What is meant by "professional massage?"
A professional, licensed massage therapist is trained in different styles of massage. The courses and requirements are specific and requires a medical knowledge of the body's anatomy including skeletal, musculature, and lymph system.
Can anyone practice massage therapy in Texas?
No, only a professional massage therapist who has attended the proper training classes and passed both a rigorous written test, as well as showing specific knowledge of specific techniques, may practice legal massage therapy in the state of Texas.
Are there standards for massage therapists?
Yes, a massage therapist is bound by a legal code of ethical behavior, laws, and standards set by the Texas Department of Health.
What can I expect when I engage the services of a licensed massage therapist?
The therapist will consult with you initially and ascertain if there are any contraindications that might impede your ability to receive a massage. There are some conditions that require a doctor's release in order for the massage therapist to legally perform massage on a client. Once the massage therapist gathers information pertinent to the client's needs, the massage therapist will leave the room and allow you t disrobe and take your place on the table. Once you are covered under the sheet on the table, the therapist will then enter the room, explain the procedure and begin the massage.
Will I be draped or covered the entire time?
Yes, Texas law requires that a client be draped the entire massage. A client MAY NOT receive massage undraped! The massage therapist will undrape the specific area being massaged, i.e., right arm, then left arm, leg, back, etc. The massage therapist is required by law to ALWAYS keep the client draped except for the area being massaged at the moment. A massage therapist can lose licensure for not properly draping a client or requiring a client, who does not want to be draped, to remain draped. If a client insists upon not remaining draped, the massage therapist will automatically stop the massage and exit the room.
Do I have to undress to complete nudity?
You may undress to the level to which you are comfortable. You may disrobe completely or simply down to your underwear. A female will need to remove the bra in order for the back area to be properly massaged. Once again, it is the law that the massage therapist keep the client draped at all times.
Aren't most massages sexual in nature?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! A professional massage is NOT sexual and DOES NOT involve sexual acts!! It is AGAINST TEXAS LAW for the client or therapist to touch one or each other in any kind of sexual nature. If a massage therapist ever touches your genitals or breasts, report them IMMEDIATELY to the Texas Board of Health and their license will be revoked!
If I WANT you to touch me in a sexual manner or ask ;you to perform sexual acts with me, will you?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Again, I am LICENSED by the Texas Board of Health and I am a PROFESSIONAL. My massages are STRICTLY for therapeutic purposes and sexual acts are NOT part of my practice. Sexual acts performed during a massage constitute prostitution and are NOT a part of my practice. If you desire anything more than a PROFESSIONAL, THERAPEUTIC massage that follows the strict guidelines and laws set forth by the state of Texas, then please look elsewhere.
Questions Concerning Sexual Misconduct
NOTE: Due to the number of calls I receive requesting massages involving sexual behaviors or acts, I must reiterate that I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT engage in, or tolerate, any sort of sexual contact between me and my clients. I run a lawful, respectable business dedicated to the therapeutic benefits of massage. My business is not sexual or "sensual" in any way, shape or form.
The following is an excerpt from the Texas code of Ethics and State regulations regarding the practice of massage therapy in the state of Texas concerning sexual misconduct:
§141.6 Sexual Misconduct
(a) A licensee shall not engage in sexual contact during a session with a client. For the purposes of this section, sexual contact includes:
(1) any touching of any part of the genitalia or anus;
(2) any touching of the breasts of a female without the written consent of the female;
(3) any offer or agreement to engage in any activity described in subsection (a)(1) or (2) of this section;
(4) kissing without the consent of both persons;
(5) deviate sexual intercourse, sexual contact, sexual intercourse, indecent exposure, sexual assault, prostitution, and promotion of prostitution as described in the Texas Penal Code, Chapters 21, 22, and 43, or any offer or agreement to engage in any such activities; or
(6) any behavior, gestures, or expressions which may reasonably be interpreted as inappropriately seductive or sexual;
(7) inappropriate sexual comments about or to a client, including making sexual comments about a person's body.
(b) A licensee shall not allow any individual, including a client, student, licensee, employee, or one's self to engage in sexual contact on the premises of any massage school, massage establishment, or the licensee's own place of business.
(c) A licensee shall not allow any individual, including a student, licensee, employee, or one's self t practice massage therapy or provide other massage therapy services in the nude, while partially nude, or in clothing designed to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any individual.
(d) A licensee shall not perform massage therapy, whether or not for compensation, at or for a sexually oriented business.
(e) A licensee shall immediately discontinue the activity or the professional relationship when a client initiates any verbal or physical contact with the licensee that is intended to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of either person.
