Male Massage Therapists

84 members

Group for male massage therapist to share stories of getting started in their practice.

Experienced male therapists are welcome to share their stories of overcoming challenges of being a male massage therapist

Comments Discussions Members

Mike Hinkle

Wondered how long til this one started! I'm in!

Dec 13, 2010
Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB

I'm interested in seeing what's going to be posted here. Thanks so much for letting me join the group. I think it's a great idea.

Dec 14, 2010
Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB

Here's an article that may be of interest to the group...

Man Power

Male Therapists Talk About Discrimination

By Robert Chute

Originally published in Massage & Bodywork magazine, Aug/Sept 2007. Copyright 2007. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.

http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/1381/Ma...

Dec 14, 2010
Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB

Marketing for Male Massage Therapists

http://massagepracticebuilder.com/marketing-for-male-massage-therap...

Dec 14, 2010
Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB

Male Massage Therapist in a Female Dominated Profession

A Viewpoint From the Webmaster at
Massage Therapy Trends

http://www.massagetherapytrends.com/male-massage-therapist.html

Dec 14, 2010
Dan Smith

Thank you for the article links.

Dec 14, 2010
Joseph Matties

Male massage therapist here. I find it kind of easy working in a female dominate business. Seems there is a high enough demand for a good professional male massage therapist.

Dec 20, 2010
Daniel Cohen

Definitely agree with you Joseph. I think there are areas within the field where men are often preferred. Spas are only one field of massage. I think men have equal or dominant sway in the areas of chair massage and clinical massage. Even in spas I have seen growing opportunities for men.

I have cut out an unusual territory that is male exclusive....Male Orthodox Jews. That is about 1/3 of my business and half my business are women.

Dec 20, 2010
David Beard

I want to thank everyone whos joined so far, and for the Postes that have been Made, Hope we canshead light on the issues of being a male in the female dominated profession. Talk about role reversals, LOL!!!

Welcome Everyone

David Beard

Dec 22, 2010
Michael Bruce

I've only been a massage therapist for a year now, but I have seen many obstacles (sp) or job offers slip away strictly because I'm male. It might be in my location, or the particular kind of massage postions I have tried applying for. Yes there is a higher preference for females in this area (tampa bay) but working in more spa/recreational settings. I feel drawn to that more that your typical sports massage or chiropractic setting. Am I setting my standards to high, or just looking in the right venues??

Jan 12, 2011
Jorge Cisneros

Hi Bruce, I think is valid to say you would like to explore spa/recreational settings. I'm wondering if you have seen other male therapists on the places you are applying. Here in Colorado is not uncommon to see male therapists on those places. I'd suggest you specialize in something, such as deep tissue work. many clients request that and not all therapists are willing to do 3-4 hours/day of that type of body work. Any chances of getting a good recommendation letter from your school and start sending some letters to gyms and try to work with athletes? you need to put yourself out there in events (sports) and try to network with other practitioners.

Jan 14, 2011
Tom Mertes

Id suggest showing up in person for job leads rather than by telephone or e-mail. It's too easy for someone to say "no" over the phone, especially if they have a preconceived notion of male MTs. In person you can demonstrate your style and impress an employer with your easy to get along with self and great personality.

Jan 17, 2011
Michael Bruce

Thank yom guys for the input, I'll be sure to put it to good use, I'm still new to this so it will take time to get the establishment in our field. :)

Jan 18, 2011
johnnypate

hello everyone my name is johnnypate i graduate march of last year from Antonelli College in jackson mississippi. i worked for massage envy in jackson six days a week was overbooked and loved it. unfortunately massage envy decided to close their doors and i lost my first love due to no fault of my own. i live 25 miles outside of the city in a town called flora. mississippi is not the ideal market for massage therapist and living in the country does not help at all. if anyone has any advice i would truly be thankful, i dont know what to do. thank yall and have a good one.

Jan 18, 2011
Las Vegas Massage In Summerlin

~

Hey guys!

I've been around a little while, seven years now as a therapist. I perform outcall massage in Las Vegas.

Kris

Jan 19, 2011
Harry Banek

In my fourth year as a massage therapist providing bodywork and reflexology in Evergreen, Colorado, west of Denver in the mountains. I have a set of regular clients and referrals is the primary means by which I meet new clients.In my second year with a studio in downtown Evergreen and active with the downtown business association.

Jan 21, 2011
Frank Michel

I hear that men don't usally get hired for MT. Am I wasting my time?

Aug 18, 2011
Daniel Cohen

Frank it is true we are greatly out numbered in this field. But if you are skilled and have sought after modalities you should find your niche. The most sought after modalities on the internet are Deep Tissue, Thai & Swedish. Deep tissue is number one and men are preferred for larger hands and strength. Ladies I know there are many techniques which allow the smaller lighter to get in just as well. It is the perception and us guys need all the help we can get to compete.

My new clients searching the internet mostly are looking for lymphatic massage and craniosacral. Lymphatic massage generates 1-2 new clients a week. Partly because of the way my website is written perhaps. Even if you work at a place join the directories and make a website. On your site feature where you work. It will help in getting clientele.

Best Regards,

Dan

Aug 18, 2011
Tom Mertes

Frank, there may be a stigma regarding male massage therapists and employers may have their own issues with regards to hiring a male over a female. Having said that I'd certainly NOT suggest that you are wasting your time. I've worked in the field almost from the time I got my license and continue to have both male and female clients. And all of my clients are happy with me and continue to recommend me to their friends. You can always find excuses to fail. The trick is to find reasons to succeed. Best of luck to you!

Aug 18, 2011
Frank Michel

Thank you Tom & Dan! Very helpful.

Aug 19, 2011
Mitch Meiners, NCLMBT #11161

Hey all.

I've been a LMBT in Raleigh, NC since June of 2011. I'm new and loving every minute of it.

I've been fortunate enough to be in a position to be able to start my own business, however... not so fortunate where I could afford to have a studio of my own right away. For now, I focus on outcalls. I opted to start my own business after hearing about high turnover, hostile work environments and gender discrimination.

My client base albeit moderate in size is currently 100% male. I'm pretty comfortable working with males vs. females, although I certainly will work with the ladies. My comfortable familiarity with the male body and concern about the potentially perceived sexual complications with females were certainly considerations in my decision to groom an exclusively male client base. It's had it's pitfalls as just about anything does.

I'm interested in what folks have to say about the development of their career paths... i.e - continuing education sequence (short term vs. long term goals), client interaction, pitfalls that have been experience, growing your business, and lots of other things that will come in time, I'm sure.

I'm very glad to see this discussion forum and am looking forward to reading more.

Sep 14, 2011
Jorge Cisneros

Mitch, I'd suggest to come and listen some of our podcasts. We had very interesting interviews with male therapists who I consider very successful on this field, they share some of what they've done.

http://www.massagepodcast.com/

Sep 14, 2011
Mitch Meiners, NCLMBT #11161

Thanks. I already signed up for the feed.

Sep 14, 2011
Dan Barenholtz, CMT

Any male massage therapists in the NNJ area? What trends are other male CMT's seeing, in terms of new business? Any thoughts, suggestions?

Oct 5, 2011
Jesse MacLean

The International Cupping Therapy Association's 2012 Schedule is now available at www.cuppingtherapy.org. Or jump directly to the 2012 schedule here.

You will find the Contemporary Cupping Methods scheduled all over the US and several dates in Canada.

We are offering several Advanced Cupping Techniques classes in 2012 which will be 2 days of 90% hands on - 15 different treatments for Orthopedic, Sports and Stubborn Conditions.

CUP ON!

Oct 19, 2011
Gerry Bunnell

I've been absent from Massage Pros for about a year now. Getting my groove back and found this wonderful group. I look forward to sharing.

Nov 7, 2011