I was a brand new, rising star of a massage therapist . . . OK, who are we kidding, I was just starting off and only had two regular clients. I had all the time in the world, and I had an awesome connection with one of my new clients. I did what any new massage therapist would do—I talked to the client for an hour, then got her on the table for her one-hour massage. As I got busier, I struggled with spending less time talking with this client. It put a strain on our relationship as client/therapist and there was a wishy-washy boundary between a professional relationship and a friendship because we spent so much time before her weekly massage talking about our lives. 

Running a tight schedule is an extremely important part of having a successful massage practice. If you do not stick to the agreed-upon appointment time, it can be harmful to your business. Just so we are all on the same page, the scenario I am citing in this article is about running over on time when the client is unaware, and you do not intend on charging them for it. The time overflow could be anywhere from five minutes to an hour. It has happened to all of us, but here is why you should stop. 

1. It is Disrespectful of Their Time

I know you think you’re doing the client a favor by giving them bonus time, but they have places to be. Nothing ruins a great massage like looking at the clock at the end and realizing you’re going to be rushed off the table and out the door because you have somewhere to be. 

This has happened to me as a client—I had a massage therapist go over on time as a bonus to me because she appreciated me as a client. I got off the table all dreamy and relaxed, eased my way out of the room, checked out, and floated to my car. ERRRRR! My world came to a screeching halt when I turned on my car and the little digital clock showed a time that was way later than I expected. She’d given me extra time, and I had no idea. Then I was late for the thing I had to go to.  

2. It Makes It About You and Not Them 

When treating clients, it’s easy for our egos to slip into the picture. We feel like we can heal everyone with the beautiful gift of massage. The more seasoned you become as a massage therapist, however, the more you realize you cannot heal everyone. Giving someone extra time because they “need the work” is led by the ego. It’s your ego saying, “I can heal this person if I just have 10 more minutes.” Let it go and work on it in the next session. 

3. You Get Less of a Break Between Clients

Giving a client more time on the table means less of a break between clients for you. This is a recipe for burnout. 

4. You Are Setting the Expectation for it to Happen Every Time

Spending extra time with a client turns into an expectation. It is going to put stress on your therapist–client relationship if there comes an appointment where you can’t give the extra time. 

5. It Encourages Lateness or Clients Arriving Early

When therapists end up running over appointment times, it’s usually because the client arrived late and we feel bad that the client is not getting their full table time. But this encourages the client to be careless about punctuality. They learn that even if they are late, they’ll still get their full time. What is the incentive for them to be on time? The same goes for clients who arrive very early. If you take a client in early and give them their full appointment time plus the extra time at the beginning, they will be encouraged to continue the behavior. They will realize the earlier they arrive, the more free table time they will receive. 

6. It Makes It Less Likely for Them to Rebook 

Clients are coming to see you because you provide structure, respect, and care. Being clear about the amount of time you spend with a client is a great way to have firm boundaries. Ending a session when there is still work to do is a great opportunity to educate your client. It took months or years to create the patterns we are addressing in the body. You cannot be expected to “fix” it all in an hour. Give them something to look forward to the next time and a reason to rebook. 

7. It Puts Pressure on Your Clients to Spend More Money Than They Planned For 

When you give a client extra time, it puts pressure on them to tip you more or to pay for the extra time, even if that is not your intention. This situation can put undue stress on your therapist-client relationship. Remedy this potentially awkward situation in advance by asking the client if they would like to upgrade their session before the session begins. 

8. It Makes It Harder to Upsell the Client to Buy a Longer Session in the Future 

It is simple to say, “we keep running out of time, you should consider coming in for a 90-minute session next time.” It is impossible to upsell if you are turning their 60-minute massage into a 90-minute massage by going over on time and not charging them.

9. It Cuts Into Your Bottom Line

Most massage therapists charge by the hour. Every minute you go over is another minute you are not being paid. Employees with other jobs would not dream of working for free—why should you? If it looks like you’re about to go over on time, a great alternative is to simply ask the client if they would like to upgrade their massage to a longer session. Tell them the price difference and see if they are OK with it. This is a way to increase your revenue and build your business. If a client is late, be up front with them that you cannot give them extra time, even if you do have the time. Setting that boundary with everyone is extremely important. Trust me, I struggled with late clients for years. It is extremely freeing when you stick to your boundaries and have clear rules for all your clients, no matter how much you like them. 

Want more?

Protect You and Your Practice from Solicitors

Take the ABMP Respect Massage CE course, “Ethics: Create A Zero-Tolerance Practice,” for a complete list of 30+ red flags, how to spot sexual solicitors before they are on your schedule, excuses to get out of dangerous solicitations, plus real–life practice scenarios to test how you would react when your boundaries are challenged.

When choosing a business name, you can attract the client of your dreams—or the client of your nightmares. Choosing a professional name will help deter clients who are looking for illicit services. 

Words to Avoid

These commonly used words seem innocent, but when used in a massage business name, they may give the wrong impression. Here are some words you should avoid in a massage therapy business name: 

•  Anything that implies speed (e.g., fast, express, quick)
•  Body
•  Finish, Ending, Happy
•  Hands
•  Magic, Magical
•  Pleasure
•  Private
•  Rub
•  Soft
•  Touch
•  Unwind
• Using modalities, technique names, or massage types in your business name—clients do not understand what these words mean. Speak in a languagethatthey understand. Speak in terms of results, not how you will get there. Your clients want to feel better, they don’t care if you are using cups, or trigger point therapies, or deep tissue. You wouldn’t go to a doctor that talked about the surgical procedures they use or the names of medications, so why should you speak about your business based on the type of massage you offer? 
•  Wellness (more on this in a bit)
•  Your first name

Things to Ask Yourself 

1. Is It Easy to Pronounce?

Word of mouth is hands down the best way to market your massage practice. When others are talking about your business, your name needs to easily roll off the tongue. Stay away from words that can be said many different ways or are easily mispronounced. This is another reason to not use your name in your business name. I made this mistake when I named my practice Gauthier Medical Massage. Oops! No one could pronounce it correctly and it is difficult to spell. Which leads me to the next tip . . . 

2. Is It Easy to Spell?

Your business name should be easy to spell, so if your business is searched for online, it will pop up when typed in. Another reason not to use a name like Gauthier. 

3. Is It Memorable?

If a name is too long or has too many unnecessary words, no one will remember it and they will not be able to find you online. Keep it simple and unique. That’s the main reason I advise massage therapists to avoid using the word “wellness” in their business name. It’s a generic, overused word that does not add anything to your business name, and just makes it longer. If you feel yourself gravitating toward using “wellness” in your massage business name, get more specific. Niche down and use a word that better defines the results you provide for your clients. 

4. Does the Name Reflect What You Do?

Make sure your name speaks directly to the clients you want to work with by describing your work in terms of results. Listing modalities does not accomplish this goal. Modalities do not describe the results you provide; they speak to how you provide results. Your client does not care all that much about modalities—they just want to feel better. So, get to the point and describe your massage therapy business in terms of results.

5. When You Search Online for the Name, Is Another Business Already Using It?

If another massage business is using the same name as you, even if they are far away, it means your name is too generic. Your name should speak specifically to what you offer to your clients. That means no one else would be able to use the same name.

Speak to Your Target Client

Avoid using a name that is really special to you and only you. This is where I see most massage therapists make mistakes in naming their business. By choosing your favorite color or word, it pulls your business name away from speaking to your target client and explaining what you do. Do not waste words by using unnecessary ones. Get to the point, explain exactly what you do, and keep it as short and as memorable as possible. 

Keep in mind, your massage business name is the number–one resource for providing keywords so your potential clients will find you when doing an internet search. You can boost your business in Google rankings simply by taking advantage of using words that your customers will be plugging into search engines when looking for a new massage therapist. That’s why it’s a good idea to use your town or city in your business name. What do people type into Google when searching for a massage therapist? The location and the word “massage.” So, if your business name is “Detroit Massage and Pain Management” this speaks to the location, that it is massage, and the results you provide. This is SEO gold! They may have been looking for pain management and did not even consider massage to be an option—they click on your website and book an appointment with you so they can avoid pharmaceuticals and surgery. Boom! Magic. 

How to Create an Effective, Memorable, and Professional Massage Business Name

Here is a simple formula to develop a unique massage therapy business name:

1. Town Name
2. Massage, Bodywork, etc.
3. The results your business provides

Examples:

• • Detroit Massage for Autoimmune Health
  • Albany Bodywork for Prenatal Support
  • Atlanta Massage Therapy for PTSD

Looking for More Tips for Your Massage Business?

Shocked at what you have learned here? Interested to learn more about code words and red flags for happy endings you didn’t know existed? Protect yourself from these sneaky sexual solicitors that fly under your radar until they are on your table with “Ethics: Create A Zero-Tolerance Practice.” There are over 30 red flags presented in the video, along with how to spot sexual solicitors before they are on your schedule, what to do if faced with a dangerous situation, and real–life practice scenarios to test how you would react when your boundaries are challenged. More info on the course is HERE. 

Want more?

Protect You and Your Practice from Solicitors

Take the ABMP Respect Massage CE course, “Ethics: Create A Zero-Tolerance Practice,” for a complete list of 30+ red flags, how to spot sexual solicitors before they are on your schedule, excuses to get out of dangerous solicitations, plus real–life practice scenarios to test how you would react when your boundaries are challenged.

Sexual solicitors will often use code language for happy ending massages. They don’t want to get caught by the authorities for the illegal act of solicitation, so they bait therapists to see if they will go for it. Unfortunately, sometimes the code goes over the head of well-meaning therapists, and they are faced with a sexual solicitor on their table. Know what to look for and how to avoid this awkward and potentially dangerous situation. 

Code Words to Avoid

• Completely relaxed
• Extras
•  Full body
•  Full service
•  Generous
•  Release
•  Rose/Roses

Avoid using these words at all costs. They are code for clients asking for happy endings. Yes, “full body” is a legitimate term used often in our industry, but you may be attracting inappropriate requests by using it. There are lots of other ways to describe your massage sessions—choose something else.

“The Splits”

If you have a new client who is looking to book an appointment with you and complains of pain from doing “the splits,” run, do not walk, away from this client. Saying that they did “the splits” is a red flag and is their way of requesting groin work. The story usually goes something like this: “I slipped on some ice and did the splits. I would like to come in for a massage and get groin work.”  

“I fell while riding my bike” is a common one too. Sure, a pulled groin is within our scope, but this approach from a new client screams happy ending. 

Now, if you have an established client, like Peggy who works at the post office, who has been your client for a few years and she complains of slipping on the ice and doing the splits, she is probably not looking for a happy ending. 

Masseuse vs. Massage Therapist

If you are a massage therapist based in the United States, avoid using the term “masseuse” as it may give potential clients the wrong impression.

Use Your Gut

Use your gut and your instincts. If a new client is leading with “the splits,” and your instincts say run, do not book them. Are there other red flags present? If you are unsure, screen the client further. Not sure how to screen a client? (Go Here)

How to Screen Massage Clients

Legitimate, well-meaning massage clients will typically just book a regular massage. They usually don’t tell you why they are coming in until they get to your office. Why? Because they just want a massage, and that’s all they expect. Solicitors will use code words and behaviors because they are baiting the therapist to make sure they are going to get a happy ending. If you do not see the signs they’re putting out and you book that client, the client assumes they are going to get a happy ending, because, in their mind, you have consented to their requests. Sometimes the requests are intentionally vague. For a complete list of red flags and how to shut down sexual solicitors, take the Respect Massage online continuing education course.

Respect Massage Course – You are two hours away from learning everything about spotting, deterring, and shutting down sexual solicitors.

Are You Here Looking for Code Words So You Can Ask for a Happy Ending?

If you are a client looking for code words for happy ending massages and have stumbled across this article and now you are thinking, Sweet! Now I know how to get my happy ending! then let’s be clear: It won’t be from a massage therapist with the Respect Massage logo on their website, social media, or front door. 

The logo is our way of saying, “No Happy Endings Here.” That way, you don’t have to waste your time and ours by calling and texting massage therapists using code words. If you see the logo, move on.

Want more?

Protect You and Your Practice from Solicitors

Take the ABMP Respect Massage CE course, “Ethics: Create A Zero-Tolerance Practice,” for a complete list of 30+ red flags, how to spot sexual solicitors before they are on your schedule, excuses to get out of dangerous solicitations, plus real–life practice scenarios to test how you would react when your boundaries are challenged.

I did an online search for “How to Ask for Happy Endings,” and I was shocked at what I found—it was not a pleasant experience. Make sure you are not sending the wrong message with your massage therapy business by avoiding these code words and behaviors.  

Be Clear with Your Intentions

Sexual solicitors are usually vague. They do not want to get caught asking for a happy ending, so they are very sly and subtle in their requests. If they present with any of the behaviors I have mentioned in the video or in this article, do not schedule the client. Be prepared for them to act shocked and insulted that you would suggest that they are looking for such a thing. This is the natural reaction from someone looking for sex from a massage therapist. Stand your ground and do not let this reaction make you doubt yourself or feel bad. If your gut says you do not want to work with this person, trust it. 

Solid Intake

Have an extremely thorough intake process and be very clear with your expectations. A possible sexual solicitor may be vague and unclear, but you should not be. Use medical terms, have an intake form, and use your assessment skills. These are all behaviors that do not happen in an illicit “massage parlor.” Make it clear that you are a trained professional with firm boundaries from the very beginning of the massage. 

During a Session 

Those sexual solicitors looking for happy endings expect them to occur at the end of the massage, when they’re lying supine on the table. To avoid this, start clients face up. That way, at the end of the massage, when the happy ending would be expected to occur, they are prone. 

Neon “Open” Signs 

Illicit massage parlors typically have a neon “Open” sign. If you want to present yourself as a legitimate massage therapist, do not use neon signs. 

Late Hours

Create clear business hours in which you run your business and publicly post the hours. Do not post “by appointment only,” because this could lead to clients who ask for happy endings. If you do provide later hours for certain clients, you do not have to publicly post those hours. 

Basement Offices

Something that came up during my online search for “How to Ask for Happy Endings” was a blog post where the author said if you find a massage parlor in a basement, that is where the real freaky stuff will happen. So, do not rent an office space in a basement! You will get all sorts of unwanted clients. 

Males Lingering Outside the Office

It is typical for males to linger around massage parlors. Sometimes the place is busy and they are told to wait until the next available appointment, so they just hang out outside. As a massage therapist, avoid renting office space locations where there may be men hanging out outside your office. Examples could be an office near a gym or a pizza restaurant. You do not want it to look like there are a bunch of male clients waiting in front of your business. 

Reasons to Immediately End the Massage or Not Schedule the Client at All

If, after you have clearly told the client to get on the table under the sheets, blanket, or towel and they choose not to do so, end the massage. If you walk into the treatment room and the client is lying naked on top of the sheets, close the door and tell them the session is over. This is why it is extremely important to be very clear with your clients that you want them under the sheets, and to demonstrate by pulling the sheets down a little, and then get a verbal “Yes, I understand” from the client. This way, if they do not follow the instructions, you will not question yourself for a second when you terminate the massage before it has begun. 

When a client is scheduling an appointment with you and they ask about draping or glute work right in the beginning of the conversation, you either need to follow up with more screening, or do not book the client. It is one thing if they genuinely have a groin injury or they are concerned about draping, but if it is the first thing they ask, they are probably looking for a happy ending. 

If you find yourself being challenged by a potential client about draping, do not rattle off your local and state laws about draping. State your boundary. Tell them exactly why you drape: because of your own personal boundaries. It is going to hold much more weight if it is a personal boundary as opposed to something you are required to do by law. Keep in mind, the person is looking for a happy ending, which is against the law (in most places)—they most certainly do not care that your state requires you to drape. 

Code Words to Avoid

Sexual solicitors will often use code language for happy ending massages. See our blog post “Code Language for Happy Endings” to learn what language to avoid using in your business.

Stay Safe, Therapists

Some of these code words and behaviors were even shocking to me, and shutting down happy endings is my specialty! The more you educate yourself on this topic, the easier it will be for you to shut it down.

Want more?

Protect You and Your Practice from Solicitors

Take the ABMP Respect Massage CE course, “Ethics: Create A Zero-Tolerance Practice,” for a complete list of 30+ red flags, how to spot sexual solicitors before they are on your schedule, excuses to get out of dangerous solicitations, plus real–life practice scenarios to test how you would react when your boundaries are challenged.

Will Having My Picture on My Massage Business Website Attract Sexual Solicitations?

In a career as fulfilling as massage therapy, it stinks to deal with the raised eyebrows, off-color jokes, and innuendo that come with telling someone what my vocation is. I created Respect Massage to elevate the profession from within by empowering massage therapists to take a stand against sexual solicitations. 

I get asked a lot about what pictures therapists should have on their website—what other industry needs to be so sensitive to that? Ugh. Well, I got asked so many times and saw so many therapists removing their photos, I knew I had to do something.

Yes, It’s OK to Post Images and Photos of Yourself on Your Business Website 

It will help attract your ideal clients if you are clear about who exactly you are marketing to. Having pictures of you working in your space is a great way to demonstrate your skills, professionalism, and expertise. It is also an easy way for your potential clients to get to know you. The vast majority of the clients looking at your business want to book a legitimate massage. Market to them. Do not let your website look like every other massage business out there and play to the lowest common denominator. 

How to Design Your Massage Business Website

Do Your Research. Look to massage businesses that are respected in your area. Look at what is on their website. Then, do an online search for “massage parlor” and see what is on those websites. They are typically very generic with lots of stock photos. The lesson: Do not use stock photography! 

1. Have a Photo Shoot

Either hire a professional or get a bunch of friends together. Take headshots of you along with photos of you standing near your massage table and in different parts of your office. Then—this is the important part where a lot of massage therapists end up sending the wrong message—get pictures of you working. Take pictures of you in action that are going to entice your ideal client to work with you. Have models that look like your ideal client. Take photos of you solving the problem they are looking for a solution to with massage therapy. The lesson: Vanity metrics are not going to fill your massage schedule. 

2. Download the Respect Massage Logo and Client Policy  

Plaster the logo all over your website. Make sure the logo is specifically at the top of your business’s site. Imagine you are a potential client looking for a happy ending—if you come across a site that says Respect Massage/Zero Tolerance all over it, you will not even try to call that place. The membership statement is available to accompany the Respect Massage logo. The lesson: The logo works to deter solicitors—use it. 

3. Now, Add Some Text to Your Massage Business Website 

Avoid listing modalities. Take the opportunity to describe your work in terms of results. Outside of massage therapists, the public does not understand the terminology we use to define massage modalities. Use terms they understand and can relate to. Even a modality as simple as “deep tissue” is often misinterpreted by clients. If you have been practicing for any amount of time as a massage therapist, you know that not everyone’s definition of deep tissue is the same. The lesson: Speak to your potential clients using terms they understand. Not everyone is a trained massage therapist.

4. Show Your Website to Your Colleagues, Friends, and Family 

Show your site to people you trust. Make sure your website is reviewed by massage therapists as well as people who have never had a massage before. Ask them if your message is clear. Ask them if they want to get a massage from you after looking at your website. Ask them if there are any photos or wording that may seem inviting to someone looking for a happy ending. The lesson: Share your website with a bunch of people before launching it. Use their feedback to your advantage. 

5. Now, You are Ready to Launch Your Website

At this point, between the Respect Massage logo and your clear photos and text, it should attract your ideal massage clients and deter the rest. If you notice a sudden increase in sexual solicitations, do an online search for yourself and make sure you are not listed anywhere you do not want to be. There are some happy ending sites like Rubmaps and Harlothub that will list legitimate massage businesses on their sites. They often change the business name slightly. To search, do a separate online search for each of the following: your business name, your name, your phone number, and your address. That way, you are likely to find your business if they have changed any of the details. The lesson: Do an online search for yourself occasionally to ensure you are not listed anywhere you do not want to be.  

Go For It

Want more?

Protect You and Your Practice from Solicitors

Take the ABMP Respect Massage CE course, “Ethics: Create A Zero-Tolerance Practice,” for a complete list of 30+ red flags, how to spot sexual solicitors before they are on your schedule, excuses to get out of dangerous solicitations, plus real–life practice scenarios to test how you would react when your boundaries are challenged.

Screen massage clients to protect you and your practice from potentially dangerous situations. The purpose of screening your clients is to prevent unwanted clients from entering your practice. It is a delicate dance, however, because most of the clients you will be screening are well-meaning. Here are suggestions for how to screen massage clients in a way that is professional and welcoming to your well-meaning clients, but in way that acts as a clear boundary and deterrent to sexual solicitors.

Questions to Ask Every Client 

• Why are you coming to get a massage? 
• Why did you choose this massage business in particular? 
•  What has been your experience with massage therapy in the past? 

Make sure you screen massage clients on the phone or video chat. If a client will not talk to you on the phone and only wants to message, that is a red flag in itself. Even if a client is a referral, still make a point to speak to them before scheduling them. I once had a client whose mom scheduled the appointment for him and he was inappropriate. You never know . . .  

In Addition to a Screening Process 

Coupled with your screening process, you can deter a sexual solicitor by putting up a few barriers to scheduling with you. By implementing these steps that must be taken to become your client, you will attract serious, invested clients and deter all the rest. 

•  Have new clients pay in advance with a credit card. If a client is looking for a happy ending, they are not going to want to give their personal information in case the police get involved. They will do their best to keep their identity anonymous.
•  Request personal information such as last name, address, phone number, etc.
• Have new clients fill out the intake form in advance. There are lots ofbenefits to this, the number one being you come off as a medical professional. Massage parlors do not have intake forms. Having the client fill out the intake form in advance also gives you a chance to review their health history, do any research you need beforehand, and, if you encounter contraindications, you can address them before the scheduled appointment. 

What Do You Say If You Do Not Want to Book a Client? 

If during the massage screening process you realize you do not want to work with this client, there is no need to shame them. Respect Massage is all about empowering massage therapists. Take the high road, remain professional, and leave the situation feeling good about yourself and the choices you made. You can simply say: 

• “I am not taking any new clients.”
• “My schedule is booked six weeks out.”
• “We are not a good fit.”

Obviously, if a potential client is outwardly inappropriate during the screening process, you do not need to sugar coat your response. Be firm and direct and let the client know in no uncertain terms that you are not interested in their business.  

By the time you receive the answers to your massage therapy screening questions, you will have a very good idea of the intentions of a client. If you are unsure, ask more questions. Ask about past injuries or illnesses—get medical. Ask questions from your intake. You should never have to go into a session scared. Trust your instincts—they will not lead you astray. If you are still wary and think you should have a friend or family member in the office with you during the session, then you should not book that client. If you are not 100 percent sure of their intentions, do not invite them into your space. No amount of money is worth your safety.  

The Respect Massage logo is a great way to screen clients if they are texting or messaging you. FREE DOWNLOAD HERE

Also see: How to Respond to Inappropriate Texts

Want more?

Protect You and Your Practice from Solicitors

Take the ABMP Respect Massage CE course, “Ethics: Create A Zero-Tolerance Practice,” for a complete list of 30+ red flags, how to spot sexual solicitors before they are on your schedule, excuses to get out of dangerous solicitations, plus real–life practice scenarios to test how you would react when your boundaries are challenged.

There are warning signs massage therapists can look out for when faced with a client looking for a happy ending. Sometimes, the signs are vague and easy to miss because the sexual solicitor is fearful of getting caught and arrested for illegally soliciting sex. Some clients can slip through your screening process, which can result in an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous confrontation. Watch out for these warning signs to protect you and your practice. 

The First Question They Ask is a Red Flag

If the first sentence of your interaction is a question about draping, groin pulls, or needing an appointment immediately, that is a pretty clear sign you should not schedule this client. 

Late Night Requests

If a client is contacting you late at night or they are requesting a late–night appointment, this is a warning sign you should not overlook. 

The Client Refuses to Give You Their Personal Information

If you are taking booking information from a client and they do not want to give you their last name, address, or phone number, it is typically because they are protecting their identity from an interaction with the authorities. A good way to screen these clients out is to request a credit card number for booking. If a sexual solicitor wants to stay “off the books,” that means they want to pay in cash. 

The Potential Client Pushes Boundaries or Questions Your Professionalism

Examples of this include: “I have a groin pull and other massage therapists have worked on it,” or “I get hot, so other massage therapists have done the massage without sheets.” If the client tries to bait you by saying other therapists have done it, and it’s not a problem because you are a professional and you should be able to handle it, that’s a good sign this client is going to push boundaries further. If this is what the first interaction is going to be like with this client, imagine what they will be like in person. 

Trust Your Gut 

I know, I know, every article about sexual solicitations says this. That’s because it’s true. If your massage therapist intuition is kicking in, it is for a reason! For massage therapists, this is the clearest warning sign you are going to get. Do not dismiss it. 

Not sure how to a screen a client? Go here.

Want more?

Protect You and Your Practice from Solicitors

Take the ABMP Respect Massage CE course, “Ethics: Create A Zero-Tolerance Practice,” for a complete list of 30+ red flags, how to spot sexual solicitors before they are on your schedule, excuses to get out of dangerous solicitations, plus real–life practice scenarios to test how you would react when your boundaries are challenged.

A security system for my massage therapy office always seemed too expensive and out of reach. After all, I’m a small business owner on a budget, and I assumed security systems were something for the rich kids. Oh, how I was wrong. The best security systems for small businesses can often be the most affordable. We work in small offices, so using a home security system can be a perfect fit for our budget, while at the same time delivering the protection we need as solo business owners. 

Respect Massage offers tactics like screening, identifying red flags, getting out of dangerous situations, safety tips, and safety guidelines. I feel compelled to answer the question “How do I protect myself as a massage therapist?” in as many ways as possible. A monitored security system is like having another person with you in case of an emergency. We can do our best to screen clients, but sometimes sexual solicitors can slip through the cracks. We can’t always afford a full–time receptionist, and we have asked our friends and family members to sit in the office too often. An affordable security system is another tool you can have to protect yourself. 

I have compiled a roundup of the best security systems under $250 that would be great options for a one- to two-room massage therapy practice. I compared each security system based on features that are specifically important for protecting yourself as a massage therapist: 

• 24/7Monitoring 
•  Panic Button (calls the police through a silent button that you can place under your massage table, on the wall, in the doorway, oranywhere on your body, like a necklace or bracelet)
•  Fire Alarm (how many times have you arrived home after a long day and realized you left your hot stone warmer on?!)
•  Security Camera
•  No Contracts
• Alexa Compatible

SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe is a complete system you can pull out of the box, set up, and start using right away. SimpliSafe checks all the boxes and is my favorite pick for a security system for a massage therapist. It is not always easy to find security systems that let you “build your own” system, and SimpliSafe offers that. You are not paying for items you do not need. Not to mention, SimpliSafe’s installation is peel and stick, and all the components are preprogrammed. This installation is approachable even if you’re not tech–savvy. 

24/7 Monitoring (optional—starts at $14.99/month)

Panic Button

Fire Alarm

Security Camera

No Contracts

Alexa Compatible

Flic Button

If you’re only looking for an affordable panic button, this is a neat option. Actually, you can set up this button to do pretty much whatever you want. You can have it turn on your lights or music, alert a contact that you are in danger, call the police, or turn on your Google Maps, for instance. Since it does rely on being connected to your phone through an app, there is a chance it may not work properly 100 percent of the time—which would make me a little nervous if I were relying on it for my safety. There are some pretty incredible reviews for the Flic Button on YouTube, and there are also some really awful ones on Amazon from a few years ago. I hope they have worked out the kinks by now. At the price point, it is definitely worth playing around with. 

Panic Button

No Contracts

Alexa Compatible

❌ 24/7 Monitoring

❌ Fire Alarm

❌ Security Camera

Ring

There are lots of massage therapists out there using Ring. Ring markets toward people with small spaces like apartments, condos, and small homes, so it’s a natural fit to accommodate small massage offices. Ring is priced almost identically to SimpliSafe and offers the same features, including pairing with Alexa so you can easily arm and disarm using your voice. Ring is a close second to SimpliSafe as my personal pick for a security system for a massage therapist. The difference is that SimpliSafe does a better job of explaining exactly what you are getting with their product. I appreciate transparency. There are vigorous online debates about which is the better option between SimpliSafe and Ring. 

24/7 monitoring (optional—$10/month)

Panic Button

Fire Alarm

Security Camera

No Contracts

Alexa Compatible

Blink

Blink does not have all the bells and whistles of a full security system. Blink only provides wireless security cameras. 

Security Camera

No Contracts

Alexa Compatible

❌ 24/7 monitoring

❌ Panic Button

❌ Fire Alarm

ADT DIY

Most of us are familiar with ADT—I have seen their lawn signs in front yards of fancy houses with security systems for decades. This old dog has learned new tricks with a do-it-yourself option. You still get the lawn sign and window stickers when you purchase this version. However—and for me this is a dealbreaker—there is no panic button included in the ADT DIY package. I believe a panic button is a necessity if making the investment in a security system for a massage therapist. It also has no backup if the WiFi or cell coverage goes out. I would go with SimpliSafe or Ring over ADT as the best security system for a massage therapist. 

24/7 monitoring (optional—ranges from $27.99 to $52.99)

Fire Alarm

Security Camera

No Contracts

❌ Alexa Compatible

❌ Panic Button

Conclusion

In conclusion, my hope is that you can utilize a security system in your office (and your home) to help protect yourself as a massage therapist. Having clear marketing, a strong screening process, awareness of what to look for, and safety measures and security options is the recipe for a well–protected therapist.

A new massage therapy client text messages you and you are not sure of their intentions. How do you come across as professional (in case they are a legit client), but still make it clear that you aren’t a happy ending parlor (in case they are looking for . . . extras)? 

Want more?

Protect You and Your Practice from Solicitors

Take the ABMP Respect Massage CE course, “Ethics: Create A Zero-Tolerance Practice,” for a complete list of 30+ red flags, how to spot sexual solicitors before they are on your schedule, excuses to get out of dangerous solicitations, plus real–life practice scenarios to test how you would react when your boundaries are challenged.