After more than a year in business it happened.  I have had one questionable client in the past, he didn’t ask for anything specifically, but frankly he was a bit excited about glute work, and that’s all I’ll say.   Recently  however, I had “one of those clients”, I let it play out, watching for red flags as I went.   The following is the whole story as it unfolded.

I received a phonce call from a gentleman who told me he was in need of a massage.  It had been awhile since his last and his previous therapist left the area.   I had an opening in my schedule and we booked, gave directions, he had no questions, so far no red flags.

The gentleman arrived at my office on time.   Mid-sixties, very unassuming - an uncle-like quality(not to give uncles a bad name).  He filled out my forms and we reviewed them.  Still no red flags.

I took him into the massage room and walked him through what he was to do.   Here’s where we get to red flags.   He starts removing his shirt, not quite a red flag most guys are unabashed about being shirtless,   then he starts taking off his pants.  I leave the room telling him to get on the table, but already having a bad feeling about what will happen when I return to the room.

I knock, he tells me to come in.   He’s standing naked next to the table,  HUGE RED FLAG.  He claims I did not tell him how he should lay on the table (face up or face down) - this is like second nature and something I know not to miss, ever.    He gets on the table (he’s still there because at this point he’s paying me to be witness to how this all transpires.    I’m curious I have to say.   The social experiment continues.   When I’ve finished with his neck, shoulders and arms, and move on to his legs, he starts to complain that he’s too hot on the table and wants to forego the top sheet entirely, he’s face up BTW.   For some reason I allow it, he casually claims that at his age he’s no longer modest, etc.   “What about me?” I think to myself.    So there we are, I’m continuing the massage, somewhat dismayed by his casual attitude about the whole thing.  When I’ve finished his legs,  he very calmly reaches between his legs and genitals in hand asks “You don’t do this area?”  BIGGEST RED FLAG OF ALL

At this point I know that I should tell him to leave, thanks but no thanks, there are a million ways to handle this.  However, still feeling the social experiment bug I simply continue.   I’m being stupid so you don’t have to, don’t forget.     Bare in mind (no pun Intended)- he’s still naked, no sheet.  I finish the massage.   Back, posterior legs,  he’s writhing on the table, I can’t believe it he’s really into the low back and hamstring work.    I leave the room, instructing him to dress, etc.

He comes out of the room, looking exactly as he did when he entered.  I’m at my desk, no calendar out, he knows he’s not coming back as well as I do.    He pays me and says “my previous therapist would ‘do that for me’ so that’s why I asked.”   “that’s not my style ” I replied.  I have to admit looking back, he was incredibly polite throughout.

What have we learned?

• Those seeking a bit extra don’t look as shady as we would think.
• When the little voice says “Don’t do/continue this massage!” - LISTEN
• Red Flags are there for a reason.

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Tags: chicopee massage therapist, how to massage, licensed massage therapist, red flags, shoulder pain relief

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