Is it a legitimate massage spa, or sketchy location? How can you tell the difference? - The...

[massage]

Michael Braun Fort Myers News-Press

Published 8:03 AM EDT Jul 31, 2019


You'd like a soothing massage, and you want to know where to go. How do you tell a so-called parlor operating on the wrong side of the law from a legitimate massage business?

A Sarasota-area woman who left a 2017 Yelp review and offered a tale on how easy it is to be duped.

“This is a wack shack. Nothing more to be said about it. We just moved to the area and I purchased a massage for my husband, and when he returned home he was cracking up laughing ... basically told me they flat out asked him to turn over when he laid down on his stomach,” she wrote. “He also said there were a number of other odd things about it which tipped him off. Long story short — He left and I'm 1) thankful I have a good husband and 2) going to do more research before I make a purchase. Yikes!”

Previous coverage: Two years after Florida's massage parlor crackdown, no one has faced sex trafficking charges. Why?

More: All but one of those arrested in FDLE Operation Spa sentenced, dismissed or deported

And: Sex trafficking is behind the lucrative illicit massage business. Why police can't stop it.

Investigators from the Collier County Sheriff's Office stopped several men after they left Naples-area spas under surveillance during investigations of massage spas.

One of those stopped said he received only a massage, would not be returning to the business and would look for a more legitimate massage spa in the future.

But how does one know legit from not?

"The best way to look for a legitimate, licensed massage therapist in any state is through AMTA’s 'Find a Massage Therapist' national locator service," said Ron Precht, senior manager for communications, American Massage Therapy Association.

He said behaviors such as those that prompt criminal charges in a spa setting might only serve to make the public suspicious of the massage therapy profession.

"Something everyone should keep in mind is that they should leave a massage therapy location if they feel uncomfortable about the surroundings or sense that the business location is not professional," Precht said. "There is no specific formula, but a sense of professionalism in a massage location is always a must."

Precht said the association was very familiar with the cases in Florida, adding that the association's position is that massage therapists who violate the law should be held accountable for their actions.

Precht said the association provides information on what to expect from a massage and massage workers.

You can also check the licenses of individuals and for massage establishments in the state using Florida's license verification site.

The site lists if massage workers are licensed and if there are any complaints or disciplinary actions on file.

Connect with this reporter: MichaelBraunNP (Facebook) @MichaelBraunNP (Twitter)

More: Three main suspects in state-led massage parlor sting in Collier, Lee enter guilty pleas

What to expect at your massage session


♦ Your massage therapist will ask preliminary questions to determine your overall health and your health and wellness goals.

♦ The massage therapist will consider information about your physical condition, medical history, lifestyle, stress levels, medications and any areas of physical pain that could affect your massage therapy outcome.

♦ This information will help the massage therapist structure the session to achieve your health and wellness goals.

Privacy


♦ Before your massage, you’ll be asked to remove clothing to your level of comfort.

♦ The massage therapist will leave the room while you undress. Take off only as much as you are comfortable removing.

♦ Lie on the massage table, underneath the provided sheet or towel, which will cover your body except for the part being massaged.

♦ Chair massages, which often are offered in public spaces and workplaces, are an exception. A specially-designed massage chair lets you lean forward and supports the front of the body. You remain clothed and no oil or lotion is used. Seated massages typically last from 10 to 30 minutes.

Environment


♦ Music might be played. If you find music distracting, tell your massage therapist. The same goes for talking during your session.

♦ Your massage therapist should check on pressure and comfort throughout your appointment. If you're uncomfortable at any time, tell your massage therapist.

♦ The massage table is padded, and may have extra attachments or cushions, such as a face cradle, which allows you to lie face-down without turning your head or neck.

Massage therapy session


♦ Massage therapists often use oil or lotion. If you're allergic to oils or lotions, tell your massage therapist beforehand.

♦ If you're receiving hot stone massage, make sure you're comfortable with the temperature of the stones, and always tell your massage therapist if you are uncomfortable.

♦ Depending on your needs, the massage therapist will massage either the full body (except private areas) or only specific areas that need attention, such as especially tight muscles.

Remember to breathe normally.

♦ Table massage usually lasts between 30 and 90 minutes.

♦ After your massage, the massage therapist will allow you to slowly get up and get dressed in privacy.

♦ Depending on the environment, tips are appreciated to recognize outstanding service, but not required.

Follow Up


♦ The benefits of massage therapy are cumulative, so work with your massage therapist to customize a plan to meet your health and wellness goals.

Regulation


♦ Currently, 46 states and the District of Columbia regulate massage therapists or provide voluntary state certification.

♦ In states that regulate massage therapy, massage therapists must meet the legal requirements to practice, which may include minimum hours of initial training and passing an exam.

♦ In states that do not regulate massage therapy, this task may fall to local municipalities.

♦ Most states that license massage therapists require a passing grade on the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam or one of two exams provided by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.

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