with the new Massage Envy shop down the road from me.
Need to get some help to work out the kinks in my shoulder.
I do not instead want the therapist to get kinky.

Personally, I wouldn't be interested in having a massage from a stranger in the first place, but there should never be any sexual component of a therapeutic massage in a facility like that.

There are bad people everywhere and a large chain will likely have more issues. Unless there is some systematic culture at ME stores, one would be advised to be on guard always at any location where a stranger is paid and permitted to touch you.

poorly. Underpaid and over worked. I am sure there must be some decent stores, but don't assume their massage therapists are better, or better screened, then others who are self employed. The same goes for those employed by chiropractors. Over worked, under paid.

Reading the articles, ME doesn't deal with assault reports in a proper manner and that has to change.

As far as being assaulted? The only time I was ever inappropriately touched was by a massage therapist friend. It makes things very difficult for legitimate, ethical, massage therapists.

it does look like they have weak policies that didn't help when multiple people reported on the same employee.

I've never been interested in full body massages from a stranger, but have gotten a foot massage maybe 3 times in my life.

It's such an intimate thing, I would rather do this with a romantic partner. Yikes, this is a vulnerable situation to be in when it happens.