Addressing Misconceptions: Remedial Massage vs. Sex Work in Liverpool, Sydney

Recent coverage on A Current Affair (ACA) regarding a school located in Liverpool, Sydney, amongst adult shops and quasi massage shops that masquerade as legitimate remedial massage clinics offering low end massage to sexual services, has highlighted an important issue facing the remedial massage industry. This coverage has inadvertently spotlighted a pervasive misconception linking remedial massage therapists with sex work, leading to increased sexual harassment and potential risks for female therapists.

In 2022, a pulse survey revealed that over 54% of remedial massage therapists experienced sexual harassment, with 74% regularly taking proactive measures to protect themselves and their teams (Massage & Myotherapy Australia Pulse Survey 2022). These numbers emphasise the need to clarify the boundaries and distinctions between legitimate therapeutic practices and sex work to uphold safety and professional integrity.

Precision in language is crucial when discussing these topics. Misrepresenting remedial massage therapy undermines the professionalism of accredited therapists and perpetuates harmful sexual stereotypes, especially given that massage therapy is a female-dominated profession of 4 to 1 women to men. Qualified remedial massage therapists undergo rigorous training, adhere to strict industry standards, and are recognised by private health funds and professional associations, which clearly sets them apart from sex work.

Our objective is not to challenge the validity or morality of sex work but to affirm that professional qualified massage therapists are not sex workers. Respectful, informed dialogue is essential to support the safety and dignity of individuals in both professions.

Massage & Myotherapy Australia and the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS) call upon community members, the media, and relevant stakeholders to support efforts to clarify these distinctions and foster a safer environment for all.