In English, “masseur” typically refers to a male massage therapist, while “masseuse” refers to a female massage therapist. The distinction is based on gender, with “masseur” being masculine and “masseuse” being feminine.

The term masseuse is a French word that refers to a female who practices massage. (Males in the industry were known as masseurs.) However, due to certain unsavory connotations (as well as the need for more gender neutral terminology), both male and female massage practitioners go by the term “massage therapist”.

What is Massotherapy? “Massotherapy” is a medical term for massage therapy. The term “Massotherapist” is commonly used by practitioners in North East Ohio to distinguish themselves as licensed professionals. “Massage Therapist” is also a legitimate title and is preferred by many.

“Massage therapy has been noted to relax the nervous system by slowing heart rate and blood pressure. Stress and pain hormones are also decreased by massage, reducing pain and enhancing immune function,” says Dr. Tiffany Field, who heads a touch research institute at the University of Miami Medical School.