Are Massage Services Regulated?

Before I get on to talking about eastern massages and those that are individually created I must say something about regulation. In the Uk there is no national regulation of massage services. Anyone can advertise offering massages with charges. There is nothing that guarantees what facilities the massage will be delivered in. Is this surprising when there can hardly be a more vulnerable place we put ourselves into than when we allow someone to touch our naked bodies.

Where regulation does exist it might best be described as trade description in that those who are offering named western massages will be expected to have been through a recognised training programme. Masseurs may or may not provide that reassurance on their website, or by displaying the appropriate certificates in their facility. They would however, be liable if anything untoward happened or a client sustained an injury.

Man or Woman

It will be up to clients to decide which masseur or masseuse they chose. Men and women are trained to to the same western massages. Likewise I know that physiotherapists I have attended who have used physical treatments themselves have been properly trained. Sadly as in most walks of life there are those purporting to be able to offer services they are not trained to deliver, or use the situation in unprofessional ways. There are professional organisations that those involved in paramedical services can qualify to join and these seek to ensure that the highest professional standards are maintained.

If you have had bad experiences with masseurs or masseuse share it here if to feel able.