Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2025

32 • Massage Therapy Journal

been researching the entire process of what makes a massage successful. Much of what we have discovered has been labeled as the “therapeutic alliance,” and we look forward to sharing this with the massage community to help them grow and develop as well. All things in life evolve, and by using our technology, the massage profession and massage therapists will evolve, too. I personally believe that the value of human touch will increase with the introduction of automation . People will always seek out highly skilled massage therapists, precisely because of the energetic qualities of human touch. But there are things that the massage community needs to consider as well. What type of growth is needed to evolve as it sees these new technological developments?

Massage therapists worry how robotic devices may impact liability insurance and fear being left open to lawsuits. “The idea of having a fully automated massage table leaves our industry open to potential malpractice suits. Especially in the salons, spas and other multi-practitioner settings. I think this would be a big issue for the liability insurance providers.” —MARY ELIZABETH LE BLANC pressure, there is a “governor” (controller) on the robotics that limits the amount of pressure that can be applied to ensure no one is injured and/ or bruised from excessive force. In addition, the Aescape member is in full control of the applied pressure during every moment of the experience. Stephenson and Nunez respond: Stephenson: Unlike a human applying

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