Why Language Matters in Massage Therapy

“Sticks and stones…” we know the rest. But in reality, words can and do cause harm—especially when they shape how a profession is perceived. Words carry weight. In massage therapy, language doesn’t just describe the work; it influences how the entire field is understood, respected, and protected. Using the wrong terms isn’t harmless—it has real consequences.

Massage Therapist vs. Masseuse: What’s the Difference?

There’s an ongoing debate around terms like “masseuse” and “massage therapist.” Same difference! Tomato-tomahto! But NO, it’s not the same. Very different in fact. On the surface, it may seem like a small difference—semantics, even. But within the profession, that distinction matters. Professional Massage Therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who practice therapeutic, evidence-informed bodywork and are bound by professional and ethical standards.

It’s 2026, and terms like “masseuse” and “massage parlor” are outdated because they are frequently used in code with sexy industries like exploitation and trafficking. This is a misleading and harmful connotation that blurs the line between legitimate massage therapy services and illicit practices. An important line—one that affects how the public, law enforcement, and even the entertainment industry perceive the profession.

Why Language Matters for Massage Therapists

This isn’t about being overly particular or correcting people just for the sake of it. When a massage therapist clarifies their title, they are advocating for the integrity of their work and the safety of their field. Everyday many people call legitimate massage therapists seeking sexual services. Massage therapy is licensed for a reason. It involves touch—something vulnerable for both practitioner and client—and requires clear ethical and professional boundaries. Although it may be unintentional, referring to a massage therapist diminishes the nature and integrity of the profession(al).

The Real Impact on the Massage Therapy Profession

Massage therapists are not competing with these unauthorized industries. It’s a navigation through the involuntary crossfire of being associated with them. That misunderstanding leads to real consequences, including safety risks, and reduces the credibility within healthcare settings.

The more clearly we define massage therapy—through our language, our standards, and our professionalism—the less room there is for confusion and harm to exist.

How You Can Support the Massage Therapy Industry

The way you speak about massage matters more than you think. Using correct terminology helps elevate the profession and reduce harmful misconceptions.

Here are simple ways how you can help:

• Say “massage therapist” instead of “masseuse.”

• Refer to businesses as massage practices or clinics, not “parlors.”

• Recognize massage therapy as part of health and wellness care

Final Thoughts

The more clearly we define massage therapy—through our language, standards, and professionalism—the less room there is for confusion and harm.

When you know better, you do better. We’re all learning every day—so take a moment to share that understanding. You might change how someone sees an entire profession.

Shoulder pain in older adults often appears suddenly, as if caused by a sudden trauma or injury. But for many, athletic trainers say, shoulder injuries are often the result of musculoskeletal conditions directly associated with aging, and, more specifically, weakening posture.

Some people often think ‘I slept on it wrong’ or ‘I pulled something in my shoulder,” but the truth may point to something more long-term. The pain might be something that’s been developing over time, perhaps due to taking on a tighter, less upright posture as we age.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), anywhere from 44 to 65 percent of all shoulder pain complaints can be attributed to a condition known as shoulder impingement syndrome – also known simply as “shoulder impingement.”

Shoulder impingement results from the chronic and repetitive compression of the rotator-cuff tendons in the shoulder, causing inflammation, pain, weakness, and a decreased range of motion in the joint. Usually, repetitive overhead movements are taken on by athletes like golfers, swimmers, and tennis players. However, as we age, changes in posture lead to tightness in the back and neck, along with arching of the spine, which can create conditions ideal for the development of shoulder impingement. As time progresses, this can lead to tendinitis or even rotator cuff tears.

The key to preventing shoulder impingement as you age, says, is regular mobility – moving and stretching your shoulders daily helps to stay loose and counteract the effects of declining posture. Some exercises to add to your regular regimen are:

Back Extension/Shoulder Flexing Stretch: Sitting in a chair, hands clasped together, reach your arms high above your head and slowly reach backward, extending your head and hands behind you. Hold for a few seconds, relax, and then repeat.

Backward Shoulder Extensions: Standing upright, your fingers interlaced behind your back, slowly lift your arms away from your buttocks and toward the ceiling. Lift as high as you can. Keep an upright stance, hold for a few seconds, release, then do it again.

Up-Back Shoulder Reaches: Reach one arm behind your back and, palm facing out, slowly reach up the small of your back toward the space between your shoulder blades. Hold for a few seconds, release, then do the same with your other arm. Repeat one time each.

Down-Back Reaches: Reach your hand behind your head and down your back. Hold for a few seconds, release, and then do the same with your other arm. Repeat one time each.

Maintaining healthy shoulders and preventing the onset of impingement translates into staying active, allowing you to continue lifting the grandkids, comfortably reaching that top shelf in your cabinet or closet, and even sleeping more comfortably. Regular massage with incorporated stretch therapy can help keep you on that path toward pain-free motion.

Welcome to the new year! It’s time to put 2025 in the rear-view mirror and start putting ourselves first with a self-care routine that gives us the inner strength to deal with whatever the new year brings. 

It’s no secret that people who don’t give themselves the care that they give to others will usually end up stressed and burned out. To stop this from happening, develop an attitude of nurturing. Take care of your mind, body, and soul every day, in small ways and occasionally (but regularly) bigger ways too. Self-care is non-negotiable these days, but you have to make an effort to make space for it. Here are a few ideas for things to do that rebalance, re-energize, and replenish. 

Do something physically energizing 

Whatever floats your boat, make time for it if it makes you feel good. This could be a series of stretches, Pilates or yoga, a run, a swim, or a walk. Just get that activity up. 

Stretch it out 

Hunched over a desk or in a car most of the day? Our bodies were not designed to do half the things we put them through. Definitely aren’t meant to be cooped up. So stretch it out. Find a set of effective stretches that stops your body from feeling ten years older than it really is. Your muscles will thank you for it. If you want to do even more for yourself, get a professional involved; book a massage! A trained massage therapist can do an entire stretch therapy session with you, or if you prefer, just incorporate some effective stretch techniques during your regular massage session.

Take a bath 

It’s a self-care cliché, but for a good reason. If you have the time, shut the door, put on some music, and take a magazine or book with you. Lie back and let the stresses of the day dissolve away into warm, sweet-smelling water. I have a list of go to’s from rose water, to CBD bath oil, to lavender essential oil, to good old faithful Epsom salt.

Try a mini-meditation 

Begin or end your day with just one minute of deep breathing, while focusing your awareness on your body, inner thoughts, and feelings. This is an exercise that’s also useful to do during the day when you feel stressed and need to take time out. 

Be still 

Find a quiet place outside, find somewhere comfortable to sit, and be still. Pretend there’s nobody else around and focus on the quiet and stillness. 

Unplug just for a day 

There actually was a time when we were able to manage without social media and instant messaging, so just for a day. Switch them all off and embrace a notification-free existence. It’s very freeing, and you may end up wanting to do it for even longer. You will also receive a huge thank you from your nervous system.

Write a Gratitude List 

Focusing on all of the things that you're thankful for will put a happy spring in your step. Try to think of three things every morning or evening. Or when you feel down, refocus with three things to be happy about. 

Dance like nobody’s looking 

They aren’t! Dancing is incredibly freeing, so stick on a few dance anthems or whatever makes you want to move and shake your booty. 

Take a walk 

Have you really taken the time to explore the area you live in? Walk around, slowly, and really notice the details. Be curious about your neighborhood. 

Make an appointment with a counselor 

Find someone non-judgmental to talk to about your innermost thoughts; It doesn’t have to be a therapist or psychologist; it could also be a spiritual mentor. 

Sleep 

Are you getting enough? We suspect not. Why not take a quick nap if you feel tired, or try an earlier bedtime, and give your body a bit more downtime? Save your time, that badge of honor for running on fumes, self-gratuitous “hustle”…there isn’t one.

Do something new 

That thing you’ve always wanted to try? Do it. 

Journal your thoughts 

It only has to take you 10 minutes – get whatever is on your mind down in writing and out of your head. That’s writing! Not your notes on your phone.

Spend quality time with people you love 

Hanging out with the people you love most in the world is good for your soul. If they're far away, give them a phone call. 

Take a full day of rest every week 

You deserve it, and your mind and body will thank you for it. 

Do an activity mindfully and slowly 

Pick an everyday activity, like laundry, and focus on it while you’re doing it. Savoring the moment makes dull things much more absorbing if you’re prone to zoning out. No multi-tasking.

De-clutter your life 

You don’t have to do it all at once, but decluttering is very therapeutic. Start with an email inbox, work up to your desk or a closet, and feel the benefits of less clutter. 

Make a personal mission statement 

If you don't have a personal mission statement, create one. Think about this year and what you want to do with it. Who is it you would like to be? 

Enjoy a piece of chocolate or a glass of wine 

Even better, have both…while writing your mission statement. In the bath! An exception to the multi-tasking clause.

Book a massage or a spa treatment! 

We may have mentioned this before, but taking the time to invest in yourself is a supreme act of self-care, and we think you should indulge in it as often as you can. 

Have a great 2026!