Male vs Female Massage Therapists

When it comes down to it, there aren't any pros or cons to having a male MT vs a female MT. Sure, men are generally stronger than females, however the aim isn't to inflict the most amount of pressure as possible. That's the opposite of healing. Unless you're looking to get manhandled, then...I don't know what type of massage you're looking for. haha

But, if you're looking for an individual who listens to and addresses your needs and is professional you'll get both from either a male or female. So why is it typically difficult for men to succeed in the world of massage therapy? According to the American Massage Therapy Association, 85% of massage therapists are female. And from the poll that was taken a few months ago on this blog, out of 13 people that voted, 53% preferred a female and 46% said it didn't matter.  

In my opinion either a male client isn't comfortable with another man touching him and/or a female client is anxious at the thought of a man touching her and acting inappropriately. Unless you have a history of sexual abuse or are extremely conservative, then I don't think there is a reason for such bias. Regardless of my thoughts, obviously, you're free to choose whomever you like. Free will and all that. Although I do believe it's a form of discrimination and sexism. The most important factor should be ones skill and not gender.

A man can be just as nurturing as a female. If male nurses and gynecologists can be trusted and respected so can and should male massage therapists.

When thinking about the issues some male massage therapists face in this female dominated profession, I immediately thought of my good friend, Ronald Brister. You all may remember him from his On The Table interview in November. Ronald has been a massage therapist for 8 years and is quite successful in terms of his client base. Aside from the fact that Ronald has skills that come close to my own (lol), he has always had the right attitude when it came to his potential accomplishments as a massage therapist. If you go into ANY venture with a negative attitude, then you've already lost!

Ronald had this to say about how he's dealt with discrimination as a male MT and words of advice for prospective male massage therapists:

"I have met with some discrimination by men and I am sure some women. I realized from the beginning that not everyone is comfortable being touched..by anyone. Men are usually more hesitant to get massaged by another man. I have many theories to this..but none that really matter. I do not try to talk anyone into getting a massage by me. However, I do try to educate anyone who is interested in massage, in the procedures and the extra care I take in protecting my client's modesty. I try to explain how massage has come a long way in establishing itself as a viable and successful stress and pain-relieving therapy. I sometimes joke that it is no longer the HOUSE OF HAPPY ENDINGS. I stress the use of massage therapy in chiropractic and physical therapy. For men starting out [in massage therapy], I would suggest that they take extra care in how they touch the client. Draping is NUMERO UNO in making a client feel more comfortable. The rest will come in time."

How do you feel about this subject? If you only choose female massage therapists, do you do so consciously or unconsciously? And why?

*UPDATE*:
Also, gentlemen check out THIS blog post about common misconceptions about massage therapy.