Why are men less likely to try *non sexual* therapeutic massage for relaxation and injury control, than women?
March 62010
In the holistic health field, I’ve noticed that far fewer men in the USA will go to a qualified massage, neuromuscular therapist than women. For relaxation or injuries, aches and pains–I’d say overall what I have gathered is that it’s about 70-30 in favor of women getting treatment. Why? Guys? Wives? Girlfriends? I CAN say that once a gentleman has been to a practitioner who is qualified, they generally stick with one person more than women do. Any ideas? Guys, since this is pretty anon. could you be forthcoming? Are you afraid of *flag up* or that it’s girly ( you won’t think that if you go for injury control or deep tissue lol). If you’ve had one bad experience, please tell that too, perhaps I can explain or get you going in the right direction. Anyway, I really appreciate any feedback-serious feedback-no fools who saw *massage* and started gaffawing like hyenas–those peeps not welcome. Aside from that, thanks for your help.
I am a massage therapist and naturopath myself and I would have 30% men and 70% women coming to me for massage. The reason that men are so stand offish I think is that they are afraid of appearing vulnerable to another man ( me ). My colleague who is female is around 50-50 men and women.
It is still seen as a "pampering" type of treatment by many. I do both deep tissue/therapeutic and relaxation massage and I find the men that do come are after the deeper tissue work. Once they come and get over the whole ‘Man " thing they will often attend for relaxation work later. From here they see the benefits of regular massage for body health as well as stress relief etc and will come like clockwork. But to answer your question I think it is the appearing vulnerable thing that men sometimes have a fear of getting past.
Craig – Naturopath.
March 6th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Everyone has their own reason, and I can’t pretend to answer for everyone. I personally get massaged non-sexually occassionally. If they aren’t doing it, there is some financial or sexual fear involved. For some, the fear is that they won’t get a happy ending.
Well, I can’t compete with the naturopath.
References :
March 6th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
My opinion?
I am pretty sure that it is more acceptable for women to get massages than men.
And its something that women would probably get as a matter of course instead of a guy.
Total guesses.
References :
March 6th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
I think guys are afraid of the stigma. People jump to conclusions, and they just aren’t secure enough to try it. What if they ask for something that isn’t being offered? What if they are offered something they aren’t asking for? And of course there’s that "tough guy" thing that keeps them from getting proper treatment for anything that isn’t actually gushing blood.
References :
March 6th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
So, you are saying that women prefer "sexual" therapeutic massage for relaxation and injury control as opposed to "non-sexual?" Or did you just mis-state your question?
Do you offer sexual therapeutic massage? Did any independent studies to qualify your findings?
Got a license to give a massage? Calling it "holistic" for a different spin?
Do you entertain?
References :
Always question authority.
March 6th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
I am a massage therapist and naturopath myself and I would have 30% men and 70% women coming to me for massage. The reason that men are so stand offish I think is that they are afraid of appearing vulnerable to another man ( me ). My colleague who is female is around 50-50 men and women.
It is still seen as a "pampering" type of treatment by many. I do both deep tissue/therapeutic and relaxation massage and I find the men that do come are after the deeper tissue work. Once they come and get over the whole ‘Man " thing they will often attend for relaxation work later. From here they see the benefits of regular massage for body health as well as stress relief etc and will come like clockwork. But to answer your question I think it is the appearing vulnerable thing that men sometimes have a fear of getting past.
Craig – Naturopath.
References :
http://www.craighitchenstherapies.com