist for 14 years in Las Vegas, NV. The title of this article alone is offensive. Why don't you educate yourself and step into this century; the term "masseuse" is no longer used unless you're looking for a happy ending and not a TRUE massage with a THERAPIST. Because of articles like this adding to the misconceptions, we are constantly working to educate our clients and the public that licensed, certified MASSAGE THERAPISTS are NOT prostitutes or booty calls or happy endings. Using a play on words to be cute and get readers only works against us. Get a clue

by getchasome75 Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 01:58PM Report as inappropriate

It's "appalling." But you're right, it was. I'm a licensed massage therapist. While I could see that there were some tips for how to get the most out of one's massage experience, these were buried in what is essentially trash. This article does not tell the truth about massage therapists. Every massage therapist that I know has a deep respect for their clients, and tries to provide an educated, experienced therapeutic session for each and every client. This article is hurtful and unproductive.

by twe3lve32 Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 01:47PM Report as inappropriate

What an astronomical WASTE OF TIME this article is! The title alone is ridiculous. Massage Therapists do NOT keep secrets from their clients. Your subtitles are inflammatory and designed to make the massage industry look bad, particularly for those readers who tend to skim articles hoping to get the gist of a story without having to read the entire article. You will be promptly removed from my email and any further mail from you will be reported as spam, not worthy of further notice from me. I rate this article and the company that posted it a big fat ZERO!

by Hisjazzy Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 01:34PM Report as inappropriate

I found this article very appaulling. I am a medical massage therapist and have been licensed for over 20 years. I always try to make my clients as comfortable as possible and while I am working on them only think of how I can help them with their pain. This may happen in a spa like setting with unseasoned silly therapists. I can only agree with one thing, it is best to get referrals from Drs. or friends.

by healingh Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 01:16PM Report as inappropriate

appaulling

by healingh Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 01:08PM Report as inappropriate

Very offensive and tacky to post this article. People are self-conscious enough when getting a massage. This article makes massage therapists look bad and unprofessional. I've never had a bad experience with a massage therapist, and it would be best if these sort of articles were not written. It makes the whole industry look bad.

by dawnkemmerlin Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 12:46PM Report as inappropriate

Personally, I am paying this person to do a job, either do it or don't... someone else will. I DO NOT care what they are thinking

by irishdragon Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 12:38PM Report as inappropriate

This is one of the most off base articles I have ever read. I'm a massage therapist and found it offensive. The only thing I agreed with was getting recommendations from others before going to a therapist.

by smahoney Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 12:14PM Report as inappropriate

What a horrible article!!!

by jkpage Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 11:24AM Report as inappropriate

When I was having some problems with my back and neck, I really looked forward to the relief I had from massage therapy.

by alictasia Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 07:00PM Report as inappropriate

I'm a massage therapist and I can't really relate to some of these. I actually prefer my clients to have underwear on especially men. I like when my clients fall asleep because that means they are relaxed. I have had a smelly male client before. I was gagging he smelled so bad.

by tanisha_rumbles Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 03:09PM Report as inappropriate

good to know

by porsha_coleman_mcdaniels Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 02:52PM Report as inappropriate

ha ha ha. I LOVE these articles! keep em coming!!! too funny :)

by ladyboarder9669 Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 01:23PM Report as inappropriate

I don't like people touching me anyways!

by volta Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 12:45AM Report as inappropriate

Yeesh. Some people feel really self conscious when they get a massage... I couldn't imagine WANTING to know what my masseuse was thinking!

by brown_eyes23 Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 03:38PM Report as inappropriate

I ALWAYS leave my underwear on. I don't really care if someone thinks I'm a prude.

by MissPurple Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 12:07PM Report as inappropriate

Oh I forgot to add about the wasted part. If my client is drunk (which has not happened yet) I will not give them a massage as drinking would thin their blood and they may pass out when trying to get up off the table.

by NapalmFairy Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 10:35AM Report as inappropriate