Massage Envy Salaries, Bonuses and Benefits.

Massage Therapist said: guerrac23 in Tampa, Florida:
Does anyone know if ME front desk employees or "EXEMPT" or "NON EXEMPT" ?? For almost 1 1/2 yrs I was never paid overtime, but now we are...if we make more than 40 hrs in 1 week...but not if we make more than 80 hrs in two weeks? We get paid on the 5th and 20th of every month. So as you can guess I'm totally confused. Should we be getting paid time and a half when we work memorial day or labor day? Someone please help. I cant seem to get any answers anywhere.

Massage Therapist:
"I cant seem to get any answers anywhere" It sounds like a bad place to work.

I saw on craigslist that they were looking for a manager at the Massage Envy I worked at. Hmm, I wonder why? Maybe when you use manipulation as a way to manage people it doesnt work. Even the ex car salesman that was the previous manager, who watched porn while at work was better at managing people. Sheeesh!

You say you work more than 80 hours in 2 weeks. You are paid twice a month. That means your pay period is more than 14 days(2weeks). Your pay period is 15 days or sometimes 16 days. Remember there are 30 or 31 days in a month except for February. So it is possible for you to work more than 80 hours in a pay period but not go over 40 hours in a given week. You have to find which day starts your week (usually Sunday or Monday). If you work over 40 hours in that week you are owed OT. Even if it spans 2 pay periods. For instance if the 31st is on a Wednesday you may make overtime on the next pay period even if you only work Thursday, Friday and Saturday and don't work again for the rest of that pay period. It can be confusing and I am guessing you used to be paid every other week, that's lots easier to figure out.

envy slave in Elizabeth, New Jersey said: will someone please enlighten me as to Massage Envy's policy in regard to transferring from one location to another? Recently was offered a job at a location closer to home and when notice was given to current location the job offer was rescinded. I've been told that you need to quit one in order to go to another location, what's that all about?

Franchise owners HATE when therapists go from one ME to another ME that is in the same region. Your current ME owner probablly thought that you were "poached" by the other and b**ch fest went on that you didn't know about....thus the rescinded offer. No owner can go after an ME therapist that works in the same region. Even if you find this new ME position on your own, your current owner's feelings will be hurt and pending on their level of "b***ha$$ness," you may loose the other offer. I am assuming your current employer is ranked at a high level of "b***ha$$ness." Yes, it is lame.

b***ha$$ness:
n. a disease that's sweeping the nation causing evny, jealousy, and unnecessary arguing; a phrase frequently used by diddy.

WOW I have to say I am shocked reading this... all the bad comments! I think maybe the comments are coming from MTs that have not been in business very long. The reality is that most LMTs belive once they get out of school they will just make $60-$80 per massage. I know this from being in this business for over 10 years. Your expectations did not fall short from Massage Envy it is the reality of the "real world" Go to a very nice upscale day spa... pay aroung 30% from a 50 min $65 massage... hmmm I am very disturbed to find this kind of information being posted.

I came across this blog on my cell phone will riding in the car. EVERYONE YOU HAVE A CHOICE TO BE HAPPY! No one makes you work, it is a choice to work! I do understand that a MTs job is hard TRUST ME I do. No one elses job is easy either. STOP BEING SO SELFISH! As for where I work I believe everyone is happy and I will tell you right now I have the best boss anyone could ask for in life.

I just want to say anyone reading this blog don't buy into it... most info on here is false. I do understand that all MEs are not owned and operated the same but my goodness STOP SPEAKING FOR ALL MASSAGE ENVY'S! Please keep the positive let go of the negative. I know ME is a good place to work from being a MT to FD!

A GOOD PERSON AT HEART WILL LET GO OF THE NEGATIVE ~ PLEASE DO THAT!

-Me- in private said: WOW I have to say I am shocked reading this... all the bad comments! I think maybe the comments are coming from MTs that have not been in business very long. The reality is that most LMTs belive oncel they will just make $60-$80 per massage. I know this from being in this business for over 10 years. Your expectations did not fall short from Massage Envy it is the reality of the "real world" Go to a very nice upscale day spa.

I came across this blog on my cell phonVERYONE YOU HAVE A CHOICE TO BE HAPPY! No one makes you work, it is a chonderstand that a MTs job is hard TRUST ME I do. No one elses job is easy either. STOP BEING SO SELFISH! As for where I work I believe everyone is happy and I will tell you right now I have the best boss anyone could ask for in life. So far as telling everyone to ignore the negative and saying that most opf what has been posted is false, hoiw do you know? Just as you stated, not all MEs are the same. Speak of you experiences ans

A GOOD PERSON AT HEART WILL LET GO OF THE NEGATIVE ~ PLEASE DO THAT!

Stop being selfish?? Is wanting to make a living wage selfish? is wanting to get paid for your CEUs and other education and training selfish? I hate to tell you, but Ive also been in this business for over 10 yrs and there are better places to work than ME and yes, you can make more than $16 hr. Ive managed 2 ME locations, I dont know what its like for you, but I think these concepts ruin this industry. Let go of the negative? Most of what is posted here is false? according to who? You can state your experinces and we will state ours, then let people decide for themselves what to ignore. I dont know how you can say what we post is false and then go on to say that we dont know necause we dont work at all locations, well neither do you. So take your own advice, read this blog, and "iignore the negative" Let others make their own conclusions. I guess the rest of us are just not good people....nice.

LMT/CMT-Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona said: Stop being selfish?? Is wanting to make a living wage selfish? is wanting to get paid for your CEUs and other education and training selfish? I hate to tell you, but Ive also been in this business for over 10 yrs and there are better places to work than ME and yes, you can make more than $16 hr. Ive managed 2 ME locations, I dont know what its like for you, but I think these concepts ruin this industry. Let go of the negative? Most of what is posted here is false? according to who? You can state your experinces and we will state ours, then let people decide for themselves what to ignore. I dont know how you can say what we post is false and then go on to say that we dont know necause we dont work at all locations, well neither do you. So take your own advice, read this blog, and "iignore the negative" Let others make their own conclusions. I guess the rest of us are just not good people....nice.

Actually some of those things do sound a bit selfish. Why is it the employer's responsibility to pay for your training? I've worked for Fortune 500 technology companies and have had to pay for my own training at times. If I wanted a class but the company was satisfied with my skills, it was my responsibility. ME's standard for massage is not exactly high - any humanoid with a functioning finger or elbow is good enough for their quality standards.

I don't see why MTs can't be happy using ME for what it's good for without dedicating such negative energy to bashing it. It's good for inexperienced MTs to gain first year experience before going on to a real job or self-employment. That's it.

Body and Soul in Jacksonville, Florida said: Actually some of those things do sound a bit selfish. Why is it the employer's responsibility to pay for your training? I've worked for Fortune 500 technology companies and have had to pay for my own training at times. If I wanted a class but the company was satisfied with my skills, it was my responsibility. ME's standard for massage is not exactly high - any humanoid with a functioning finger or elbow is good enough for their quality standards.

I don't see why MTs can't be happy using ME for what it's good for without dedicating such negative energy to bashing it. It's good for inexperienced MTs to gain first year experience before going on to a real job or self-employment. That's it.

When I say pay for training I mean getting paid more for the ares of expertice that you took the time to learn. If I spent 48 hrs in a classroom getting certified in lymph drainage should I be expected to earn the same $16 hr for that modality as I do when Im doing Swedish?? At these clinics you get paid the same whether you are killing yourself doing a 90 Deep Tissue as the person in the next room doing a fluff massage. They have no problem boasting the training that their therapists have to clients, but dont expect to be compensated for it. As for your comment about the qualifications for being able to work at these clinics, I agree, although it is not always the case. There are some good therapists at these clinics, but its a crap shoot. It may be good for new therapists, but if they hurt themselves before they get a chance to move on, then not so good. I agree, use it for what you need, but by all means dont think that its all this field has to offer.

Now I see what you mean about getting paid for training. Yes, the more expertise you gain the more you should be paid. ME should only offer basic service and not brag that their therapists have advanced training. It's not that kind of place.

Use them then lose them, that's what I say. The field is so much bigger than ME.

Body and Soul in Jacksonville, Florida said: Now I see what you mean about getting paid for training. Yes, the more expertise you gain the more you should be paid. ME should only offer basic service and not brag that their therapists have advanced training. It's not that kind of place. The field is so much bigger than ME.

I would agree. That's why those who flame ME on this blog have nothing to worry about (and maybe nothing else to do).

Gray Neher in Castle Pines, Colorado said: I would agree. That's why those who flame ME on this blog have nothing to worry about (and maybe nothing else to do).

Nobody is worried Gray. Flame?.... another word for expose?, Im sure thats what you meant. So far as nothing to do, well...glad to see as owner of 2-3 clinics you have time to participate.

Gray Neher in Castle Pines, Colorado said: I would agree. That's why those who flame ME on this blog have nothing to worry about (and maybe nothing else to do).

Ha! Doesn't appear that YOU have anything else to do either, Oilylady. You should do a massage and see what real work feels like. You probably couldn't take the exertion.

LMT/CMT-Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona said: Nobody is worried Gray. Flame?.... another word for expose?, Im sure thats what you meant. So far as nothing to do, well...glad to see as owner of 2-3 clinics you have time to participate.

Maybe that's why you see me post so infrequently. Good job on baiting, by the way.

Gray Neher in Castle Pines, Colorado said: Maybe that's why you see me post so infrequently. Good job on baiting, by the way.

Im not baiting. Ive seen that you have been on many of the other threads on this forum, ie My experience with ME and some others. You have been busy. So many fires and so little time. Looks like many more than just a handful of us heh Gray?? Baiting and flaming?? its funny you say that after you make a comment like "That's why those who flame ME on this blog have nothing to worry about (and maybe nothing else to do") make these comments and you will get a response, you should know this by now.

Sabeena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma said: Ha! Doesn't appear that YOU have anything else to do either, Oilylady. You should do a massage and see what real work feels like. You probably couldn't take the exertion.

And you should try running a business. No, massage therapy is very hard work and I admire those that do it (especially the therapists that work their wonders in my clinics).

Gray Neher in Castle Pines, Colorado said: And you should try running a business. No, massage therapy is very hard work and I admire those that do it (especially the therapists that work their wonders in my clinics).

Watch your energy, how you spend it - I only get these posts via email address, and the same comments keep appearing, especially the sparring. I do both, have a business (contract work and private clients), and started working 2 days/week at a ME clinic to have consistent income, since our economy is difficult now. Sure, I wish I made more there. But I know firsthand the work/time needed to market & scheduling, do laundry, accounting, and working solo, lots of energy goes into all of that. The clinic is in a great location but I am sure the rent is astronomical, and my office is in a dedicated place attached to home, but the area clientele are not as well off. Some of my regular clients are very generous and some cannot afford to be. I like working with other therapists, and I like working solo, too. The only time I get miffed is when I see people from my local area at a ME (30 min away), because there are 3 therapists at least locally whose fee scales are actually more reasonable than the ones at ME, but our hours are not as flexible as the ones at the clinic practicing solo or doing multiple things to earn money. I give better service at home, but working at ME has shown me to better value my time, and to be very realistic with clients as to what can and cannot be accomplished in 50 minutes. Many of my ME clients schedule 1.5 hr to get what they need. Deep tissue is not just hard pressure, it is using your brain to do the things that pave the way to getting to deeper tissue - if that takes more time it needs to be scheduled. You have to work smart no matter where you work, no amount of money is worth hurting your body. Use your knowledge to grow; don't spar - we're all better than that.

Gray Neher in Castle Pines, Colorado said: And you should try running a business. No, massage therapy is very hard work and I admire those that do it (especially the therapists that work their wonders in my clinics).

Nice way to assume. I expect nothing less of you.

I both own a business AND work in it. I pay MY employees $40 per massage AND provide continuing education AND health insurance. I value my employees and treat them as the key to my business' success. And net 6 figures myself while I'm at it!

Yes, I know you are confused by what I just said. These concepts are very foreign to you...

Sabeena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma said: Nice way to assume. I expect nothing less of you.

I both own a business AND work in it. I pay MY employees $40 per massage AND provide continuing education AND health insurance. I value my employees and treat them as the key to my business' success. And net 6 figures myself while I'm at it!

Yes, I know you are confused by what I just said. These concepts are very foreign to you...

You are wasting your time. I also own a business and have been speaking about these problems with these concepts for over a year now. There will always be excuses. The bottom line is GREED. When massage therapy was hot, the corporate tycoon Lenisio found a way to capitolize on it. Later, all these ohter copycats like Elements, Hand and Stone etc jumped on the bandwagon and decided to exploit and drain this field for all its worth. In most professions where you make more as time goes by, therapists have went from making $60 hr to $16 and this is suppose to be good for us according to these franchisees. They are bringing massage to the masses and paying therapists half of what they used to get and it isnt because of the economy because they were doing this years ago. These people could care less about therapy or the well being of others. If they made what their staff makes, we would soon see just how much how much they really care, they would sell their clinics in a heartbeat. I see these owners driving BMWs and Mercedes all the while telling their therapists that they should be in this "for the healing" BULL>

LMT/CMT-Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona said: You are wasting your time. I also own a business and have been speaking about these problems with these concepts for over a year now...

I had no idea. How sad.

How sad that you and I can make a good living paying good wages and providing good benefits while the greedy b*st*rds exploit therapists like that.

I drive a freakin' Mercedes SLK but pride myself on doing it morally and legitimately. Because I want my therapists to drive the same freakin' car some day.

Now I'm starting to see the dynamics here, LMT/CMT...

Sabeena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma said: I had no idea. How sad.

How sad that you and I can make a good living paying good wages and providing good benefits while the greedy b*st*rds exploit therapists like that.

I drive a freakin' Mercedes SLK but pride myself on doing it morally and legitimately. Because I want my therapists to drive the same freakin' car some day.

Now I'm starting to see the dynamics here, LMT/CMT...

If you go back and read this forum and other threads on here also, you will see what others have experienced. It isnt all bad, but the bad definately outweighs the good. After being in this business for over 10 yrs now, and seeing where we are now compared to what is was before I graduated massage school... it makes me sick.

Perhaps I'll have to find out things the hard way but ME seems like a pretty nice place to start if you are just getting out of school with little experience.

In no way do I feel like taking a leap into signing a lease for space, investing more $ for training when I haven't touched my current student loan, or traveling to peoples houses for work.

Showing up at ME with everything ready for me, additional training provided, and my expenses covered sounds like a pretty good deal!

ANC in Cincinnati, Ohio said: Perhaps I'll have to find out things the hard way but ME seems like a pretty nice place to start if you are just getting out of school with little experience.

In no way do I feel like taking a leap into signing a lease for space, investing more $ for training when I haven't touched my current student loan, or traveling to peoples houses for work.

Showing up at ME with everything ready for me, additional training provided, and my expenses covered sounds like a pretty good deal!

You'll get an argument from some who post here who think it should be done some particular way or any way except the way Massage Envy does it. They're entilted to their opinions - some have had bad experiences (which happens). Certainly Massage Envy isn't for everyone but for those who continue to work there (some 10,000+ therapists nationwide) it obviously must.

Sabeena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma said: Nice way to assume. I expect nothing less of you.

I both own a business AND work in it. I pay MY employees $40 per massage AND provide continuing education AND health insurance. I value my employees and treat them as the key to my business' success. And net 6 figures myself while I'm at it!

Yes, I know you are confused by what I just said. These concepts are very foreign to you...

Congratulations on your success.

Gray Neher in Castle Pines, Colorado said: You'll get an argument from some who post here who think it should be done some particular way or any way except the way Massage Envy does it. They're entilted to their opinions - some have had bad experiences (which happens). Certainly Massage Envy isn't for everyone but for those who continue to work there (some 10,000+ therapists nationwide) it obviously must.

Bad experiences happen there, huh? Gee, after reading some of these posts from people from around the country, I never would have guessed....I'd be interested to know what percentage of those impressive numbers you use, those 10,000 therapists, turn over each year? Each month? Each week? I am willing to bet that the percentage whatever it may be, amounts more than just "some bad experiences"... you do seem to understate and downplay negative aspects of the franchise you have bought into. Sometimes "focusing on the positive" without addressing real concerns of therapists who are emotional people reaching out for some kind of lifeline or explanation, is really being negative and uncaring.

I work at a ME right now where half the staff has turned over in about 5 months. Yes many of them were fired, but it was obvious they were unhappy there and apparent that little communication happened before letting them go. There's always another to fill the void in this factory, from what I see. Same with the other ME I worked for prior to this one. Why do I still work there? Because it's hard to build your own clientele, though I'm working at it, and actually it wouldn't be that bad of a place if it were just a few more dollars per hour. It's all set up so that we as therapists take the fall if there's a bad tip, not the owner. That's extremely stressful, but the owners know that and don't do anything to protect us from low tips, even though this is their creation... and I can't blame a customer for that, though many therapists do.

Actually I should say it's the franchise, not the owners, though they could do something like start their therapists at something like 18 to 19 dollars.

A lot of the people on these forums also say it's all about the owners, that if you find a good one, then everything is okay, and I have to disagree. Any franchise who tolerates such wide range of policies that give room for advantage taking and abuse that you're reading about, is to blame. Any franchise who allows the owner to lower the raise to 40 CENTS A YEAR because of the "economy", meanwhile takes vacations every other month and buys a new car with cash, is an irresponsible franchise... Fact. I thought I had it bad with the previous ME, but actually it was better getting a dollar raise every 6 months, and again, I lived in a community that was wealthier and tips were much better. There's too much disparity among Massage Envy's, and that's a testament to the franchise, not the individual owner, in my opinion.

I have one other philosophy on ME, and please excuse the cynicism-it's late. Massage envy gives raises to therapists and maxes out at 20 dollars... so in theory every therapist there could stay and all would make 20 bucks, whether it takes them 2 years or 10, depending on the owner's policy.

However it's obviously more profitable for Massage Envy to pay out less for therapists. That's why they won't start them off at the deserving rate of 20 dollars. "Pay your dues" with us for a few years, then you'll make what you deserve... well, to some degree, yeah, great therapists deserve bonuses, but give your therapists raises, insure good quality of therapists during interviews, and retain many more customers... but alas, ME doesn't see it that way.

It's easier to give them a carrot that's hard to reach, so that many drop out, and you have only 15 dollars to pay to the new face to come in and step in where the other disgruntled one left. Massage Envy ENCOURAGES high turnover. It also encourages hiring therapists who have self esteem issues combined with poor business skills. I admit it, I have been one of those people and know all too many more, and I'm truly seeking a life that leads to something more positive.

Heal The World in Charleston, South Carolina said: I have one other philosophy on ME, and please excuse the cynicism-it's late. Massage envy gives raises to therapists and maxes out at 20 dollars... so in theory every therapist there could stay and all would make 20 bucks, whether it takes them 2 years or 10, depending on the owner's policy.

However it's obviously more profitable for Massage Envy to pay out less for therapists. That's why they won't start them off at the deserving rate of 20 dollars. "Pay your dues" with us for a few years, then you'll make what you deserve... well, to some degree, yeah, great therapists deserve bonuses, but give your therapists raises, insure good quality of therapists during interviews, and retain many more customers... but alas, ME doesn't see it that way.

It's easier to give them a carrot that's hard to reach, so that many drop out, and you have only 15 dollars to pay to the new face to come in and step in where the other disgruntled one left. Massage Envy ENCOURAGES high turnover. It also encourages hiring therapists who have self esteem issues combined with poor business skills. I admit it, I have been one of those people and know all too many more, and I'm truly seeking a life that leads to something more positive.

You are absolutely correct on everything you have posted. I also think its funny that around Arizona, some also will limit raises but some franchises have started charging more for their monthly membership and they offer hot stone and foot treatments for extra cost, so is the therapist better off than before?? Are they geting paid more for the extras? not much from what I hear. Sure 10,000 therapists work for ME so thats impressive right?? not when you consider that the turnover is more than likely around 60-70%. theres nothing impressive about having a new staff every 6 months, been there, done that.

The bottom line here is that without the new grads and schools that are pushing out people every month into this field, ME goes under. Lenesio saw an opportunity and jumped on it. If ME tried to open when I graduated, they would have sunk. No one I know would work for $16 per massage when they could get $60. When the market was flooded and therapists were being pushed through shools everywhere, there was the opportunity. I want to charge $39 hr for a massage but I can only do it if I can find a staff that will asccept crap pay, so ME targets schools and exploits new thrapists. The turnover is incredible. That is a great business model. Corporate greed at its best. You may have some luck peddling this garbage to newbies, but good luck with the rest of us.

As a former manager at a Colorado location, I have to say that Massage Envy is by far the WORST company that I have worked for. Not only do they treat thier staff with complete disregard, but thier customer service is ridiculous! And YES, I am speaking about ALL of the locations in Colorado (I am familiar with them ALL).
The turnover is ridiculous. I realize that I should have seen the writing on the wall when over 10 people were hired and then quit within 5 months! As far as rewarding loyal employees goes, that is an even bigger joke! I saw numerous complaints not only from Therapists, but also clients, that were just swept under the rug and never dealt with by the owner and CA.
Stay Away!!!! This is not a company that is worth going the extra mile for.

Being a massage therapist these days is on the same level as being a cashier at walmart, or a waitress at dennys.If you want to make good money and help people at the same time, go back to school and learn a profession that comes with a degree ( nurse, physical therapist,anything considered medical)and get a job at a hospital. ME is just the beginning of the degredation of the massage industry. There's so many copycat companies out there now, that the only way to help yourself is to get a degree. And if you already have one, use it for a job that will consider you a professional. Sorry if the truth hurts, but you have to be prepared to roll with the punches. ME doesn't care if you're unhappy if you have no where better to go.Educate yourself,my friends.

BekaBoo in Denver, Colorado said: As a former manager at a Colorado location, I have to say that Massage Envy is by far the WORST company that I have worked for. Not only do they treat thier staff with complete disregard, but thier customer service is ridiculous! And YES, I am speaking about ALL of the locations in Colorado (I am familiar with them ALL).
The turnover is ridiculous. I realize that I should have seen the writing on the wall when over 10 people were hired and then quit within 5 months! As far as rewarding loyal employees goes, that is an even bigger joke! I saw numerous complaints not only from Therapists, but also clients, that were just swept under the rug and never dealt with by the owner and CA.
Stay Away!!!! This is not a company that is worth going the extra mile for.

Colorado??? cant be. I thought Colorado was filled with content ME employees, at least thats the way some make it sound on this forum.

Some eye opening posts on here. So Mr Neher, owner of these clinics in Colorado, whats the deal??? Another person from your neck of the woods with a different view? Maybe they are just friends with the therapist you fired a few months ago for no reason at your location that accused you of racist remarks. New faces on here every day, but then again I guess its just a numbers game for ME anyway, right?

LMT/CMT-Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona said: Some eye opening posts on here. So Mr Neher, owner of these clinics in Colorado, whats the deal??? Another person from your neck of the woods with a different view? Maybe they are just friends with the therapist you fired a few months ago for no reason at your location that accused you of racist remarks. New faces on here every day, but then again I guess its just a numbers game for ME anyway, right?

Front desk seems to be a bigger challenge than therapists for me. Don't know who Bekaboo is personally but we have some turnover at those positions. It probably has something to do with the fact that we're open 7 days a week and cannot provide a fixed schedule. So, don't believe everything those who post here who say they know "every clinic" in Colorado. If they live in the Denver market they would have to drive over an hour just to get to the clinics in Colorado Springs. BTW the therapist you refer to in your post (last time I heard) was manning the front door at a local strip club.

Gray Neher in Castle Pines, Colorado said: Front desk seems to be a bigger challenge than therapists for me. Don't know who Bekaboo is personally but we have some turnover at those positions. It probably has something to do with the fact that we're open 7 days a week and cannot provide a fixed schedule. So, don't believe everything those who post here who say they know "every clinic" in Colorado. If they live in the Denver market they would have to drive over an hour just to get to the clinics in Colorado Springs. BTW the therapist you refer to in your post (last time I heard) was manning the front door at a local strip club.

So whats your point?? She probubly makes more money doing that than she did at ME, how sad is that? Everyone has their skelletons Gray, it does not make what happened at your clinic any less wrong or her less credible.

touch in ca in San Francisco, California said: Being a massage therapist these days is on the same level as being a cashier at walmart, or a waitress at dennys.If you want to make good money and help people at the same time, go back to school and learn a profession that comes with a degree ( nurse, physical therapist,anything considered medical)and get a job at a hospital. ME is just the beginning of the degredation of the massage industry. There's so many copycat companies out there now, that the only way to help yourself is to get a degree. And if you already have one, use it for a job that will consider you a professional. Sorry if the truth hurts, but you have to be prepared to roll with the punches. ME doesn't care if you're unhappy if you have no where better to go.Educate yourself,my friends.

So you are saying, that a Massage Therapist is not a respectable professional as same as a physical therapist and a nurse?

Anyelina in Deerfield Beach, Florida said: So you are saying, that a Massage Therapist is not a respectable professional as same as a physical therapist and a nurse?

Massage therapy is extremely respectable. I've been a therapist for almost twelve years.You have misunderstood my point. Thanks to ME and its copycats,the profession has been reduced to that of a waitress. If we were considered medical professionals,especially those of us that have the education to call ourselves Holistic Health Practitioners,they wouldn't be so inclined to offer us the same pay as an unskilled worker. $15 is not the pay of a professional.

LMT/CMT-Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona said: So whats your point?? She probubly makes more money doing that than she did at ME, how sad is that? Everyone has their skelletons Gray, it does not make what happened at your clinic any less wrong or her less credible.

Hate on

Gray, Stop it. Stop trying to make a point. If someone doesn't like Massage Envy, let them not like it - stop giving them ANY reason to say anything. It is choice. People make their choices, and if they've had a bad experience, then so be it. You don't need to reply to me. Be at peace with yourself and focus on what's important. Having the last word just isn't.

Bron in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania said: Gray, Stop it. Stop trying to make a point. If someone doesn't like Massage Envy, let them not like it - stop giving them ANY reason to say anything. It is choice. People make their choices, and if they've had a bad experience, then so be it. You don't need to reply to me. Be at peace with yourself and focus on what's important. Having the last word just isn't.

You are right... it's one thing to have a bad experience, but a completely different thing when you come on to a forum like this and blog negatively for 2 years. If you have a bad experience then tell it and go, but why get on Gray for saying what he says and not get on people like Phoenix for constantly pouncing on every positive post like it is a mission to "bring down the monster"? I for one have nothing but positive things to say about this company and I will stand by it every second of the day. It is a shame that there are bad experiences out there but such is life. Therapist will go to school for one year and think they should get paid 75+ per hour. That can happen, but not unless you work hard at it. Sure massage Therapy is grouped in with medical but by no means should we even think of getting paid more then an RN who will go to school full time for 2 years right out of school. Or think they should make what a nurse practioner makes. You want to get that kind of money then pay your dues and gain the experience to open your own place or work for a millionaire who pays you a lot of money to work one-two hours a day. Massage Envy does not charge 70+ for the massage but with no overhead it turns out to be a great place to work. Go ahead pick me apart all you nay sayers, but I will still defend that which I am a part of.

LMT Georgia in Atlanta, Georgia said: You are right... it's one thing to have a bad experience, but a completely different thing when you come on to a forum like this and blog negatively for 2 years. If you have a bad experience then tell it and go, but why get on Gray for saying what he says and not get on people like Phoenix for constantly pouncing on every positive post like it is a mission to "bring down the monster"? I for one have nothing but positive things to say about this company and I will stand by it every second of the day. It is a shame that there are bad experiences out there but such is life. Therapist will go to school for one year and think they should get paid 75+ per hour. That can happen, but not unless you work hard at it. Sure massage Therapy is grouped in with medical but by no means should we even think of getting paid more then an RN who will go to school full time for 2 years right out of school. Or think they should make what a nurse practioner makes. You want to get that kind of money then pay your dues and gain the experience to open your own place or work for a millionaire who pays you a lot of money to work one-two hours a day. Massage Envy does not charge 70+ for the massage but with no overhead it turns out to be a great place to work. Go ahead pick me apart all you nay sayers, but I will still defend that which I am a part of.

Good for you. I wouldnt expect anything less.

LMT Georgia, Please understand I am not "getting on" Gray at all. And I personally have not had a bad experience, nor do I feel that I need to stand up for this or for any company, or put it down. I understand your point, but remember that some massage therapists didn't go to school right out of high school and may have some previous complementary experience that steered them toward massage in the first place. And some schools require more than others. You can't compare allopathic medicine to massage therapy - the thinking is not the same. You are always going to make more $ when you work for yourself, and if you have read any of my previous posts, you know I have experienced both sides: working for myself and working for others. I was simply saying that Gray might be unintentionally baiting by continuing to respond. That's all.

Gray Neher in Castle Pines, Colorado said: Hate on

Hate????? I wouldnt go that far. ME is not worthy of that much emotion.

LMT/CMT-Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona said: Hate????? I wouldnt go that far. ME is not worthy of that much emotion.

Oh, it's hate alright or you wouldn't be spending the amount of time on this blog that you have for the last two years.

Gray Neher in Castle Pines, Colorado said: Oh, it's hate alright or you wouldn't be spending the amount of time on this blog that you have for the last two years.

Its not hate, but you have been on this blog for a fair amount of time yourself and its not just here either, Ive seen you in other places so whats your point? Whats it to you how I spend my time? Or what I deem is important enough to persue? You Gray, are not a therapist, you dont have to live on what your staff makes and neither do the other owners I know. I know therapists at a few of these clinics who are actually on food stamps! and SSI for health insurance!, so why am I so adament about this? are you serious????

I don’t know what some of you ME people are thinking but here in AZ in Scottsdale there is a ME clinic giving away 8o min. massages for 39.95!! Hell, why not just do it for $20! or maybe $10? ME depends on quantity so they can do this kind of marketing but good luck to others in this business who are not doing 40 massages a day and you think therapists should be happy with this?? are you nuts? How does this kind of practice make it better for all in this field? What is the benefit? ME simply wants to destroy their competition and they try to put the spin on it by saying they are "Bringing massage to the masses" ME reminds me of Wal-Mart, seriously and you wonder why some therapists are upset? You have taken an industry where people use to be able to support themselves and make a good living and made it into a minimum wage profession. $16 per massage???? Do 3 a day like many I know and pay your bills and then come back here and tell me how that’s working for you. Some of you really need to get a clue. Im sure that someone will now respond and tell me how their people are making 40k a year and bla, bla, bla. Well tell that to the people I know on public aid!

Gray said:BTW the therapist you refer to in your post (last time I heard) was manning the front door at a local strip club.

LMT/CMT-Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona said: So whats your point?? She probubly makes more money doing that than she did at ME, how sad is that? Everyone has their skelletons Gray, it does not make what happened at your clinic any less wrong or her less credible.

Gray said:Hate on

Massage Therapist: I have never felt any hate from LMT/CMT in Phoenix on this forum. In fact, everything that LMT/CMT has written on this forum sounds to me to be someone who stands up for his beliefs, nonjudgemental of other people and a massage therapist who loves his profession.

Massage Therapist said: Gray said:BTW the therapist you refer to in your post (last time I heard) was manning the front door at a local strip club.

LMT/CMT-Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona said: So whats your point?? She probubly makes more money doing that than she did at ME, how sad is that? Everyone has their skelletons Gray, it does not make what happened at your clinic any less wrong or her less credible.

Gray said:Hate on

Massage Therapist: I have never felt any hate from LMT/CMT in Phoenix on this forum. In fact, everything that LMT/CMT has written on this forum sounds to me to be someone who stands up for his beliefs, nonjudgemental of other people and a massage therapist who loves his profession.

Thank you for the kind words.

LMT/CMT-Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona said: You are absolutely correct on everything you have posted. I also think its funny that around Arizona, some also will limit raises but some franchises have started charging more for their monthly membership and they offer hot stone and foot treatments for extra cost, so is the therapist better off than before?? Are they geting paid more for the extras? not much from what I hear. Sure 10,000 therapists work for ME so thats impressive right?? not when you consider that the turnover is more than likely around 60-70%. theres nothing impressive about having a new staff every 6 months, been there, done that.

Actually, therapists do get paid more for hot stone.

Gray Neher in Castle Pines, Colorado said: Actually, therapists do get paid more for hot stone.

They do at Elements and Hand and Stone also and not all ME locations offer Hot Stone, but again, I know of 3 different therapists and 2 from ME that work for ME full time and also for a competetor part time. Im sure their ME clinic owners would be happy to hear that some of their therapists are moonlighting for the competition. They tell me that they dont make enough to work only at ME and some of their clients are also aware of the situation and follow them. The bottom line is When your clients are tipping as much or more than you pay your own therapists for that hr, thats sad.

LMT/CMT-Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona said: They do at Elements and Hand and Stone also and not all ME locations offer Hot Stone, but again, I know of 3 different therapists and 2 from ME that work for ME full time and also for a competetor part time. Im sure their ME clinic owners would be happy to hear that some of their therapists are moonlighting for the competition. They tell me that they dont make enough to work only at ME and some of their clients are also aware of the situation and follow them. The bottom line is When your clients are tipping as much or more than you pay your own therapists for that hr, thats sad.

Sounds like you're quite the expert on all the franchises

Gray Neher in Castle Pines, Colorado said: Sounds like you're quite the expert on all the franchises

You dont have to be an expert, I just network with many other therapists in the area. What does that have to do with anything Ive posted anyway?? Is that the best response you could come up with?? I guess it may be when you cant defend whats been said, unless you know more than me about the clinics in my area but that couldnt be either because then YOU would be the expert on whats happening at all locations, mmmm what a dilema. I know people Gray and many work for ME, sorry.

client in CA in Vineburg, California said: So, since the therapist prefer us not to go to ME, please tell me how can I find therapist in my area? the prices are day SPAs are over my budget, but if I can find LMTs who own their own biz or those who can come to my place, I wouldn't mind not supporting ME.

You can also check out the American Massage Therapist Association website for the Massage Therapist Locator to find a therapist in your area. Those of us that are members of the professional association (and therefore carry malpractice insurance and are required to maintain Continuing Education credits within our profession) are listed on the website --
www.amtamassage.org/findamassage/locator.aspx