Massage Therapy… Not That Kind. Let’s Clear Things Up.
We’ve all heard the jokes and euphemisms — “rub and tugs,” “banana hammocks,” and the infamous “lingerie massage.” While the punchlines are old, the issue is real—and many of you have asked:
“What can we actually do about it?”
We’re glad you asked, because as professionals, protecting the integrity of massage therapy and manual osteopathic therapy matters.
What You Can Do
If you suspect that a business advertising “massage therapy” is offering more than just legitimate treatment (you know what we mean), we encourage you to report it to your local bylaw enforcement office.
• In cities like Edmonton, Calgary, and many other larger municipalities, you can report suspicious businesses by simply calling 311.
This allows bylaw officers to investigate. If a location isn’t properly licensed or zoned, the city has the authority to take action—sometimes even shutting it down.
Why Reporting Matters
Every complaint contributes to a bigger picture. Even if no immediate action is taken, your report helps build internal statistics that make it easier for municipalities to identify trends, allocate resources, and crack down on establishments that are operating outside the law (and dragging down the profession’s reputation with them).
Let’s work together to keep the reputation of massage therapy and manual osteopathic therapy where it belongs—professional, respected, and focused on health.
Got questions or need support? Reach out to us anytime at info@cmmota.com.