Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72312
prepared to take on the same sort of testing fi rst year med students endure, but they have no idea how to give a relaxing, professional massage. While I see the point in learning advanced musculature, and even stupid potassium pumps, which have something really important to do with how we absorb water ... or something, I feel that massage schools are trying too hard to seem "legit," which really detracts from the hands-on education that is a must to succeed in a growing business like ours. Or in the case of my school, which was purchased by a large resort company, they are too busy trying to pass students through the program so they can hire them to work on cruise ships at minimum wage. Whatever way you look at it, I think it's time for a little compromise in our fi eld. Less time with the books and more time teaching people how to feel comfortable working one on one with actual clients. MICHELLE SMELGUS SHREWSBURY, PENNSYLVANIA Massage from Mars I am writing in response to Karrie Osborn's "Gender in the Profession," in the August/September 2007 issue (p. 18). I am a man and I have been a practicing professional massage therapist for more than four years. I am so relieved that I didn't read a similar article when I was just starting my practice. This article is tremendously disheartening to me and would have done nothing to boost my confi dence as a male massage therapist entering this fi eld. This article seeks to give the point of view of male therapists and includes a number of unfair generalizations about men. More stories based on real people rather than weary stereotypes would have gone much further in advancing the dialog about gender in the fi eld. Ethics for both sexes is crucial, period! massagetherapy.com—for you and your clients 11 I have my share of gender issues because of my fi rst name. I work at a massage center and my name, which can be male or female, has been surprising to some clients. Some choose not to go through with their massage with me when they fi nd out I'm a man, while others are willing to see me. I have to let my work speak for itself: when I work on a skeptical person, I can often change their mind about my gender by the quality of my work. JESSE LOCKE LOUISVILLE, COLORADO I am not sure whether to thank you or not for dedicating an issue to gender. As a male therapist, I recognize what I will refer to as the challenges of being a man in this profession. Since you opened Pandora's Box though, I feel the need to comment. Let me say that the number one thing this profession can do to overcome the issues you brought up is to not make an issue of them. They are what they are, and most of them will not change no matter how much we try. Recognize they are issues and plan a practice accordingly. People will prefer the services of one gender over another, whether it is massage, a haircut, or having their car fi xed. One way I make a nonissue out of it is I tell my receptionists to book appointments by using therapist's fi rst names. For example, "I have a 10:00 with Bill or an 11:30 with Janet. Which time works best for you?" This tactic lets clients know that we are concerned with their schedule, not their gender preference, but if they have one, they are not put on the spot saying, "I don't want a man or woman." They can simply ask for another time. If I am seeing a person for the fi rst time, I let them know what to expect: "Based on your goals today, my plan is to have you start face down, under the sheets. You may disrobe to your comfort level, but be assured you will be appropriately draped the whole time. I think it is best if I start with your legs, working up to your glutes, then your back. I will then have you turn over and we can concentrate on your shoulders, hands, quads, and feet. How does that plan sound to you?" By letting clients know what your plan is, and giving them a chance to discuss it, they won't be surprised by anything and they know that your intentions are professional and focused on their well-being. This should be the case no matter what the gender of the therapist is. RICK MORGAN RESTON, VIRGINIA