02/06/2026
⚠️ Content Disclaimer:
This post touches on topics related to exploitation, s*x trafficking, and inappropriate behavior within the context of massage therapy. My intention is not to alarm, but to educate and promote safety, respect, and professionalism—for both clients and therapists.
I want to talk openly for a moment about massage therapy—what it is meant to be, what clients should be able to expect, and why certain professional boundaries exist.
With recent events bringing renewed attention to massage being misused as a cover for harmful and illegal activity, I feel a responsibility to speak clearly. Not from a place of fear, and not to accuse—but out of respect for my clients, my colleagues, and the integrity of this profession.
It’s important to say this plainly: when massage is used as a front for illegal activity, it is very often connected to exploitation and, in some cases, s*x trafficking. These operations rely on secrecy, confusion, and the public’s discomfort with asking questions. When consumers unknowingly support illegitimate practices, they may also be unknowingly supporting systems that exploit vulnerable people. Choosing licensed, transparent massage therapy is one way the public can help disrupt that cycle.
Massage therapy is a licensed, state-regulated healthcare practice. It is also increasingly recognized as part of integrative healthcare, particularly in pain management and nervous system regulation. Massage therapy is acknowledged by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a complementary and integrative health approach, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.
At its core, massage therapy is built on trust.
Clients should feel safe, informed, and supported. Therapists should be able to practice with clarity, boundaries, and professionalism—without stigma or blurred expectations.
A massage therapist’s role goes far beyond hands-on work. Clients should be able to rely on their therapist to guide them through the process thoughtfully and honestly. That includes asking appropriate intake questions, reviewing medical history, and being upfront about whether massage is likely to help—or whether it may not be appropriate at all.
A therapist should be able to clearly explain the modalities they are trained in, why a certain approach may be recommended, and what outcomes are realistic. Just as importantly, they should be willing to say, “I may not be the right therapist for you.”
That isn’t a failure. It’s ethical care.
There are times when, based on medical history, session goals, or personal comfort, another therapist or modality may be a better fit. A responsible therapist should be willing and able to offer guidance, referrals, or recommendations—even if that means the care happens elsewhere.
I’ve done this many times, including helping traveling clients connect with trusted therapists in other cities or states. Thanks to professional networks and the access the internet provides, geography is no longer the barrier it once was. Staying informed and connected to other professionals is part of how I care for clients—sometimes even beyond my own treatment room.
I also want to talk about safety practices, because these are often misunderstood.
Professional boundaries—such as required intake paperwork, written policies regarding inappropriate behavior, prepayment, limited walk-ins, and structured scheduling—are not about being unwelcoming. They are about creating a safe, respectful environment for everyone involved.
In my own practice, I keep a thoughtful schedule, limit after-hours availability, and generally avoid same-day bookings. These boundaries are based on experience and a commitment to safety and professionalism. They allow me to be fully present, grounded, and attentive to the clients I do work with.
Legitimate massage therapy does not rely on secrecy, urgency, or ambiguity. Clear communication, transparency, and structure are signs of ethical practice—not barriers to care.
Clients also play an important role in keeping this profession ethical and in reducing the demand that allows exploitative practices to exist.
Choosing licensed therapists matters. Asking questions matters. Paying attention to how a business presents itself matters. Massage therapy does not need euphemisms, coded language, or suggestive marketing to be effective or healing.
Some things that may warrant a pause include not being asked about your medical history, unclear or missing policies, reluctance to discuss licensing, heavily coded or s*xualized décor or advertising, pressure to book immediately, or anything that leaves you feeling uncertain rather than supported.
Trust your instincts. Professional care should feel clear, respectful, and grounded.
In Indiana, massage therapists are licensed through the state, and clients can verify a therapist’s credentials through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA). License lookup is public, and a legitimate therapist should always welcome transparency.
🔗 https://mylicense.in.gov/EVerification/Search.aspx
I want to be very clear about why I’m sharing this.
This is not about calling out specific businesses or creating fear—especially in a small town. It is about education, transparency, and responsibility. Even here in Shelbyville, I’ve had to set firm boundaries, flag inappropriate behavior, and report concerns. This is not an “elsewhere” issue. It exists wherever misunderstanding, stigma, and silence exist.
Talking about these realities openly helps protect clients, therapists, and people who may be vulnerable to exploitation. Silence is what allows harmful practices to continue.
Massage therapy deserves to be treated as the healthcare service it is. Clients deserve to feel safe and informed. Therapists deserve to work with integrity, clarity, and respect.
If we approach this work thoughtfully and openly, we protect not only the profession—but the people it’s meant to serve.
