By the way...I have been told by those that had me, I've given them the best massage, great touch, awesome communication at appropriate times, very professional, and polite. All great except I don't have a pair of boobs. Well, even if I did, I'd look kind of silly.
I got into massage therapy 10 years ago and the school would have done me a great favor if telling me the truth instead of sugar coating it. Many times I've been angry, upset, depressed over comments made to my face by clients. I have worked at a hospital fitness center, a YMCA, had my own practice, and now at a major hotel in Chicago where I've been VERY busy UNTIL, they added a female therapist on my shift. Now, I am lucky to have 2 appointments while she had 5 or 6. Time to get out.
I found this very informative to watch since I am about to start school to become a MT and I'm a straight male. I never thought about what it would be like in terms of gender discrimination but they opened my eyes a little bit while keeping me optimistic about what I want to do in my life. Thank you Ryan.
i though male MTs were more valued as professionals bc their work better on deeper tissue, have bigger hands, and can endure a longer session more easily.
.
i also though a lot of male business men and athletes prefer a male MT
Just wanted to say thanks for the awesome video I am a bigger guys involved in sports and just wanted to say that generally i have to request and look for males because my muscles are so tough to massage that a female would be exhausted and i feel bad that i worked them so hard.
Is this this common for larger guys with bigger muscles that require that extra effort?
@Ajames60 unfortunately, this is a great theoric way of thinking but in real life, you touch the people you're working "on", and they're all confused between gay, aids and pedophiles and get afraid of being contaminated... so sorry to say... 2011... but that's reality!
Hey great video Ryan! I am a biracial male massage student, 22 years old. In my class there is only 1 other male. I've been labled as the "cute" guy lol My female classmates love having me massage them and say I do great work. I try my best to always look nice and to act proffessional aswell as mature. I was wondering if you think being a good looking male massage therapist has its perks? I live in Scottsdale, Arizona and my mom owns a salon where I will likely build a clientel after I graduate.
Im going to start massage therapy field in private college and its only 18 months and right now I practise massaging people but I can't go pass than 15 minutes. So I was wondering if this will increase when we get involved in a massage class ? and my second question is as a male who finished this course what would be the chance of getting a job after 18 months school?
Im going to start massage therapy field in private college and its only 18 months and right now I practise massaging people but I can't go pass than 15 minutes. So I was wondering if this will increase when we get involved in a massage class ? and my second question is as a male who finished this course what would be the chance of getting a job after 18 months school? By the way I chose this field because I love working out
Im going to start massage therapy field in private college and its only 18 months and right now I practise massaging people but I can't go pass than 15 minutes. So I was wondering if this will increase when we get involved in a massage class ? and my second question is as a male who finished this course what would be the chance of getting a job after 18 months school? By the way I chose this field because I love working out
I'm working in a rehab center and patients (male/female) always like the way I do my job. I'm going to college to become LMT. I'm a gay man and so far had no problems, but my advise for everyone is to always listen to your clients and smile a whole lot.....
The ratio of men to women at my school is 1/4th. Hell our school was founded by two men. I love bodywork so far, but I look younger than I really am so I am preparing myself for the inevitable male clientele who like that. Working on males has a great advantage too! You don't have to worry about exposing breast tissue, and men can be super tense which is great for practicing going deeper. I have seen job postings for women only online but if they dont want me when I graduate then good! Cheers!
The best thing to do as a therapist is build your own practice. It takes time to establish steady clientele but its worth it once they start coming. second of all, work on your appearance and personality. believe it or not most women love and prefer to be touched by a man. they just want to know where your mind is at. once u show professionalism.. u got them. AND LAST, i found that attractive women love male therapist, usually the ugly ones discriminate
most gay clients are professional and excellent tippers, so i got to the point where i loved working on gay guys. but ever now and then u will get that 1 superfreak gay guy and what i do is make him uncomfortable so he doesnt come back. on the other hand, i've had female clients (some fine as hell) wanting sexual favors. best not to give in to it,,, u will regret it later i gave a real good professional massage to one chick and she became a stalker.....
Alot of what your saying is true however as a black str8 male massage therapist i found that alot of women prefer me to massage them. usually at first they may be a little uneasy, but its all how u market and present yourself. ive given massages to women that said no to me and would prefer a female. so dont get discourage, you have to be a sweet talker and be very professional.
@NICEGUY523 I am a black therapist and I have had no problems as far as race is concerned either way from one guy receiving a massage from another.. On the other hand, there is more gender discrimination than racial in massage.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
No kidding. I wouldnt want some man's hands all over me, duh! And a woman doesn't want some man that might be a creep or perv touching them. This shouldnt be a surprise to anybody. Just let the women do the job, they do it better anyways.
For one thing, male massuers tend to have bigger hands and are physically stronger than females, so they can cover a larger surface area and stimulate deeper tissue simultaneously.
Now if you are so insecure with your sexuality that the idea of being massaged by another man repulses you, then that is your own problem, but it is not shared by most normal people, who are able to differentate massage from a sexual experience.
Hey bro thanks for this video and your channel. I am a 21 year old straight male. I play poker for a living but I am already getting burnt out and it is too stressful at times. I had two quick questions for you. How long did you have to go to school for and how much did it cost? In actuality I probably won't care how long it takes or what it costs because this is really the first occupation that has even remotely interested me. Besides, my ex gf's always said I gave great massages lol. Thanks.
It all varies and it can cost from $10,000-$20,000 and it will take you from 9 months to 2 years (every college is different in prices and time-frame). Some colleges you can receive an Associate degree too (most places you will receive a diploma).
Thank you for posting this video. Lately I have been very interested in learning how to become a male massage therapist.
I admit to being a bit intimidated by the obstacles that seem to exist for males - but at the same time I really encouraged by all of the positives I hear about this line of work, it seems like something that would fit my persona and lifestyle to a "T".
I have been in business for 6 years. I really never had a problem till this year. Our receptionist the fat lazy bitch she was asked if they wanted a man or woman. That cut into my revenue. She was too preoccupied with everything but her job. I confronted about with no success. Finally had to make a stink about to get situation corrected. You have to stand up for yourself if you want to succeed. Most places want bimbos who look like they may get a "happy ending".
I think reqesting one gender over the other is just as discriminating as requesting a white therapist over a black therapist, but it's a fact of life we have to live with. My boyfriend is a massage therapist and he has no problem staying busy, but we live in South Fl.
If I get a client who wants more pressure than I can comfortably give, instead of straining myself, I suggest a male therapist for thier next visit.
I get massages at the college where I work. They have a massage program. I always ask for a male therapist. I am gay, but that is not the primary reason. I feel more comfortable with a guy. Lying naked under a sheet with a female therapist (yes, I've had them too), just makes me less comfortable. The head of the program told me it was fine to request someone that I wanted, male or female. I know that females out number males in the program; however, last term there were 4 guys; previous term, 1.
Couldn't agree more. I have had a female masseuse, though, on a trip to Rio. She WAS good, though, but I would by far have preferred a man, as I too relax more with a male masseur.
I also experience the same problems as a male massage therapist. Most clients prefer female therapists, and most (not all, though) of my male clients are either gay or bi. I just make it clear with them that I offer only massage, nothing more, nothing less. To offset the bias, I developed my own unique techniques, and also start training therapists in some spas.
HI I just signed up with a great massage school in MD, and during enrollement, it was suggested that I get into Sports Massage therapy. I totally understand the gender bias with regard to male/female job availability. What should I do to pursue the Sports end of the industry. thanks
An interesting thing you should know. I just started taking an 11 month massage therapy program at school and my class there are 5 of us and 4 of us are guys and only 1 girl which surprised me, and the teachers also have said usually the ratio is the other way around. Just thought you'd like to know. Im soo excited to get through he program and start the being in the field : )
I'm a massage client and ever since I can remember, I have always asked for a masseur because it was considered "proper" as opposed to a masseuse and the connotations that came with it . Now that I'm older, I prefer a masseur for the exact reason stated in the video: a masseur has the strength to keep the steady flow of the Swedish technique. Not to mention, masseurs are not as "chatty" as some of the masseuses my g/f and sisters have told me about. Keep up the good work, guys.
Eastern massage modalites developed with almost the same principles as martial arts. Shiatsu and Tui-na masters also know where the dangerous points are, and these are also taught in martial arts (where to hit to maim or kill).
i agree with everything you're saying. i can very much identify with some of the bias that we encounter. i feel we get hit with a double-whamy sometimes; female clients don't want a male therapist because there might be a sexual undertone - and male clients don't want us because of the homophobia factor. of course, this doesn't apply to every female and every male client...but i feel the percentage is enough to where it has some relevance.
I am a male massage therapist and have been in practice since August 2000. I did indeed have another part time job for the first few years, but now I am successfuly self employed and doing massage "full time" (no ther job).
I think it is very important for males (especialy straight ones like myself) to advertise as specialists of a theraputic modality (NMT in my case). Do some continuing ed. Be licensed.
Also I prominantly display the NCBTMB poster which talks about "safe conduct."
You r so right about needing another part time job while u start as a LMT. I have a part-time job at a hospital and that pays the bills. Massage for male can be slow and unsteady but you have to be patient and work hard at getting clients and especially keeping them.. You have to make them feel that you appreciate their business and that they are not just another person coming thru the door. Give them product samples, bottled water, if you went over your hour ..... so what.
The receptionists at the place I work at are required to book the male therapists FIRST so we get the first chance with the clients. I do find it disturbing how some people are so picky regarding gender, but I realize that it may not be about ME PERSONALLY, but maybe they had a bad experience with men before. And they say that this is a mans world huh? Not in THIS field.
I'm not male, but I hope my comment is appreciated all the same.
In my clinical internship the clients were not allowed to choose male or female, so there was no discrimination. They got who they got. Whomever's turn it was.
I've found that male MTs feel safer about doing outcalls. I've also found that every male MT I've met is VERY capable and professional. Just wish more clients understood and were more comfortable with male MTs.
one of my best friends is in my massage therapy program with me and he's male. i don't think he's going to have any problem getting clientelle so long as the people are open minded. he wants to get more into sports massage anyway rather than the spa/salon scene...
By the way...I have been told by those that had me, I've given them the best massage, great touch, awesome communication at appropriate times, very professional, and polite. All great except I don't have a pair of boobs. Well, even if I did, I'd look kind of silly.
abluepelican 1 month ago
I got into massage therapy 10 years ago and the school would have done me a great favor if telling me the truth instead of sugar coating it. Many times I've been angry, upset, depressed over comments made to my face by clients. I have worked at a hospital fitness center, a YMCA, had my own practice, and now at a major hotel in Chicago where I've been VERY busy UNTIL, they added a female therapist on my shift. Now, I am lucky to have 2 appointments while she had 5 or 6. Time to get out.
abluepelican 1 month ago
DO NOT GET INTO MASSAGE IF YOUR A STRAIGHT MALE.
I don't care what you say, but when a man rubs his hands on another persons body, its for sex.
Honestly, when was the last time you just happen to give your buddy a nice back rub. Gayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Women on the other hand can be touchy feely with other women, and it's fine.
So you tell yourself, ok, I'm going to focus on proffessional clinical settings.
People tend to go to a physio, long before they go to an RMT.
Cracker333 3 months ago
I found this very informative to watch since I am about to start school to become a MT and I'm a straight male. I never thought about what it would be like in terms of gender discrimination but they opened my eyes a little bit while keeping me optimistic about what I want to do in my life. Thank you Ryan.
AmonKusazuri 5 months ago
i though male MTs were more valued as professionals bc their work better on deeper tissue, have bigger hands, and can endure a longer session more easily.
.
i also though a lot of male business men and athletes prefer a male MT
is this not true?
.
fullfist 7 months ago
Just wanted to say thanks for the awesome video I am a bigger guys involved in sports and just wanted to say that generally i have to request and look for males because my muscles are so tough to massage that a female would be exhausted and i feel bad that i worked them so hard.
Is this this common for larger guys with bigger muscles that require that extra effort?
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akhilasamarendra 1 year ago
Hey does it matter whether you are gay or straight? if you are good at what you do then what the hell.
Ajames60 1 year ago
@Ajames60 unfortunately, this is a great theoric way of thinking but in real life, you touch the people you're working "on", and they're all confused between gay, aids and pedophiles and get afraid of being contaminated... so sorry to say... 2011... but that's reality!
insexmetrust 1 year ago
Hey great video Ryan! I am a biracial male massage student, 22 years old. In my class there is only 1 other male. I've been labled as the "cute" guy lol My female classmates love having me massage them and say I do great work. I try my best to always look nice and to act proffessional aswell as mature. I was wondering if you think being a good looking male massage therapist has its perks? I live in Scottsdale, Arizona and my mom owns a salon where I will likely build a clientel after I graduate.
ZooYorksFinest 1 year ago
Hi thanks for yor video
Im going to start massage therapy field in private college and its only 18 months and right now I practise massaging people but I can't go pass than 15 minutes. So I was wondering if this will increase when we get involved in a massage class ? and my second question is as a male who finished this course what would be the chance of getting a job after 18 months school?
2010bahal 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Hi thanks for yor video
Im going to start massage therapy field in private college and its only 18 months and right now I practise massaging people but I can't go pass than 15 minutes. So I was wondering if this will increase when we get involved in a massage class ? and my second question is as a male who finished this course what would be the chance of getting a job after 18 months school? By the way I chose this field because I love working out
2010bahal 1 year ago
Hi thanks for yor video
Im going to start massage therapy field in private college and its only 18 months and right now I practise massaging people but I can't go pass than 15 minutes. So I was wondering if this will increase when we get involved in a massage class ? and my second question is as a male who finished this course what would be the chance of getting a job after 18 months school? By the way I chose this field because I love working out
2010bahal 1 year ago
What do you mean by superfreaks? They flirt?
amdnovello 1 year ago
Thanks again Ryan.
Subfightr 1 year ago
I'm working in a rehab center and patients (male/female) always like the way I do my job. I'm going to college to become LMT. I'm a gay man and so far had no problems, but my advise for everyone is to always listen to your clients and smile a whole lot.....
cotorrito01 1 year ago
The ratio of men to women at my school is 1/4th. Hell our school was founded by two men. I love bodywork so far, but I look younger than I really am so I am preparing myself for the inevitable male clientele who like that. Working on males has a great advantage too! You don't have to worry about exposing breast tissue, and men can be super tense which is great for practicing going deeper. I have seen job postings for women only online but if they dont want me when I graduate then good! Cheers!
gumbionics 1 year ago
The best thing to do as a therapist is build your own practice. It takes time to establish steady clientele but its worth it once they start coming. second of all, work on your appearance and personality. believe it or not most women love and prefer to be touched by a man. they just want to know where your mind is at. once u show professionalism.. u got them. AND LAST, i found that attractive women love male therapist, usually the ugly ones discriminate
handsofhercules 1 year ago
most gay clients are professional and excellent tippers, so i got to the point where i loved working on gay guys. but ever now and then u will get that 1 superfreak gay guy and what i do is make him uncomfortable so he doesnt come back. on the other hand, i've had female clients (some fine as hell) wanting sexual favors. best not to give in to it,,, u will regret it later i gave a real good professional massage to one chick and she became a stalker.....
handsofhercules 1 year ago
@handsofhercules Wow! How do you make your gay clients uncomfortable? (The superfreaks, I mean.)
DClef74 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@handsofhercules Wow! How do you make your gay clients uncomfortable? (The superfreaks, I mean.)
DClef74 1 year ago
Alot of what your saying is true however as a black str8 male massage therapist i found that alot of women prefer me to massage them. usually at first they may be a little uneasy, but its all how u market and present yourself. ive given massages to women that said no to me and would prefer a female. so dont get discourage, you have to be a sweet talker and be very professional.
handsofhercules 1 year ago
I have an honest question. Will a white massage guy massage a black guy? or do massage therapist only massage their own race?
NICEGUY523 1 year ago
@NICEGUY523 I am a black therapist and I have had no problems as far as race is concerned either way from one guy receiving a massage from another.. On the other hand, there is more gender discrimination than racial in massage.
bossthra 1 year ago
@NICEGUY523 Of course....
Disgusticifiable 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
No kidding. I wouldnt want some man's hands all over me, duh! And a woman doesn't want some man that might be a creep or perv touching them. This shouldnt be a surprise to anybody. Just let the women do the job, they do it better anyways.
jardojo 2 years ago
That is a totally ignorant statement to make.
For one thing, male massuers tend to have bigger hands and are physically stronger than females, so they can cover a larger surface area and stimulate deeper tissue simultaneously.
Now if you are so insecure with your sexuality that the idea of being massaged by another man repulses you, then that is your own problem, but it is not shared by most normal people, who are able to differentate massage from a sexual experience.
Sambucca 2 years ago 5
Hey bro thanks for this video and your channel. I am a 21 year old straight male. I play poker for a living but I am already getting burnt out and it is too stressful at times. I had two quick questions for you. How long did you have to go to school for and how much did it cost? In actuality I probably won't care how long it takes or what it costs because this is really the first occupation that has even remotely interested me. Besides, my ex gf's always said I gave great massages lol. Thanks.
DanielJustinLeBlanc 2 years ago 2
It all varies and it can cost from $10,000-$20,000 and it will take you from 9 months to 2 years (every college is different in prices and time-frame). Some colleges you can receive an Associate degree too (most places you will receive a diploma).
massagenerd 2 years ago
Thank you for posting this video. Lately I have been very interested in learning how to become a male massage therapist.
I admit to being a bit intimidated by the obstacles that seem to exist for males - but at the same time I really encouraged by all of the positives I hear about this line of work, it seems like something that would fit my persona and lifestyle to a "T".
happytheclown37 2 years ago
I have been in business for 6 years. I really never had a problem till this year. Our receptionist the fat lazy bitch she was asked if they wanted a man or woman. That cut into my revenue. She was too preoccupied with everything but her job. I confronted about with no success. Finally had to make a stink about to get situation corrected. You have to stand up for yourself if you want to succeed. Most places want bimbos who look like they may get a "happy ending".
zorob1 2 years ago
I think reqesting one gender over the other is just as discriminating as requesting a white therapist over a black therapist, but it's a fact of life we have to live with. My boyfriend is a massage therapist and he has no problem staying busy, but we live in South Fl.
If I get a client who wants more pressure than I can comfortably give, instead of straining myself, I suggest a male therapist for thier next visit.
LMTadvice 2 years ago
Very helpful video Thank's...
ellitestar 2 years ago
Yes, i just graduated from school for massage therapy. Its tough looking for jobs as a male, but i guess its about using diffrent stratagyies.
ryusukee 2 years ago
I get massages at the college where I work. They have a massage program. I always ask for a male therapist. I am gay, but that is not the primary reason. I feel more comfortable with a guy. Lying naked under a sheet with a female therapist (yes, I've had them too), just makes me less comfortable. The head of the program told me it was fine to request someone that I wanted, male or female. I know that females out number males in the program; however, last term there were 4 guys; previous term, 1.
prowlamongus 2 years ago
Couldn't agree more. I have had a female masseuse, though, on a trip to Rio. She WAS good, though, but I would by far have preferred a man, as I too relax more with a male masseur.
6000DK 2 years ago
what about massaging the male penis also.
bigbatboy23 2 years ago
I also experience the same problems as a male massage therapist. Most clients prefer female therapists, and most (not all, though) of my male clients are either gay or bi. I just make it clear with them that I offer only massage, nothing more, nothing less. To offset the bias, I developed my own unique techniques, and also start training therapists in some spas.
tcmarket 2 years ago
HI I just signed up with a great massage school in MD, and during enrollement, it was suggested that I get into Sports Massage therapy. I totally understand the gender bias with regard to male/female job availability. What should I do to pursue the Sports end of the industry. thanks
ZTURRETER 2 years ago
There are two ways: volunteer with a sports team or know an athlete.
massagenerd 2 years ago
An interesting thing you should know. I just started taking an 11 month massage therapy program at school and my class there are 5 of us and 4 of us are guys and only 1 girl which surprised me, and the teachers also have said usually the ratio is the other way around. Just thought you'd like to know. Im soo excited to get through he program and start the being in the field : )
greekgod522 2 years ago
I'm a massage client and ever since I can remember, I have always asked for a masseur because it was considered "proper" as opposed to a masseuse and the connotations that came with it . Now that I'm older, I prefer a masseur for the exact reason stated in the video: a masseur has the strength to keep the steady flow of the Swedish technique. Not to mention, masseurs are not as "chatty" as some of the masseuses my g/f and sisters have told me about. Keep up the good work, guys.
TVSEE15 2 years ago
I'm thinking of combining Massage Therapy with Martial Arts. What do you think of that?
mrqcrew 2 years ago
Eastern massage modalites developed with almost the same principles as martial arts. Shiatsu and Tui-na masters also know where the dangerous points are, and these are also taught in martial arts (where to hit to maim or kill).
tcmarket 2 years ago
I would say use massage therapy as a stepping stone to other professions such as chiropractic or osteopathy.
cdawng 2 years ago
thanks so much for making this video!
i agree with everything you're saying. i can very much identify with some of the bias that we encounter. i feel we get hit with a double-whamy sometimes; female clients don't want a male therapist because there might be a sexual undertone - and male clients don't want us because of the homophobia factor. of course, this doesn't apply to every female and every male client...but i feel the percentage is enough to where it has some relevance.
karmanitrate 2 years ago
I am a male massage therapist and have been in practice since August 2000. I did indeed have another part time job for the first few years, but now I am successfuly self employed and doing massage "full time" (no ther job).
I think it is very important for males (especialy straight ones like myself) to advertise as specialists of a theraputic modality (NMT in my case). Do some continuing ed. Be licensed.
Also I prominantly display the NCBTMB poster which talks about "safe conduct."
maglorsregret 2 years ago
You r so right about needing another part time job while u start as a LMT. I have a part-time job at a hospital and that pays the bills. Massage for male can be slow and unsteady but you have to be patient and work hard at getting clients and especially keeping them.. You have to make them feel that you appreciate their business and that they are not just another person coming thru the door. Give them product samples, bottled water, if you went over your hour ..... so what.
smassage 2 years ago
The receptionists at the place I work at are required to book the male therapists FIRST so we get the first chance with the clients. I do find it disturbing how some people are so picky regarding gender, but I realize that it may not be about ME PERSONALLY, but maybe they had a bad experience with men before. And they say that this is a mans world huh? Not in THIS field.
zunidoll2 2 years ago
I'm not male, but I hope my comment is appreciated all the same.
In my clinical internship the clients were not allowed to choose male or female, so there was no discrimination. They got who they got. Whomever's turn it was.
I've found that male MTs feel safer about doing outcalls. I've also found that every male MT I've met is VERY capable and professional. Just wish more clients understood and were more comfortable with male MTs.
crystalsmuse 2 years ago 5
one of my best friends is in my massage therapy program with me and he's male. i don't think he's going to have any problem getting clientelle so long as the people are open minded. he wants to get more into sports massage anyway rather than the spa/salon scene...
loveandbullets07 2 years ago