The woman with the healing touch who can work out the knots in your aching back is traditionally referred to as a masseuse, but for a long time the term massage therapist was also acceptable. The word masseuse is a French term that refers to a female practitioner of massage. Men in the industry were known as massage therapists. Both titles, masseuse and massage therapist, have a long and interesting history related to massage. These terms were used to describe both men and women who provided massages in exchange for payment.
However, these terms, particularly masseuse, were hijacked by prostitutes operating under the guise of “massage”, starting in the 1950s. So, should you say masseuse or massage therapist? Are they the same thing? The answer is no. While both terms are used to describe someone who provides massage services, there is an important distinction between them. The term masseuse is often associated with prostitution and other illicit activities, while the term massage therapist is more professional and implies that the person has received formal training in massage therapy. In recent years, the term massage therapist has become more widely accepted and is now the preferred term for those who provide massage services.
This is due to its more professional connotation and its lack of association with prostitution. It is also important to note that many states have laws that require massage therapists to be licensed or certified in order to practice legally. So, if you're looking for someone to provide you with a massage, it's best to look for a massage therapist. This will ensure that you are getting a professional service from someone who has been properly trained and certified.
