If you’ve ever booked a massage, you’ve probably heard the word masseuse thrown around. Maybe you’ve even used it yourself. But here’s the thing—it’s outdated, misleading, and (frankly) a little insulting.
Massage therapists are highly skilled professionals, yet they often don’t get the respect they deserve. From relentless misconceptions about their work to the physical toll of the job, being a massage therapist isn’t all soothing music and lavender-scented rooms. At Blys, we’ve worked with thousands of incredible therapists, and if there’s one thing we know for sure—it’s time to put the word “masseuse” to rest for good.
Let’s talk about why.
Why ‘Masseuse’ is a Problematic Term
The word masseuse might sound fancy, but it carries baggage. Historically, it was used to refer specifically to female massage therapists (masseur was the equivalent term for men). However, by the 1980s, the term had largely fallen out of use within the massage industry—why? Because it had become heavily associated with sex work.
As massage therapy grew as a legitimate healthcare profession, therapists sought to distance themselves from outdated and misleading labels. Masseuse had developed connotations that undermined the skill, training, and professionalism of licensed massage therapists, often leading to inappropriate assumptions about their work.
Here’s why it’s time to retire masseuse once and for all:
- It’s outdated. The industry has evolved, and professional standards have changed.
- It’s misleading. It doesn’t reflect the expertise of trained massage therapists.
- It’s got baggage. The historical misuse of the term continues to create uncomfortable and inappropriate assumptions.
The correct term? Massage therapist. Simple, accurate, and respectful.
The Challenges of Being a Full-Time Massage Therapist
Massage therapy is rewarding, but let’s not pretend it’s all smooth sailing. From the physical demands to the unpredictable income, full-time therapists face unique challenges that most people don’t think about.
The Physical Toll
Ever given someone a five-minute shoulder rub and felt your hands cramp up? Imagine doing that for hours every day. Massage therapy is physically demanding work that requires strength, endurance, and proper technique to avoid injury.
- Therapists spend their days using their hands, forearms, and elbows to apply pressure—repetitive strain is a real risk.
- Good body mechanics are crucial, but even the best technique doesn’t make you immune to wear and tear.
- Self-care isn’t optional. Regular stretching, exercise, and even getting massages themselves help therapists stay in top shape.
The Emotional Load
Massage isn’t just physical—it’s emotional too. Therapists often support clients who are dealing with stress, pain, or trauma. That’s a lot of energy to hold.
- They need to be on for every session, creating a calming and professional environment.
- Some clients overshare or bring heavy emotions into the session, which can be draining.
Setting boundaries is crucial—massage therapists are wellness professionals, not therapists who diagnose your mental stressors and psychological state to help you overcome your barriers.
The Business Side of Things
Many massage therapists work as independent contractors, meaning they’re running their own businesses on top of delivering treatments. That includes:
- Managing bookings, payments, and customer service.
- Marketing themselves to attract new clients.
- Handling expenses like oils, linens, and travel costs (because mobile massage doesn’t come with a company car).
The Battle Against Stereotypes
Unfortunately, massage therapists still face outdated and inappropriate assumptions about their work. The best way to combat this? Respect and education.
- Recognise massage therapy as a legitimate profession that requires skill and expertise.
- Use the right language—massage therapist, not masseuse.
- Support therapists by valuing their time, expertise, and boundaries.
Let’s Retire ‘Masseuse’ for Good
Language matters. Calling a massage therapist a masseuse might seem harmless, but it contributes to outdated perceptions that don’t do the industry any favours. It reinforces the idea that massage is not a legitimate profession, undervaluing the skill, training, and dedication that go into it.
At Blys, we’re all about respecting and uplifting the professionals who bring relaxation and wellness straight to your doorstep. We know how challenging it can be for therapists to find reliable, well-paying work while juggling admin, marketing, and managing their own schedules. That’s why we’ve built a platform that puts therapists first—giving them access to flexible, well-paid jobs without the hassle of chasing bookings or dealing with unreliable clients.
By choosing Blys, you’re not just getting an incredible massage—you’re supporting skilled, independent professionals who deserve to be valued and respected. So next time you book a massage, remember—you’re booking a massage therapist.
