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Definitions... and Ethical Responsibility

Hi All,

I'm throwing this question to all of my fellow Massage Therapists because I need to know if any of you have ever found yourself in this situation. Here goes: I have a part time massage therapy job in a sort of "mom and pop" type establishment. I"ve been working there about 5 months and I've noticed that 90% of the clients that come in there are 1. Males, and 2. they ask for a "light touch" massage. I'm beginning to suspect that this establishment is not as honest as they claim to be. When I'm asked for a light touch massage, I tell them I do swedish.... etc... a few of them have even gone as far as to ask me out right for sex, and I've always ended the massage right then and there and left the room. I was also told by most of the male clients "well the other girls do it, why dont you?" Needless to say I dont seem to be having any return clients. Most of the clients I get generally ask for me again, but those are the nice decent ones that have never tried anything physical with me. I mentioned this to the owner, but he just kind of laughed it off. The question I have for you all is What is the definition of "light touch massage?" I've seriously considered reporting this to my state agency, but I do not want to unjustly accuse other therapists if that one client was stretching the truth. Any thoughts????

Becca

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Permalink Reply by Julie Onofrio on January 30, 2011 at 1:15pm

The definition is whatever the client or owner is making it out to be. I usually tell people to trust their instincts on this one. So someone asked for sex and you said no and they said the other girls do it?

I would probably run from that place and contact the police to see what you can do. You don't have to accuse other people just report what was said to you...Heck there might already be an investigation on the place.

Julie

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Permalink Reply by Rebecca on January 31, 2011 at 9:30pm

I appreciate all of your comments and you have all definitely given me something to think about. I only wish that the Massage Therapy School I attended would have given a little more time into teaching/offering advice on how to handle the unfortunate individuals who obviously think that there is more to getting a massage. I've made up my mind to quit and move on to a place where I can really learn and grow in an honest, professional environment.

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Permalink Reply by Kay Warren on March 18, 2011 at 11:10pm

"Light Touch" massage is frequently a euphemism for sexual services. I'd advise you to get the hell out of there. NOW. A single client could be lying about the "other girls", but if you get the same thing from several clients, (and you say you have) every alarm in your head should be going off at full volume. If other establishments in town know about these folks, you could have a really hard time getting work elsewhere in town. Your reputation as a professional is at least as valuable as what you do with your hands. Don't risk it, get out. An owner who laughs it off isn't someone you want to work for. You could also be being used as the "stooge' they send someone who is suspected of being a cop to. If they get raided, and you happen to be there, your career is in deep trouble.

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Permalink Reply by Daniel Cohen on March 19, 2011 at 12:53am

You might consider subscribing to one of the massage review sites that guys use to check services and prices. You can put in the name of the place you are considering working at, or the phone number, and see what they say they have gotten there. I've used it to check applicants. Don't go by a single review though, it could be someone mad at not getting what they wanted or the owner figuring it could bring in business.

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Permalink Reply by Laura Allen on March 20, 2011 at 7:15am

Sounds fishy to me, but you can't make an accusation based on hearsay. However, you obviously have suspicions about it so I would be inclined to go to work elsewhere and inform the nice decent clients where you are moving to. IF the vice squad comes in and raids the place and you happen to be there doing massage, you could get caught up in the fray if they caught a "therapist" in another room doing a happy ending, even if you aren't personally doing anything wrong.

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Permalink Reply by Daniel Cohen on March 20, 2011 at 8:38am

Laura you bring up a good point about raids. This is a reason to check a place's reputation before working there. When you get picked up as part of a raid the record is permanent. This remains even though after processing you are released with charges dropped. Once a ticket is issued or arrest recorded it remains. This can usually be explained for licensing with the police record and explanation but it can also cause personal problems if anyone gets access to the record.

Laura Allen said:

. IF the vice squad comes in and raids the place and you happen to be there doing massage, you could get caught up in the fray if they caught a "therapist" in another room doing a happy ending, even if you aren't personally doing anything wrong.