Why Public Education on Massage Therapy Matters
Educating the general public on the benefits of massage is a constant endeavor for massage therapists. Our work in massage is not yet widely understood. Certainly, our industry is better understood now in terms of the therapeutic nature of massage therapy than decades ago. More people view our work akin to medical care in 2025 than twenty or thirty years ago. We still have many strides to make to improve public perception of massage therapy.
How Illicit Massage Parlors Harm Public Perception
One problem with public perception of massage therapy is the prevalence of parlors that still operate in most parts of our country.
The Link Between Parlors and Human Trafficking
I am distinguishing parlors from other massage establishments because parlors have distinctive aesthetic qualities. The vast majority of parlors have neon signs, tinted windows and posters of Asian women and/or script visible to the public. These visuals conjure images often depicted in television and movies where illicit sex acts are committed.
It has become well known that many parlors are fronts for human trafficking. One person (usually the owner) may have a business license to operate and a legitimate massage license to operate. However, very often their (mostly) female staff members providing massages and illicit services do not have legitimate massage licenses.
As long as the parlors remain in the public eye, the public perception of massage continues to be hampered. Massage therapists need to speak with local authorities and police departments to clear parlors out of their communities.
Misrepresentation of Massage in Popular Media
Another problem with public perception of massage therapy is the portrayal of massage therapists within popular television and movies.
Common Negative Stereotypes in Movies and TV
Quite often, massage therapists are depicted as less knowledgeable than other healthcare professionals. We are portrayed as people who can only help clients relax and nothing more. We may also be depicted as a caricature of the stereotypical hippie wearing crystals, waving incense and engaging in esoteric practices. Rarely will you see a massage therapist appear as a physical therapist in their appearance on screen.
The Importance of Sharing Positive Stories Online
Because we cannot rely on popular media, it will be imperative that massage therapists put positive content on social media to highlight the virtues and benefits of our work.
Some ideas to accomplish this include:
- Interview clients live on social media to have them share their positive experiences.
- Present formal research on the benefits of massage therapy.
- Provide demonstrations of bodywork live on social media to show clients a different visual of how a session may appear.
- Use formal anatomical language when discussing massage therapy practice using proper pathology and kinesiology terms.
Using Research to Strengthen Massage Therapy’s Credibility
Research is a powerful tool that can strengthen both your professional credibility and the public’s understanding of massage therapy. Massage professionals can use peer-reviewed studies to educate clients about the benefits of specific techniques, validate claims about pain relief, or demonstrate improvements in circulation, nervous system regulation, and overall wellness. Sharing research doesn’t have to be complicated: consider creating simple handouts, posting infographic summaries on social media, or referencing studies during client consultations. Additionally, research can support collaborations with healthcare providers, showing that massage therapy complements medical treatments and is evidence-based care.
Trusted Sources for Massage Therapy Research
Pubmed.gov, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and the VA Health System’s website are excellent resources for locating research. Also, the Massage Therapy Foundation, Touch Research Institute and the Global Wellness Institute are excellent sites for locating research in our field. Major companies providing continuing education may also provide their own research studies conducted validating their brand of massage and bodywork.
Overcoming Public Misconceptions About Massage
Yet another problem with public perception of massage is simply lack of awareness of what a massage and/or what a session may provide. If you ask 100 people what they believe massage helps with most, nearly all will say “muscles.” Yes, that is true yet we massage therapists know we do more than aid muscle health.
It will be important for massage therapists to take opportunities to showcase the possibilities of health made possible with massage. We know we can help ease pain and symptoms of autoimmune disease patients, aid joint health, calm the nervous system, help restore function to organ systems and improve movement and function of the body. There are hundreds of modalities that may accomplish any and all of these goals.
Effective Ways to Educate the Public
Hosting public events is one of the most effective ways for massage therapists to educate their communities. Open houses at your practice, demonstrations at local libraries or recreation centers, and chair massage at public events allow people to experience your skills firsthand while giving you the opportunity to discuss the therapeutic benefits of your work. To maximize impact, promote events through social media, local community boards, and partnerships with other health professionals. During these interactions, focus on education as much as relaxation—explain techniques, highlight specific health outcomes, and provide take-home resources. Follow up with interested participants afterward to answer questions and build ongoing client relationships, turning a single event into lasting engagement.
Professionalism Shapes Public Perception
As we educate the general public, let us remember to present ourselves as professionally as possible. It may surprise people to see us dressed as professionals when many people expect us to dress as hippies or as casual as can be. When we dress for success, the average person will respect us. Appearance does matter in the world when trying to earn credibility.
A Personal Story: Changing One Person’s Perspective
I recall having a conversation with someone in a shared office building. I was standing outside my private practice office door dressed in professional slacks, polo shirt and nicer shoes. A gentleman who operated a printing business inquired about the type of work I performed. When I replied “massage therapy”, I saw his eyes get wide with looking at me from head to toe with a surprised look on his face. He replied “you don’t look like a massage therapist” to which I retorted “yeah, we therapists can surprise people at times.” He then proceeded to ask me about the style of massage therapy I practiced and he was genuinely shocked when I explained I worked with chronically ill and oncology patients. He kept asking if I did physical therapy along with massage therapy and I simply replied “massage therapy is what I do and it is enough for these patients to feel great relief of their pain”. I also explained that I work in conjunction with what doctors have ordered for their patients, never in opposition.
Building Trust and Changing Perceptions One Person at a Time
Having conversations like these will allow massage therapists to shift public perception of massage therapy. When this shift occurs, there is ample opportunity to share the virtues and benefits of our work. Popular media cannot be the vehicle for this shift therefore we as individual therapists need to facilitate this change of public perception in our local communities one person at a time.
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