Once upon a time, the term masseuse was a suitable name for a person giving massages as their profession as a means to make a living. However, as the industry has evolved so has the need to distinguish the difference between a masseuse and a Massage Therapist to ensure each client is achieving their desired service.
Masseur is from the French word masser – meaning to massage. In the U.S. however, this term has commonly been adopted by escort services operating under the guise of massage. Due to the increased popularity of this term being used by those engaging in illegal prostitution, it is no surprise that real massage therapists would be easily offended when referred to as a masseuse.
A Massage Therapist accurately describes a professional body worker with intensive clinical training on the modalities of the body and able to execute multiple massage techniques for the purpose of health and wellness.
The most noticeable difference between the two would be, 1) A large investment of time and money in an extensive 2 year medical program. Compared to, 2) A large investment of time in offering companionship to lonely travelers and sex offenders. As you can see, a very large difference in career choices.
When selecting a massage practitioner one should avoid those claiming to have ‘massage training’ or are ‘massage certified’ and strictly trust the needs of their body to a Licensed Massage Therapists (LMT). Licensed and insured with their confident abilities in understanding the medicinal needs of the body.
PS – On a side note, as funny as it sounds in your head, no therapist will find humor in the adolescent trite humor of a “happy ending” joke. Just saying.
