massage by a man or woman???? does it matter to you????

I agree. I get regular massages. The first time I got one from a male therapist, I was nervous...not because of an inappropriate touch, but because I am so uncomfortable in my own skin, that I thought a man would care more than a woman about how overweight I am. It's stupid....I know.

The male therapist was the best one I've had! I see him on occasion -- he's usually booked! If you find an applicant who is good at what they do and qualified, I personally do not think that it makes a difference if the person is a man or woman.

I much prefer a woman. I have had massages by men but, it's kinda weird.

I think it is strange to care about this since massage is not a sexual thing to me. If anything, I usually get deep tissue and it is kinda painful! But, it sounds like you are getting pretty consistent feedback that it may be better for your business to focus on female applicants.

I am usually very uncomfortable with male therapists, doctors, what have you, but my current massage therapist is a male and I wouldn't see anyone else. He is great. He came recommended from a good friend, though, which is why I felt comfortable. So, I guess I wouldn't worry so much about the sex of your applicants, but about their references and experience. A good referral makes all the difference.

I am a man and I prefer a woman. No excuses I just prefer a woman. It's not a sexual thing, I think. I would not say no to a man, but if ask to scedule with "Mike or Jennifer" I am going to start with Jennifer. If its not good then Mike it is.

I've gone to women & men both. The first time I went to a male massage therapist, I thought a little bit about how I'd feel, but had reason to believe he was competent & professional, so didn't seriously worry.

My current MT is male, and I picked him by buying massage groupons from various MTs until I found one I liked. He says it's harder to make a living as a male MT . . . but he does.

I've had male and female friends who were freaked out by having massages at all, by having one from someone of the same sex, or by having one from someone of the opposite sex - varies all over the map. I've suggested my current MT to maybe half a dozen (female) friends, and about half of them have gone to him.

You may even find a small number of women who'll feel more comfortable with a male if he's in business with a woman, or if a woman's in the building at the same time, on that first visit, if they're worried that a male might not be . . . um . . . appropriately professional.

One thought: If you only have male applicants, perhaps consider hiring one, but setting some kind of performance standards/expectations up front, like how many client-hours he needs to achieve by a certain date, so you have some assurance that your business won't be negatively affected.

Is your business strictly full-body? I prefer female full-body, but male shoulders-back.

I've never had issues with either. As a former RMT, I have worked with plenty of male therapists, and they do take a little more flack, but they are professionals. I actually judge my MTs by the quality of their work, rather than their gender. I typically go for massage that is therapeutic/rehab focused, so a quality MT who knows what they are doing is important. Additionally, having been an MT, I am very picky. For those who are mentioning concerns about being naked, you don't have to be naked. You can wear your underwear, if it is a bra that does up in the back, they can unfasten it for the back part and refasten it before moving on to the next area, and the sheet can be tucked into your panties/shorts.

ETA: I like the idea of having performance expectations when hired, just be realistic about them.

I only care that they know what they're doing. The longest term I kept the same MT was a woman who happened to be a friend of mine. I never had to get fully nude, her massages hurt to be honest, but she explained everything as she worked and I felt fantastic when I left.

Quality and knowledge absolutely.