Male or Female Massage Therapists: What’s The Difference?

Millions of people around the world have come to experience the countless benefits of massage. Whether to address injuries, relieve stress, relax muscles or simply offer some quiet time, massage has been shown to benefit a myriad of conditions, both psychological and physical. The benefits of massage are widely accepted, which is why there are so many different types of massage therapists to choose from. Which begs the question – which should you opt for, male or female?

Strength: Male vs. Female Massage Therapists

Physical body strength is an inarguable difference between the sexes. Men tend to be larger and therefore possess more physical strength. So if you like a very firm massage, have many stubborn knots that need attention, or require deeper tissue stimulation, perhaps a man’s touch is necessary.

That being said, female massage therapists at Blys are all well-trained and highly skilled at using their level of bodily strength to still deliver an exceptional massage to the desired intensity.

Comfort: Personal Preferences Matter

Unfortunately, there is a lot of bias in the industry towards female massage therapists. Some clients feel more comfortable with female therapists due to personal preferences or concerns about privacy. Others may prefer male therapists for their physical strength or technique. Your comfort is essential for a relaxing experience, so choose the therapist that makes you feel at ease. Likewise, many heterosexual males state that they feel uneasy being massaged by another male because it has certain connotations around their sexuality.

These are just two very general stereotypes surrounding massage therapy – however, they can influence many people’s preferences. In fact, the preference for female therapists is so strong that 86% of registered practitioners in the US are female. It is your experience, and your massage, so feel free to state your preference when booking a massage – whatever makes you feel most comfortable! Keep in mind that all massage therapists at Blys are trained to the utmost level of professionalism, so you needn’t worry about them “judging” your body or questioning your sexuality.

Experience: Focus on Skill, Not Gender

At the end of the day, the gender of the person massaging you doesn’t matter as much as his or her level of experience. The reality is, as stated above, the majority of massage therapists in the industry are female. What this means is that the males who are in business have to be even better to survive! Some of them will have long tenure and wide experience under their belts – so give them a chance! So as long as you are comfortable that they have the required level of skill and training, asking how many years a person has been working is likely in the industry to give a much better indication of their massage skills than their gender.

Booking Your Next Massage: Make the Choice That Works for You

At the end of the day, the decision to choose a male or female massage therapist is entirely up to you. Whether you prefer the physical strength of a male therapist or the comfort of a female therapist, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and relaxed.

At Blys, we offer both male and female therapists, all trained to the highest professional standards. So, don’t hesitate—book your next appointment and enjoy the benefits of a personalized massage experience delivered right to your door!