People are often surprised to hear that “masseuse” can imply prostitute and I like to be called “massage therapist” instead. Google images on “masseuse” and “massage therapist” and you see the difference. Here’s what Wikipedia says about this distinction:
Modern times
During the 1930s and 1940s massage’s influence decreased as a result of medical advancements of the time, while in the 1970s massage’s influence grew once again with a notable rise among athletes.[7] Massage was used up until the 1960s and 1970s by nurses to help ease patients’ pain and help them sleep.[14]
Because it is illegal to advertise or offer sexual services in much of the United States, such services are sometimes advertised as “asian massage” or under the terms “masseuse or masseur” hence the rise of the term “massage therapy” in an attempt to provide a distinction between sexual and non-sexual services.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massage)
Please call me Massage Therapist!!