By Hanna Kim - July 9, 2018
Zohra Aly of The Sydney Morning Herald examined that the US job market has recently seen the rise of men working non-traditional jobs formerly considered ‘women’s work.’ From ballet to nursing to teaching, there is a rise in men who want to take on more caring roles. Labor economist Teresa Ghilarducci adds that “young men aren't saddled with the kind of sexism that women aren't their equals, or that working with women or being supervised by women would be demeaning."Â
Massage is still a career field largely dominated by women; according to the American Massage Therapy Association, 85% of massage therapists in the United States are women. Part of this unbalanced proportion of female to male workers in this field is that clients tend to prefer a female massage therapist for a number of reasons. Some may assume a woman might have a more nurturing touch than a man, others worry about body shaming, some men are uncomfortable with the idea of another man touching them, and some women worry a male therapist may be more threatening in a vulnerable environment.Â
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"Massage is still a career field largely dominated by women; according to the American Massage Therapy Association, 85% of massage therapists in the United States are women. Part of this unbalanced proportion of female to male workers in this field is that clients tend to prefer a female massage therapist for a number of reasons."
Chair massage provides a more accessible path for many newcomers to massage therapy who can benefit from effects including relaxation, stress relief, and pain relief. It is a less intimidating way than a full table massage for those who want to experience therapeutic touch, since participant are fully clothed and in an open setting. Through learning and exposure, experienced massage clients often say they care less and less about who is massaging them, and more about what the massage therapist can do for them.
If you are newer to massage, it is still important to do what you are comfortable with, after all, one of the intended outcomes is relaxation. Over time, you may find yourself looking for particular skills instead of placing barriers based on gender identification.
The shifting definitions of and within gender identity is helping people be seen and see themselves simply as individuals with unique interests and abilities. Thankfully in recent years, we are realizing as a society that people don’t necessarily have to fit one of two molds of male and female. Not every woman is meant to be a nurturer, and some men do excel in providing a healing and therapeutic massage.
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"Thankfully in recent years, we are realizing as a society that people don’t necessarily have to fit one of two molds of male and female."
Here is an enthusiastic Yelp review for one of our male massage therapists, Anthony, who is also available for corporate chair massage in Denver:
“Found this little gem on Yelp and TripAdvisor prior to a trip to Denver with a friend.  My 90 minute massage with Anthony was one of the best massages of my life!  He clearly enjoys what he does very much, and does such an excellent job.  If I were a local, I would book monthly for sure. Thanks so much! Will recommend you guys to anyone I know who travels to Denver!â€
Another review for Brandon, who is also in our Denver team of chair massage therapists highlights his strong listening skills and therapeutic touch:
“My boyfriend and I received a wonderful cbd oil massages from Brandon. He listen to me about where I was having aches and pain. He has strong hands and used the perfect amount of pressure . He really loosened the tight muddles in my back and neck . Brandon was extremely professional and polite. The LoDo was nice and clean. The service all around was awesome."
LoDo Chair Massage works hard to hire the right people for chair massage at your office or event. It is important for us to inform clients our staff includes male bodyworkers who are just as highly trained and capable as any of our female therapists. Our staff, regardless of gender, is always reliable and can bring the therapeutic bodywork your employees deserve right at your place of business. You can contact us today at  888.673.2535 or get a quick quote online to provide corporate wellness through massage and yoga.