[zenman]

I a male Zen Shiatsu therapist. All our clients wear clothes so there's not as much "naked concern" as there is with massage. That might be a consideration if you want to get into bodytherapy. Most of my clients are women. I've also taught it and prefer that, along with a small private practice. I would not want to have to do it all day, every day. However, it is not as stressful on your body as some styles. I'm also a registered nurse and shaman. How's that for a combination?

[phoenix72]

I went to MT school and there were a few guys in class. They were/are in high demand and none of the girls had problems with them working on us. In fact, we often preferred it because their hands were naturally larger and they were more easily able to grasp the large muscle groups (no offense to female therapists intended). They had a clinic at the school and our male therapists had quite a few clients. I think so much is how you present yourself. Good luck with this!!

[yogiRN2b]

I am a guy and have been practicing massage for a little over 6 years now. I have found that I do better when working as an employee of someone else's business. I have worked in a doctor's physical therapy office, and also for a 5 star spa. And I did very well with both of thoes positions. I do seem to have a hard time building a private practice however. I am not sure what to attribute this to however. I think the primary reason for the trouble is lack of funding for advertising and the fact that I may not be a very good business man rather than being a male therapist. My credit is far from great, so a business loan is pretty much out of the question. And I don't have much personal capitol to work with, so I pretty much rely on word of mouth advertising. Currently I am finishing my first semester of an ADN program. Definately looking foreward to practicing as both a nurse and a massage therapist. The two fields seem to complement one another well. My plan is to do thai yoga massage on a part time basis while also working as a nurse. I also have a dream of becoming a yoga instructor in the future.

I have known a few other nurse/massage therapists, and they seem to do very well for themselves. The extra knowledge from nursing seems to benefit clients to a great degree. I am looking foreward to growing in both fields. Glad to see others are doing the same.

[HospiceRNLMT]

Some of the men I went to massage school with have had a hard time, but if you are really good at what you do, you will find your client base. I know a physical therapist who employs a male massage therapist, and is very pleased. He says this guy has "great hands" and has the large, powerful hands and the strength to help people gain relief and mobility in their rehab process. Good luck to you!

[PLTSGT]

Thanks for all of your replies.