All Knotted Up

I've been accused of sharing these stories as clickbait. I've also been told it's because I'm a new massage therapist and "not used to it yet."

The truth is, this didn't start when I became a massage therapist.

I've experienced s*xual harassment in nearly every career I've had. As a firefighter. As an EMT. As a 911 dispatcher. As a government contractor. As a government civilian.

For years, I was told it was part of the job. I was told that if it was happening, it meant I was attractive. That I should take it as a compliment. That I shouldn't make a big deal out of it. That speaking up could create problems for me instead of the person crossing the line. So I stayed quiet more often than I should have.

Today, things are different. I'm self-employed. There is no chain of command to minimize what happened. No supervisor to tell me to let it go. No fear that speaking up will affect my career.

There is only my voice. I'm choosing to use it because I know I'm not the only woman who has been told to laugh off harassment, question her own experience, or accept it as "part of the job."

My posts aren't written to get clicks.

They're written because silence has protected this behavior for far too long.

If sharing my experiences helps another therapist, another healthcare worker, or another woman feel seen, or helps someone recognize why these comments and behaviors are harmful, then speaking up is worth it.

Some people will scroll past. Some people will disagree. But I hope a few people will listen.

Because education starts with conversations we're willing to have, even when they're uncomfortable.

If you're a massage therapist who's been told, "That's just part of the job," I want you to know it doesn't have to be. You deserve to feel safe at work.

If you've experienced workplace s*xual harassment and don't know where to turn, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) can help you understand your rights. You can also contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN, at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org for free, confidential support.

You are not alone. And you never have to accept harassment as "part of the job."

I know I'm not alone.

I have had people make "jokes" implying my work is connected to s*x work. I have even had a client ask me for "special services." Let me be absolutely clear: that is harassment. It is disrespectful, and it is not okay.

Massage therapy is a licensed healthcare profession.

In Arizona, we complete hundreds of hours of accredited training, pass state board exam requirements, and maintain our licenses through ongoing education. We work alongside physical therapists, chiropractors, and physicians to help people manage pain, recover from injuries, reduce stress, and improve their overall wellbeing.

The stigma linking massage therapy to s*x work has deep roots in discrimination, and it has followed our profession for far too long.

Every inappropriate comment or "joke" undermines the years of work that massage therapists have put into being recognized as the medical professionals we are.

To my fellow LMTs, your work is valid. Your license is real. You deserve dignity and respect in your workplace.

MassageIsHealthcare ArizonaLMT HealthcareProfessional

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5 minutes in…maybe I shouldn’t have skipped a month🙄

All Knotted Up Massage service

Due to a client coming in sick last week and infecting 2 therapists, apparently this needs to be enforced. Let’s not even discuss how much lost income was involved.

All Knotted Up Massage service