20/07/2025
🛑 Public Statement on Professional Massage Standards
By: Rajendra Prabudial
Founder – Dauntless Professional Therapeutic Bodyworks
Public Relations Officer (Guyana) - The Massage Therapy Association of Trinidad and Tobago
It is with deep concern that I address a recent video circulated on social media from what seems to be a Massage Therapy spa, a business that is located in Georgetown, Guyana, where a male individual, seemingly acting in the role of a massage therapist, performs a so-called “massage” on a fully clothed woman in a seated position. In this video, he is seen repeatedly passing his hand over her breasts, a move that does not align with any recognized modality of Professional Therapeutic Massage.
As a Licensed Massage Therapist and founder of Dauntless Professional Therapeutic Bodyworks, I firmly state that we do not support, condone, or associate with such unprofessional and unethical behavior. It is damaging not only to the public trust but also to the integrity of this healing profession.
I sought the insight of Madame Professor Pearl Gopaul, widely regarded as The Mother of Massage Therapy in Trinidad and Tobago, and her words echo the seriousness of this issue:
“There are many categories of massage such as Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Clinical Massage. Really can't place this type of massage. Very unprofessional. That is a massage that may be given in the privacy of your home. Obviously, he is not trained. The spa needs to be educated. A therapist must form a therapeutic relationship with the client. To give a relaxing massage, he does not have to go over the breast. That massage is degrading the work of a Licensed Massage Therapist and should be removed from the public domain immediately.”
At Dauntless, we uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and client care. Massage therapy is a sacred, evidence-based practice grounded in anatomy, physiology, and the well-being of the client, not a performance or spectacle.
I encourage the public to always ask about a therapist's training, certifications, and licensing before engaging in services. The reputation of our industry depends on it.