Vocabulary Lesson

In the Jan./Feb. 2012 issue of the "Massage & Bodywork Magazine" (P.15) Kathleen Adams
wrote that one of her pet peeves is people referring to her as a masseuse instead of a massage therapist.

To me the term masseuse, a female providing professional massage, and masseur, a male providing professional massage are antiquated terms. And, even though they seem to have some nefarious connotation in the back of my mind, I was not able to find any dark definitions upon a cursory search on the internet. Yet, it seems some people, including me, seem to think the two terms have some sort of sexual connotation.

In conclusion, it is best these days to refer to legitimate massage therapists as being massage therapists. This is especially true when the therapist is providing legitimate and proper service to his , or her, clients.

Ben Gustafson; LMT
MASSAGE THERAPIST

"Nuff Said"