Masseuse, Masseur, Massage Therapist-Why Does it Matter?

As a massage therapist, I generally let it roll off my back when a client, friend, or family member refers to me as a masseuse.  I know it's because that's the term they're used to using, and they most likely don't know any different.   I might take a moment to explain my preference for being called a massage therapist, but most of the time I just let it pass. After all, I know what my qualifications are and generally let the quality of my work speak for itself.  Yet, there is a difference.  The terms masseuse, masseur, and massage therapist all refer to people who provide massage, but they differ in usage, gender association, and professionalism. Masseuse traditionally refers to a female massage practitioner, while masseur refers to a male, both borrowed from the French language. 

However, both of these terms are now considered outdated or informal and can carry unwanted stereotypes.  Massage therapist is the modern, gender-neutral, and professionally preferred term, especially in healthcare and licensed settings.  That's because it emphasizes formal training, ethical standards, and therapeutic intent rather than relaxation alone. However, not just anyone can be called a massage therapist.  In Ohio, massage therapy is considered a limited branch of medicine and is governed by the Ohio State Medical Board.  A person cannot practice or use the term "massage therapy" without holding a license.

I think it's important to know what it means to be a licensed massage therapist.  A massage therapist must complete a minimum of 750 clock hours of instruction from a school approved by the Ohio State Medical Board.  This instruction must include:

• Anatomy, physiology, and pathology
• Massage theory and techniques
• Hygiene, ethics, and business/law
• Supervised clinical practice (hands-on experience)

Once this training is complete, the next step is to submit to criminal background checks (FBI & BCI) and pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).  It's only then that someone can call themselves a massage therapist. 

I think a lot of people assume that all massage practitioners must be licensed, but unfortunately, that's not the case.

Watch out for those who say they are "certified" or practice "relaxation massage".

This usually indicates that the person performing the massage has not had formal training from an accredited institution (approved by the Ohio State Medical Board), not been subject to criminal background checks, and is not regulated by the standards upheld by the Ohio State Medical Board.  They cannot call themselves massage therapists, so instead they use the terms "certified" or indicate that they do "relaxation massage".  These practitioners are what massage therapists think of as masseuses or masseurs.  It is illegal for them to practice any type of therapeutic massage techniques without licensure, and they cannot treat any diagnosable condition with massage.  They cannot do any deep-tissue work and can only use light touch to provide relaxation for a person and nothing more.  That's because without proper training, they could potentially hurt someone if they did! 

What's the takeaway from all of this?  As licensed massage therapists, we take pride in our level of expertise and professionalism.  We want you to understand the difference between someone who is licensed and other practitioners with less training and experience, especially if those practitioners are illegally and irresponsibly trying to use therapeutic techniques that could potentially cause harm.   Look for the "LMT" credentials when choosing who to go to for massage.  And while it's forgivable when our clients occasionally refer to us as a masseuse or masseur, we definitely prefer being called what we are-massage therapists!