Masseuse is Misuse!

Using the term "masseuse" is considered wrong or outdated by licensed professionals because it carries historical baggage tied to illicit businesses, is explicitly gendered, and diminishes the extensive medical and anatomical training required to become a modern healthcare provider. It is often the term used to request a 'happy ending' kind of massage.

Reasons to Avoid the Term

• Unprofessional connotations: The word was historically appropriated as a code or innuendo for illicit sex work and unregulated parlors. [1, 2]

• Disrespects credentials: Licensed practitioners complete hundreds of hours of education in anatomy, physiology, and pathology, preferring the title "massage therapist" to reflect their clinical standing. [1, 2, 3]

• Outdated and gendered: "Masseuse" specifically denotes a female worker (with "masseur" for males), whereas modern therapeutic fields use inclusive, gender-neutral titles

Yeah, it rubs us the wrong way! But we won't be offended or blame you if you do use it, not everyone knows...Now you do!