The Legitimacy of Massage Therapy Establishments

The Hidden Harm of Illegal Massage Parlors: A Licensed Therapist's Perspective

For the past 18 years, I’ve had the honor of working as a Licensed Massage Therapist and small business owner. Massage therapy is a deeply rewarding and highly skilled profession rooted in science, anatomy, and human compassion. But sadly, it's also an industry plagued by a serious and persistent problem: the existence of illegal “massage parlors” that offer sexual services under the false guise of therapeutic massage.

These establishments have caused real harm—not just to the integrity of our profession, but to the safety of clients and the well-being of legitimate, licensed Massage Therapists.

The Damage Done

The existence of these illicit operations has affected me deeply, both personally and professionally. Like many of my colleagues, I’ve been on the receiving end of inappropriate jokes, disrespectful questions, and shameful assumptions after telling someone what I do for a living. Some people still equate massage therapy with sex work—and it’s not hard to understand why when illegal parlors continue to advertise in shady ways and blur the lines of professionalism.

These establishments often:

• Operate without licensed staff

• Disregard sanitation and client safety

• Exploit vulnerable women, many of whom are trafficked

• Provide poor-quality, even harmful, bodywork

• Mislead the public into thinking all massage is the same

This has led to clients being genuinely surprised when we disinfect thoroughly or change linens between every client. That shouldn't be shocking—it should be the minimum standard. But it reflects just how skewed public expectations have become due to these illegal businesses.

The Human Toll

For professional Massage Therapists, the constant barrage of sexual harassment—often from people emboldened by their experiences at illegal parlors—can be emotionally draining and even traumatic. We train for years, invest in continuing education, maintain strict boundaries, and devote ourselves to helping people feel better. Yet we are frequently treated as if our work is transactional or erotic, simply because of these bad actors.

This harassment leads to burnout, anxiety, and even fear in some therapists. It also discourages new talent from entering the field.

The Broader Risk

Illegal parlors are not only a threat to our profession—they are a threat to public health and safety. The risks include:

• Untrained staff causing injury due to lack of anatomical knowledge

• The spread of infectious diseases from poor hygiene practices

• The perpetuation of human trafficking and sexual exploitation

If you’ve ever wondered why a massage at a shady location is so cheap, it’s because you’re not paying for a trained professional. You’re funding a system of exploitation.

What You Can Do: Protect Yourself and Support Ethical Practice

It is critical for consumers to be educated and aware. Here's how you can help:

1. Only see Licensed Massage Therapists.

In Alabama, you can verify a therapist’s license here:👉 Alabama Massage Therapy Board License Search

2. Look for red flags:

• Unusually low prices

• Open late hours (past 9pm)

• Use of terms like “combo massage” or “body rub”

• Sexualized photos in ads

• No clear display of individual licenses for each therapist

• Staff who seem scared, exhausted, or pressured

• Dirty facilities or reused linens

• Pushy demands for tips or cash

• The presence of a male “supervisor” watching over staff

⚠️ Note: While some illicit operations are staffed predominantly by Asian women, this is not an indictment of Asian-owned or operated businesses. Many highly professional and ethical massage therapists are of Asian descent. The issue lies not in ethnicity, but in operations that exploit, abuse, and misrepresent the profession.See verified complaints and disciplinary actions here

3. Read online reviews carefully.

Legitimate massage clinics will have detailed reviews from people praising the professionalism, results, and cleanliness of the experience—not vague or suspicious praise.

4. Choose businesses aligned with the Respect Massage movement.

Respect Massage is an initiative promoting zero-tolerance policies for sexual misconduct in massage. Members uphold the highest ethical standards and will end any session immediately if faced with inappropriate behavior.Learn more: https://respectmassage.com

Why This Matters

When consumers unknowingly support illicit operations, it perpetuates harm. Many people’s first massage experience happens in one of these establishments, where they may leave feeling violated, hurt, or confused. That experience could deter them from ever trying real, healing massage again.

Massage therapy, when done by trained and ethical professionals, is powerful. It reduces pain, relieves stress, improves mobility, supports trauma recovery, and enhances overall well-being. It deserves respect—and so do the professionals who dedicate their lives to it.

In Closing

Thank you for taking the time to read this. By choosing to support ethical, licensed Massage Therapists, you’re not just protecting your own health—you’re helping clean up an industry that desperately needs your support.

Be informed. Be selective. And above all, help spread awareness. Together, we can uphold the integrity of therapeutic massage and create a safer, more respectful environment for everyone involved.

—

Stay well,

Denise Sosnowski, Owner and Licensed Massage Therapist AL#4927

If you are in need of help or know someone who is in danger, there are resources available:

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE 

• Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): www.rainn.org 

• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): www.nsvrc.org 

• The “Me Too” Movement: www.metoomvmt.org 

If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation:

• Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free hotline at 1-888-373-7888: Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocates are available 24/7 to take reports of potential human trafficking.

• Text the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 233733. Message and data rates may apply.

• Chat the National Human Trafficking Hotline via humantraffickinghotline.org/chat.
  

Educating the public on the dangers of illegal massage parlors