Letter: Massage is not prostitution

Much gratitude and congratulations go to the Suffolk County undercover police investigation of the alleged prostitutes who called their operations spas and said they did massages ["Police target massage parlors," News, Feb. 24].

This is a perfect opportunity to remind the public that massage therapy is a health care profession. New York State has more than 13,000 licensed massage therapists who help relieve pain for those suffering from injuries, illness and other medical complications, and who help maintain the health of their clients. Massage therapists in this state must complete a rigorous course of education, which includes client health and safety, and pass a licensing board exam. We are licensed by the same state department that licenses physicians, some nurses, chiropractors, physical therapists and 44 other professions.

We work in offices, clinics, hospitals, on oncology floors and in hospices. We do not work in "parlors." In New York, it is a felony to call oneself a massage therapist or to be paid to give massage without a license. Consumers should always check the therapist's license before scheduling an appointment.

Pat Collins, Johnson City

Editor's note: The writer is the president of the state chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association.