An honorable profession.

As I read "25 Things You Need to Know" in the June 2007 issue, I came across an item that made me want to point out something BE editors and readers should know. In the item about tipping, the term "masseuse" was used. Most professionals who provide massages in a legitimate and therapeutic manner prefer to be called "massage therapists."

The term "masseuse" has, for many years, conjured images of storefront massage "parlors" that provide massages for purposes that are, shall we say, less than honorable. As the profession of massage therapy moves into the 21st century, those who practice it do much more than titillate. They are actually a part of a healthcare team that provides clients with benefits ranging from stress relief to rehabilitation of injuries to recovery from surgery.

Massage is a legitimate profession with members who, in many states, must be certified and licensed. As a massage therapist, I wanted the magazine to be aware that those who practice legitimate, therapeutic massage are working to raise the profile of their profession and its practitioners.

Cory Suzan Petty

Chicago

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