r/melbourne • u/Main_Confusion_8030 • Aug 05 '26
THDG Need Help How do you make sure a massage place does NOT offer... other services
I understand a lot of you are going to think this is funny, or that I'm asking because I WANT an erotic massage but I'm disguising it. I'm going to politely ask you not to make those jokes as I recently had a horrible and traumatic experience with unwanted sexual contact and I do not want to risk that again.
I really just want to find a massage place near me that takes walk-ins, where I know sexual services will not even be on offer, let alone pushed on me when I'm not expecting it.
When it happened, the person was so pushy -- as if it didn't occur to her that I DIDN'T want it. So I'm guessing everyone who walked in there went there for sexual services. But how did they know? Is there a tell?? Conversely is there a tell that a massage place definitely does NOT offer that?
Or do they all???
I wish everyone could just be up front about it. I'm just a traumatised autistic that wants a massage.
EDIT: seems from the comments that there's no foolproof method, no secret sign, that makes it clear-cut. So I will just have to avoid all walk-ins, always. That sucks, as someone with chronic pain that flares up unexpectedly. All of this is dumb. In a sensible world it would be openly advertised and totally clear from the outset what everyone is offering and receiving.
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u/Erqureevat Aug 05 '26
Look for somewhere inside a shopping centre that:
1) isn't open past 5pm (or normal late night shopping hours)
2) doesn't have the front windows obscured by curtains or generic pictures of people getting massaged
3) doesn't have the illuminated "open" sign
4) isn't staffed exclusively by one specific demographic
5) offers specific services (shoulders, back, neck) versus timed treatments (15min, 30min, 60min)
6) has lots of positive reviews by women
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u/snowmuchgood Aug 06 '26
Plus HICAPS and the one near me has all those things plus a big sign that says NO SEXUAL SERVICE and that you will be asked to leave if you ask.
As opposed to (nearly) all the others near us that have flashing “open” sign, open til 11pm, etc. wanna guess which large construction site I live near?
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u/Llamadrugs Aug 06 '26
Got a place near me that accept hicaps and has a service called prostate massage. And it's literally a photo / description of a happy ending.
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u/Main_Confusion_8030 Aug 06 '26
thing is, i'm totally fine with that being a thing. it's a valuable service to offer! i'd be so much happier in a world where it was always that up front. if it were offered point blank on the page i would feel way more free to say "just remedial, neck and shoulders and a bit of lower back, no prostate thanks".
it's this wink-wink, "too late, you're in now" stuff that terrifies and confuses me.
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u/tannishaaa Aug 06 '26
Well at least you’d definitely know what you’re getting into with that one
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u/Llamadrugs Aug 06 '26
Yea was a bit shocked that it was hicaap approved tbh more than anything
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u/jayhow90 Aug 06 '26
You can report that to a health insurer. When I worked for one we blacklisted some providers for offering erotic services.
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u/Llamadrugs Aug 06 '26
Dunno their description of the Professional Prostate Massage promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, facilitate the circulation of qi and blood, and relieve prostate congestion.
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u/ExcitedCoconut Aug 06 '26
Pretty sure the ‘extras’ claim code for remedial massage didn’t have those extras in mind when it was established. Probably still reportable (even though based on that description sounds healthy 😂)
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u/Dawinterwolf Aug 06 '26
It's actually healthy, and thus a service provided in other countries, even doctors recommend that for certain conditions. Nothing wrong or strange about it if it's clearly agreed and with consent between adults
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u/Foreign-Exercise3012 Aug 06 '26
big sign that says NO SEXUAL SERVICE and that you will be asked to leave if you ask
When I used to go to those places, most of the one's with these signs still did sexual services. It seems to be more of a legal disclaimer or plausible deniability.
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u/snowmuchgood Aug 06 '26
Yeah I think it’s a combination of all the above elements, I think that the clear windows and open hours are probably the biggest indicators. But the more of them present, probably the more likely it is to be legit.
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u/MyOwnExWife Aug 06 '26
Can I guess tottenham? I lived there 4 weeks before cancelling my lease and getting tf out of there
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u/snowmuchgood Aug 06 '26
Ooh no, but I guess there are many big construction sites around Melbourne.
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u/yourefuckedintheface Aug 06 '26
The happy ones also have signs up saying they don’t provide any services
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u/Wolvesinman Aug 06 '26
Also, I’ve found that the shops in shopping centres with dividing curtains are a safe bet.
I learned this after having a massively bad back and deciding on a Sunday to go to a shop with a name that involved Jade or pearls or the like. I started the ‘appointment’ by complaining where my pains were. I got a lot of nods. She seemed not to have listened to me at all (I’m a dumbass) Then 10mins of a weak and ticklish massage later….i got the whisper in the ear about $20 extra and an overly friendly hand. After my non acceptance I got another 5mins of my 30min appointment from a lady who seemed angry with me. And we were both happy to finish it there. After that, I stuck to the shopping centre ones.
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u/ChocolateBeautiful95 Aug 06 '26
$20 extra? Thats the only unbelievable part of your story
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u/AutisticPenguin2 Aug 06 '26
Maybe most of the price was up front in the massage cost, and the extra twenty was more just a formality of they definitely want it?
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u/Wolvesinman Aug 06 '26
This was 15-20yrs ago. And I’m not up to date with pricing.
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u/Kitchu22 Aug 06 '26
I guess you always have outliers, my favourite local ticks every one of these apparent red flags (except for reviews because they have no web presence) and the massages are always top notch. They have a big dude with great knuckles and elbows whose side hustle seems to be exiting anyone making the female staff uncomfortable.
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u/Main_Confusion_8030 Aug 06 '26
what are the chances this place is anywhere near brighton?
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u/pachinko-247 Aug 06 '26
They don't take walk ins but almost always have a spot available at short notice... Stable Massage. There's one in Hampton and St Kilda East.
They are completely professional and I've rarely had a disappointing massage there.
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u/OhNoesMyMangoes Aug 06 '26
Adding to this - check if they have a website! Most dodgy places either won't have a website, or if they do it'll be very thinly veiled if they do extras.
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u/K0rby Aug 06 '26
It’s the illuminated rainbow open sign. 100% the giveaway for dodgy massage places.
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u/OrdinaryKnown7396 Aug 06 '26
i just want to say rq ive worked at an erotic massage parlour that had huuuge windows in the front that you could clearly see through & no flashing sign whilst these are good tips u can't always 100% spot them
im also p sure one of the ones i worked at had a "no sexual services" sign too
its probably awkward af but sometimes it's best to just say something straight up
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u/Blitzer046 Aug 06 '26
Yeah I walked into one that had a 'no sexual services' sign and was immediately told to take my undies off in the first 3 mins. Not cool.
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u/MsAsphyxia Aug 06 '26
I deliberately leave positive reviews for my local places for this reason (6)!
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u/AutomaticEmotion2145 Aug 05 '26
Book one at a remedial massage place with someone who is qualified eg a myotherapist or similar
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u/simbaismylittlebuddy Aug 06 '26
This a remedial masseuse colocated with a physio or other allied health practitioners is the best bet.
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u/Zestyclose-Smell-305 Aug 06 '26
Walking in is a condition of op. Nearly impossible to find a free booking as a walk in.
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u/Von_Huge1103 Aug 06 '26
Yeah that's the challenge. If it's a proper injury or something more sustained, then I'd always recommend booking a remedial massage/myotherapist.
Those massage shops are most useful if you've got unexpected aches and pains + wanna pop in somewhere with minimal notice.
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u/Hemingwavy Aug 05 '26
Look for one that has HICAPS which means it's covered by extras under health insurance if your insurer covers it.
Or search for remedial massage.
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u/No-Gur-8666 Aug 06 '26
Unfortunately this is no longer a good indication of lack of such services. I (woman) had a very good remedial massage and I recommended the place to a male friend. He went there and was offered such services. Places have diversified to generate income streams from both legitimate therapies and the extra type.
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u/jessicaaalz Aug 06 '26
Report it, the funds will deregister them as it breaches their provider recognition criteria.
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u/SatinsLittlePrincess Aug 06 '26 edited Aug 06 '26
Adding to this, which is a decent indicator, but as the other poster notes not guaranteed:
- Places that offer sex usually obscure the client waiting area, so if you look for a place where the reception desk and chairs where one wants for an appointment are easily visible from the street, one is far less likely to be at a “Special Endings” venue.
- Another thing one might look for is the way the place is presented. Venues featuring women’s bodies or an attractive woman regardless of whether she is getting or giving a treatment, are more likely to sell sex than ones that focus more calming, relaxation focused feel with tranquil colours, plants, water, etc.
- Many of the walk in places that do not offer sexual services will either tell you, or have a sign in the room indicating that you should keep your undies on.
- The hours can also be a good indication of the type of services offered. A legit place will often cater to the “after work” crowd, but won’t be open super late ‘cause “I woke up at 1am and my neck and shoulders are stiff so I’d like a massage” is far less likely to be the 1am appointment clientele than “I’m done at the bars and I want someone to touch my dick.” This isn’t to say that no legit places are open ‘cause some do cater to shift workers, but the bulk of those are going to be appointment only and not take a walk in at those hours.
- The description of the services is often a clue. A word “Sensual” often means “sex” but “remedial” tends not to.
- Many massage places offer over the clothing options as a contrast to oil / lotion options and that both indicates a “not sexy” service, and may be a way of indicating a they aren’t offering sex in any service.
- There is considerable overlap between human trafficking and illegal brothels, so look for any signs of that, including staff looking super miserable. Not that there may not also be human trafficking in legit massage places too…
Finally, if your concern, OP, is unwanted sexual touch, a lot of legit massage involves touching areas that are often considered “erotic” in some context - like glutes. And that can be disconcerting if one is not prepared for it, and especially if one is bracing for the risk of unwanted sexual touch. If there are areas that you’d prefer a therapist not go, it’s completely ok to just say something like, “I’d really prefer to focus on my [areas you’d like to be touched], but please don’t touch my [areas you’d don’t want worked on].”
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u/East_Plan Aug 05 '26 edited Aug 06 '26
Go to a chain like Endota
Edit: originally I suggested the mattress brand ecosa
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u/Vinnie_Vegas Aug 05 '26
You mean Endota? Ecosa is a mattress brand.
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u/PenRough7024 Aug 06 '26
No no he knows that he wrote. The company now offers complimentary massages upon the purchase of a mattress
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u/Main_Confusion_8030 Aug 05 '26
i'm not familiar with them but i'll look them up.
there are very obviously legit massage places around (many of them are chains i've been to before) but the ones i know of require booking ahead and sometimes i'm just unexpectedly wrecked and want somewhere i can walk in.
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u/Representative-Bus76 Aug 06 '26
If you tell us your suburb we can probably recommend one.
Most places require a booking though. Otherwise they need to have staff sitting around waiting (and generally being underpaid)11
u/Xavius20 Aug 06 '26
I can second Endota, I've been to a few locations and it's all very normal. I've never attempted a walk in with them, but a quick google suggests it's rare and booking ahead is your best bet.
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u/aussiebolshie Aug 05 '26
Used to be a pretty safe bet that the ones located in major shopping centres were legit
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u/ntermation Aug 05 '26
Is it no longer a safe bet?
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u/Vinnie_Vegas Aug 05 '26
I think they're saying that that was their experience, but it's not based on recent specific knowledge.
I can't imagine too many people getting jacked off against their will at at the Endota spa at Chadstone.
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u/aussiebolshie Aug 06 '26
Yessir, you are correct. Haven’t wandered into an endota or your classic Highpoint/Northland/Chadstone Asian massage shopfront since pre Covid. Can also confirm the old hanging rock wasn’t pulled out forcefully at any of said locations.
I assume it hasn’t changed.
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u/Littman-Express Aug 06 '26
This doesn’t apply to the ones in the paramount shopping centre in the CBD lol
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u/SPECIALtypeDIFFERENT Aug 05 '26
open late + led/neon signs is a pretty big sign that they are offering extras
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u/Main_Confusion_8030 Aug 06 '26
i've heard that about neon signs but they all seem to have neon signs. they can't all offer erotic services can they? maybe i'm just naive
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u/SPECIALtypeDIFFERENT Aug 06 '26
it's not just neon signs, but if all the windows are covered so you can't see in, and its open late then yeah its probably dodgy. Erqureevat's comment sums it up nicely
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u/-malcolm-tucker Aug 06 '26
Just go to a physiotherapist. That's what I do. Back In Motion are a large chain with decent opening hours and there will be one near you. You can book online pretty easily.
But any local physiotherapist will be a safe bet for you.
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u/Blitzer046 Aug 06 '26
Honestly mate? They are everywhere. Sex work is decriminalised in Victoria so if you can make a buck with a rub and tug, they will.
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u/OIP Aug 06 '26
it's fucking wild how many there are. they kind of fade into the background and you just walk past without thinking about it but like.. there's probably 20 within a couple kms of my place.
meanwhile i just go to a physio if i want a massage?
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u/JPJackPott Aug 06 '26
I’ve concluded they are all dodgy. I look at the Google reviews. If it’s full of creepy men saying how satisfied they were with the girls services you’ll have your answer.
Advice about ones in malls is pretty good, and proper myo/physios but you’ll pay through the nose for that.
I’ve also heard that some that offer extras will still do good conventional massages. I’ve never tried. It strikes me that the challenge of determining a ‘massage with extras’ place vs a full of brothel isn’t worth the risk
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u/asphi_xia Aug 06 '26
and no way to see into the foyer!
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u/Dependent_Hippo_8742 Aug 06 '26
Guys, I was told about the neon signs and the non-transparent front, and I dare say that about every massage parlour apart from maybe 2 or 3 I have seen over the past 5 years have both a neon sign and covered front, so maybe this is just a myth??
Just to clarify, I have never been inside one before, neither the legit ones or the ones offering extras13
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Aug 06 '26 edited Aug 10 '26
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u/wherethehellareya Aug 06 '26
I always find this so funny, as if dudes are dumb enough to leave reviews for places they visit to get an erotic massage. I find this whole thread so disheartning as a man. I didn't know dodgy massage places are so previlant in melbourne.
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u/Tygie19 Aug 06 '26
You should see regional towns. I live in a town of about 20,000 residents and we have approximately FIVE rub’n’tug massage places in our town centre. It’s a running joke on our local facebook pages.
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u/OIP Aug 06 '26
thing is presumably the market supports their continued existence. even just doing back of the envelope calculations it would suggest that there is a core of people who are extraordinarily regular visitors.
unless there is like a procession of trucks coming through or something.
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u/tannishaaa Aug 06 '26
This thread has been eye-opening for me too. Like, I knew they were a thing, but I thought they were much more rare than they seem to be
(and the idea of leaving a Google review for a happy ending massage is absolutely baffling to me lol)
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u/JackColquitt68 Aug 06 '26
Your absolute safest bet is to go to somewhere that offers broader wellness / spa, or physio services - think Sense of Self, Soak, etc. Places that offer specific therapies and have add-ons like IR Saunas are more likely to be legit. Reading online reviews are a big help too.
If it's a Thai massage place with only a mobile number, little to no presence online, and heavily frosted / covered windows, be wary. I wouldn't want to be an unwitting participant in human trafficking either.
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u/Main_Confusion_8030 Aug 06 '26
I wouldn't want to be an unwitting participant in human trafficking either
the full horror of that thought didn't hit me until days later. not that i WAS a participant. but i still kept thinking should i go to the police, if i say nothing am i allowing someone to be trafficked, if i say something am i getting an innocent sex worker in trouble, etc etc. the anxiety was terrible.
i kept thinking, if only it was all legal and openly advertised this wouldn't have happened. it wouldn't be a scary gross thing that was pushed on me and i wouldn't be torturing myself about whether or not to do something about it.
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u/SPECIALtypeDIFFERENT Aug 06 '26
they're already well aware of the place you visited.
don't beat yourself up, you did not intentionally patronise this establishment for sex. the men that do honestly need to take a long hard look at themselves, melbourne has plenty places for such services that are above board.
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u/adsmeister Aug 06 '26
Yep, it’s not like there aren’t a good number of brothels around, and those are safer in general.
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u/caramello-koala Aug 06 '26
It’s been decriminalised, so massage parlours can openly advertise as an ‘erotic massage parlour’.
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u/Shadowsfury Aug 06 '26
I thought they'd be pretty easy to pick out.
Likely not what you want:
- opening hours include really late at night
- the whole front is covered up with window vynal
- mobile number only and when you google it, it appears in some potentially unsavoury websites along with suggestive language in the listing
Likely what you want:
- higher prices
- offer remedial massage/PHI claims
- proper website, landline phone
- inviting frontage/open windows
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u/Main_Confusion_8030 Aug 06 '26
maybe i'm an idiot but i would have assumed sex massages would be more expensive, not cheaper.
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u/Shadowsfury Aug 06 '26
What I'm trying to say is that publicly listed price looks cheap because all the extras you don't want are probably only going to appear later on and separately.
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u/sss133 Aug 06 '26
So a lot of massage therapy places are either a sub contractor agreement of a % of service (usually 50%). Or are employees which is generally at spas. That’s why prices at legitimate places are quite high as they either have to give a % to the therapist or on a pay equal to their qualification.
My prices are $150 for and hour so my therapists would be on a minimum 50% (I usually give 60-70%) so they can have a liveable pay.
Dodgy places charging $40 an hour aren’t paying their workers enough and are potentially encouraging dodgy services
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u/No-Gur-8666 Aug 05 '26
Go to places that offer more remedial therapies such as Back In Motion or physiotherapy treatments?
Ask for a therapist of the same gender? Chinese places usually have both male and female therapists.
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u/WhiteStevieWonder Aug 06 '26 edited Aug 06 '26
Hi, remedial massage student here
Just look up any of the massage associations and they should have maps of businesses registered to them, those ones will not offer any of the “happy endings”. MMA, MAA, AMT and ANTA are the bigger ones
Edit: to include an example of a great place, “melbourne muscle medics” (one of my teachers runs that one)
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u/ExpertAd1710 Aug 06 '26
If you go to a Uni/tafe with a student clinic, it will be a pretty safe bet it’s all above board and discounted fees, also the students wont be experienced but they will be trained and eager for good feedback.
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u/Prettymuchnow Aug 06 '26
I attended VU massage student clinic in Footscray for the first time the other day. $25 for an hour. They have great attention to detail and really want to do well. Facilities were adequate and I felt so good afterwards.
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u/viper9 Aug 06 '26
Look up "remedial massage" places. It's what I do when I need a massage, and I've never been offered "extras". It's all professional and above board
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u/ohnojono Aug 06 '26
People are suggesting shopping centre massage parlours which is good advice on the surface but in my own experience they’re not great massages. 4/5 times I’ve walked out of those places in more pain than when I went in, and it’s not just from the muscle work.
My only advice for you is avoid any with euphemisms in the name. Words like “vigorous” “velvet” “magic” “lovely” “cozy” “wonderful” “elegant” “royal”.
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u/Mysterious_Goose_668 Aug 06 '26
I’m a remedial massage therapist and pretty good at spotting places that do.
Avoid any places with flashing ‘open’ or ‘massage’ signs, try to avoid places that allow walk ins and don’t make you do any sort of paperwork before hand. Avoid places with blacked out windows or the word ‘velvet’ in the business name, or other words with sexual connotations.
Seek out remedial massage therapists or a myotherapist.
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u/Mysterious_Goose_668 Aug 06 '26
Also, no need to only go to a spa to get a legitimate service. Spas are very expensive (fair enough if you want the whole spa experience), but if you only care about getting a good massage I would just seek someone that has a good online presence that is at least remedial trained. Or through word of mouth or referral from someone.
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u/Red_je Aug 06 '26
I have been to many massage parlours that have the "open" sign and take walk ins, I am not sure that is all that big a tell.
I have only ever been offered once, strangely enough at a place that I had been to plenty of times before but never been offered. Thankfully when I said no thanks, she just moved on and finished the actual massage.
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u/Mysterious_Goose_668 Aug 06 '26
Okay but it’s generally a sign that the places offer more. OP wants a sure way of avoiding that situation and that’s my recommendation. Any legitimate remedial therapist will generally not have flashing signs, and generally not take walk ins but some do of course.
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u/sss133 Aug 06 '26 edited Aug 06 '26
I’m a Myotherapist so there’s a few things you look out for but the safest bet are clinics and spas.
I only ever get hands on treatments from places where there’s a website with therapist bios and listed qualifications.
Blacked out windows and neon “open” signs are also a potential red flag. Even places that say they treat women only (unless it’s an actual women’s health clinic) can be dodgy. I know multiple massage shops like this. There was one near my old work that only saw women and about 80% of them got extra services.
I might get a foot or hand massage at an Asian massage place in a shopping centre but having worked at one early in my career, probably only 10% of the workers there will have an actual qualification as opposed to as little as 2hrs training.
If you’re actually injured, I’d only ever go to a person with a legitimate qualification and insurance.
I know people get annoyed but paperwork is important. That’s going to essentially be a consent form which is required by governing bodies and insurance. I won’t treat unless someone has filled one out.
Unfortunately when it comes to hands on therapy, certain people will always confuse touch with sexual connotations. It happens occasionally in clinics. I’ve been in the industry over 15 years and had well over 200 incidents of varying levels of inappropriate incidents. Whether that’s some off comments that the client has gotten a little too comfortable saying or legitimately getting groped and even had a stalker. What surprises people is I’ve only had 4 incidents with men.
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u/starryeyedvirgo Aug 06 '26
I love a massage but it’s one thing a lot of people don’t seem to think about as a get what you pay for type of thing. Not to say that some premium places might not too good but cheaper ones are generally unqualified or potentially dodgy.
I first moved to Melbourne and went to a place that had a “Women only” sign. So I thought it’d be pretty legit. Was a bit thrown off by the woman telling me to get completely undressed but I’ve had massages in other parts of the world which that happened. With about 10 minutes left, she asked if I’d like more. I thought she meant time so I said yeah sure. Then began to move the towel. I stopped her and she was a bit confused.
After talking she apologised. I was just curious so I mentioned that I thought it was a women’s only place and that wouldn’t be a thing. She told me that it is but it’s still very common. She said probably 80% of her clients get extra and she sees 5 people a day. I was absolutely shocked.
I now only use Myotherapists for massage and rehab. I have someone in the CBD and one in Clayton if you’re (or anyone else) interested I can recommend them just DM.
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u/OziNiner Aug 06 '26
wow O_O
i mean we all know women have sexual needs but i'd never heard of it being offered in a massage setting interesting
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u/ApprehensiveTrust644 Aug 05 '26
Find a practitioner in another allied health centre, ie physiotherapy/osteopathy
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u/ponte92 Mother of Gwyn Aug 06 '26
Go to a proper day spa like endota or sakura lounge. They might not be able to do same day walk ins but in terms of your comfort you will absolutely know you will be fine at a day spa as opposed to a walk in massage parlour.
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u/Educational__Banana Aug 06 '26
I’m sorry this happened to you. Everyone’s offering practical advice and I’m glad for that. I also want to say that what happened to you is upsetting, and it’s okay to be upset about it. If it’s helpful for you to process what happened, you’re well within your rights to call it sexual assault. It’s also complicated by being wrapped up in a lifetime of autistic trauma, things happening because other people don’t explicitly communicate and make assumptions about what your intentions are. Just know you’re not alone and there’s at least one other ND person here with chronic pain who understands you, and also has a hell of a time just trying to find a reasonably competent massage for managing pain. I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this.
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u/Dangerous_Second1426 Aug 06 '26
Seriously…
Don’t go to random massage places that have large photos on vinyl printed and an LED “Massage” and “Open” sign. That’s probably 90% of places.
Then go to a place where you actually pay $$ for a massage. If it’s $40 for an hour massage, they’re getting extra money from you. You can’t complain the massage was no good when you only paid $40. And the massage won’t be good.
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u/Main_Confusion_8030 Aug 06 '26
the price thing is helpful context. i said in another comment that cheaper prices made me think there would definitely NOT be any sexual services. i understand now that there are additional costs for that but at the time i think the low price made me think i was safe.
seems silly now but i am not a worldly person
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u/quietmedium- Aug 06 '26
You are not silly. We all learn things at different times in our lives and there is no shame in ignorance unless you are willfully so ❤️
I'm so sorry you had this experience and I hope some of the advice here is helpful.
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u/saltysweetbonbon Aug 06 '26
Covered windows, neon signs, late opening hours. But if you want to be safe honestly go to a proper spa and pay the extra money for a good massage.
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u/knotknotknit Aug 06 '26
No you're not silly.
I am finding this helpful.
I am American and lived in a lot of places before moving to Aus.
"How to identify a brothel" is sometimes obvious once it's explained to you but not necessarily obvious beforehand.
tbh, the only place I've ever found is straightforward to identify a brothel is in Nevada, US, where it is legal.
They've got big helpful signs saying "BROTHEL"
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u/MM13285 Aug 05 '26
I used to go to a Thai massage place in Williamstown that was legit, they had prices out the front, had signs that said they took private health and big signs that they don’t offer sexual services. That was the only place I felt comfortable doing a full body massage. Otherwise if I just need my legs or neck/head/sholders done I’ll go to the ones in the shopping centers.
I’ve found the ones that offer sexual services are ones where you can’t see in the shop, they have a phone number saying to call them, they also have an alternative entrance around the back and a big flashing sign that says open.
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u/R1a88 Aug 06 '26
There are legitimately a few places that have signs up saying “No sex” (or something to that effect).
Perhaps someone knows a good way of pinpointing those places. There’s one near me (SaiJai Thai Massage Collingwood) that I’ve been to and has signs everywhere stating it’s not that kind of place. I’ve seen others too.
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u/Real_RobinGoodfellow Aug 06 '26
This thread has been illuminating.
So all those late-night massage places I’ve walked past, with neon signs, covered windows, that are open late, have actually been kind of brothels?
Huh.
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u/boommdcx Aug 06 '26
I am sorry that happened to you.
If it has neon signs, it is a “special massage” place. They are usually near train stations or shopping strips and open iate at night.
Go to the massage places inside the mall during normal business hours with men and women working as masseuses and you should be safe.
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u/CuriousOnePlus Aug 05 '26
That's awful. And gross.
If the windows are covered, do not proceed.
I've been fortunate to never be offered.... Extras. I usually book in advance. Requesting a specific type of massage ex. 50 minute Swedish or Lomi Lomi, etc.
Walk in places are sketchy so scheduling is good. Also ask about where they were trained. I find in Australia there's a lot of totally untrained, unqualified people giving massages.
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u/ThePhenomenomOfLife Aug 06 '26
If they accept healthcare they won’t offer these services, and generally if you can see in the window they are normal but if you can’t see in it’s dodgy
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u/snowiffy Aug 06 '26
Maybe if you break this down to potential suburbs you prefer to travel, recommendations will come.
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u/magicornz Aug 06 '26
Genuinely: go to a legit physio OR a cheap place in a shopping centre food court where you can sit inside the window. I get my shoulders and neck massaged and I’m in full sight of everyone walking past. They do other massages behind little curtains, but I’m guessing they wouldn’t offer extra services because there’s not much privacy. They’re cheap and really good massages.
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u/Empty-Rich-6477 Aug 06 '26
Read the Google reviews…. If they all from men and use the words “girls”, “attractive”, etc steer clear.
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u/MadamJones Aug 07 '26
My friends and I play a game called “Would you take your mum” - basically you look at the massage place and ask if you’d buy your mum a voucher for the place as a gift.
Places like Endota Spa and hotel day spa places are an easy one - very mum friendly.
Anything with neon lights is almost instantly a deal-breaker. I don’t want my mum to think I’m cheap and got her some Groupon style voucher.
Everything else is kinda down to vibes. Most shopping centre ones are safe (I assume they don’t want sex noises breaking through to the thoroughfare).
But yeah, if in doubt you can check the Asian Massage Parlours subreddit and see if a particular place is listed there.
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Aug 05 '26
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u/Main_Confusion_8030 Aug 05 '26
sadly way out of my price range! but would love to.
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u/HouseHippoFluff Aug 06 '26
Another option if you live near a TAFE is to check out if they have a massage clinic. I know Chisholm does one for $30 for 60 mins remedial or relaxation. Need to book though.
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u/funnyfirerabbit Aug 06 '26
I’ve been to massage places that have a sign out the front stating that they do NOT offer sexual services. Sorry that happened to you and I also feel sorry for legit massage business who have to put up these signs.
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u/regan5523 Aug 06 '26
I've been to one of those with my (male) partner, in separate rooms. He got offered those services, despite the sign at reception.
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u/funnyfirerabbit Aug 06 '26
Omg that’s bad, what’s the point of the sign then!
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u/sss133 Aug 06 '26
It’s a tactic to throw people off. I’m a Myotherapist and you generally don’t mention that stuff in any of your advertising etc.
There’s places that’ll have signs saying “Women only” but they’re still dodgy.
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u/JaysPays2024 Aug 06 '26
Look at members of an association: Eg: https://www.amt.org.au/amt/who-are-we.html
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u/monsterfcker69 Aug 06 '26
pm me for a recommendation, my massage therapist is genuinely the love of my life, i regret moving from melbourne just because i miss her ( my back hurts :( )
she doesnt do walk ins but often has same day availability
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u/allgear_noidea Aug 06 '26
I used to be an RMT.
Just find somewhere that has a remedial massage therapist registered / advertising they are health fund compliant.
If you're gonna through all the paperwork, compliance, professional development etc to take PHI I don't imagine you're going to give a happy ending. I'm sure it's not foolproof tho.
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u/Twistedjustice Aug 06 '26
You have my full sympathy, had a similar experience - slept funny, tried to power through the work day but come 6pm I was in agony.
Went to a place that wasn’t in a shopping centre and, eye opening…
I’m high functioning autistic too, I don’t do confrontation and pressure selling well, so when she gave me to hard sell for sex services it was pretty uncomfortable and upsetting.
Like others have said, places inside shopping centres will be safe, and ones that are outside IF you can see through the windows. I liked the other suggestion about reviews from women, I will be in the lookout for that from now on.
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u/Onehundredbillionx Aug 06 '26
I used to work in a couple that did offer extras. I’d avoid every “Thai” place. Every place with neon signs, any that are open late and that don’t accept hicaps.
The no sexual service sign means nothing. It’s most likely there from before the law changed. All shops had them. Meant nothing back then either.
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u/stevebuscemispenis public transport freakouts Aug 06 '26
Places in shopping centres are legit and make sure they use HICAPS.
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u/wisenthot Aug 05 '26
Make sure not to go to massage places with a foot and a smiley face on the sign, apparently this means they offer the type of services you're wanting to avoid.
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u/Main_Confusion_8030 Aug 05 '26
this is exactly the advice i'm looking for. i don't know that i've ever noticed a foot or a smiley face before but i'll look carefully.
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u/OudSmoothie Aug 06 '26
Some places are basically alternative brothels and other places are obviously legit... but you could be propositioned in any setting depending on what vibes you're sending out.
I got it on with my physio once upon a time, so a tertiary degree or a clinical setting will not prevent it either.
Your safest bet is to book in at an obviously legit place, keep your underwear on, and set your boundaries before the massage starts.
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u/AdMinimum7143 Aug 06 '26
I feel the general rule of thumb is if the windows are clear and you can see into the shop its legit , if it's not visible it's probabaly a bit dodgy.
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u/Dry_Sundae7664 Aug 06 '26
It should be much more transparent for everyone’s safety.
My partner (male) used to be a remedial massage therapist in a legit sports physio clinic and would get propositioned. My friend has provided massages in a beauty clinic setting and also had it requested. It’s sexual harassment and makes me so mad!
On the flip side, I completely can related to you OP as someone with history or sexual trauma. I once went to a place on a whim thinking it was a luxury service and they had some add ons which were quite spiritual. Turned up and my therapist smelt of cigs, had old towels and I’d signed up for some erotic massage. She was just a last minute replacement and very confused that I didn’t sign up for what she thought I was there for. The worst experience ever. Now I really do my research.
I have an amazing massage therapist now though. I go to places with remedial massage therapists that offer other adjacent therapies like acupuncture or psychology. For me, part of the experience is comfort such as room temperature, smell as well as their technique. I always read their bios to get a feel for their philosophy before hand as it is such an “intimate experience” (no, not that kind) to let someone touch your body. A lot of trust and vulnerability involved.
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u/viocrab Aug 06 '26
The single best way to avoid erotic massage parlors is to check their contact details against the directories that they advertise on. Almost all places will advertise on sites like Locanto.
Otherwise, there is no 100% foolproof method. Some of the higher end erotic parlors are mostly indistinguishable from legit day spas.
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u/Gigglymess Aug 06 '26
It’s probably not what you’re after at all as you’d probably need an appointment but in case you’d consider it, I’d recommend a physiotherapist at least you know it’s strictly professional and they know what they are doing, esp if you’re in chronic pain. Plus they can do cupping and dry needling etc which I find is a nice mix along with massage for chronic pain. Good luck! Being ND has its downsides so I feel your pain but I hope you find someone to help, I would also highly recommend a referral to a pain clinic from your dr if you haven’t considered it/tried one yet, they can be a great support for chronic pain :)
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u/Melodic-Priority3865 Aug 06 '26
Sports physio clinics often have massage therapists it's worth a shot
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u/Jmac599 Aug 06 '26
The only “safe” one I’ve found is Vigorous Thai chain that you can do walk ins.
If you don’t wear jocks they’ll even give you paper ones to wear.
I’ve even had propositions at shopping centre ones that I used to think were safe.
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u/ingenkopaaisen Aug 06 '26
Look for a sports massage. In a sports center or a proper clinic with other professionals like physios and chiropractics and you should be fine.
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u/oreomcdurry Aug 07 '26 edited Aug 07 '26
as someone who was once obsessed with reading unhappy reviews from people who had this exact experience, look for a combination of:
• google maps reviews – <4 stars, mentions of women being turned away, < 10 reviews almost entirely by men with no profile pics, mentions of ‘girls’, mentions of ethnicity/nationality, obviously people upset at happy endings
• advertisement on Locanto
• named ‘Asian’ massage (rather than Thai or remedial for eg)
• named ‘<street number> <street name>’
• no private health rebate
• 9-11pm close time
• abnormally low prices for the area – like $50/hr
• windows and door completely covered in opaque contact. frosted glass may be ok
• back/discreet entrance
• zero interior design
• the blinking ‘open’ sign is not a reliable indicator, but you can take it as one if you want to be extra safe
good luck!
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u/_The-_ Aug 07 '26
The most reliable indicator is if they accept health funds through HICAPS. Health funds are incredibly switched on to not having their claims used to fund sexual services, for obvious reasons. They don’t want their claim volumes to explode.
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u/Dogwoman_woof Aug 07 '26
I recently learned of a friend’s friend’s son who mistook a massage venue for a legitimate non-sexual massage place and who was so shocked and violated when the happy ending part occurred that he ended up taking his own life, in a horrific manner as he just couldn’t get past the shame. Poor young man was quite religious and thoroughly traumatised by what occurred. Unwanted sexual contact is assault, however you dress it up. Look for places that emphasise therapeutic massage, and some massage therapy schools offer massages by their students at a discounted rate. Be careful out there. It’s quite okay to establish ground rules at the beginning of a session too, making it clear that the massage stays on the outside of the underwear before you even take off your shoes.
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u/SnooPeppers7769 Aug 06 '26
i’m so sorry that happened to you, that’s not okay at all. my mum used to have a masseuse come to our home to give her professional massages, maybe you could look into that? it might also be worth it to be in your own safe space too, at least for the time being while you find a new place you can go to.
i’m not 100% sure but apparently places that offer those services tend to put a lot of flashy light up signs on their shops and that’s apparently how people tell.
if the home suggestion won’t work for you i would definitely recommend a place in a shopping centre or more of a chain. i would also think it’s completely okay to have a polite conversation to a place about it just to let them know you had a bad experience and just want to make sure it’s a safe place for you to go to, if they’re a professional business and you ask politely i’m sure they will be understanding.
other than that please seek professional help for your trauma if you need it, sa is sa, it doesn’t matter who you are or who did it to you, your trauma is valid and i hope you can heal from it.
i live a little out of melbourne but if you’re not comfortable having a conversation with a place you’ve found feel free to message me and i’m happy to have a chat with them to make sure it’s safe for you to go there, that way they won’t even know it’s you that asked.
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u/Cyraga Aug 05 '26
Look for places that offer remedial massage or myotherapy. Those people are qualified and usually registered as a practitioner so they can get paid from insurance funds. They'd tell you to fuck right off if you ask for a happy ending
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u/indecisivetiger Aug 05 '26
Sorry this happened to you. In my experience, the only way to be sure is to go to either
1. A day spa for a very overpriced massage
2. A physio or sports medicine adjacent place or,
3. One inside a shopping centre.
Those places inside shopping centres are a no frills, more affordable walk in situation like you might have been looking for. You can usually choose the body parts you want massaged.
Almost all the walk-in, street facing places feature sex work. You can have a normal massage there too, but you would need to be clear when walking in which I understand might be more challenging with your neurodivergence. A lot of “how do customers know” is from context cues or experience. I learned all this from workmates who frequent massage places for the extras. Some giveaways are how closed the front of the place is, no windows, fluro “open” sign, advertising a rear entrance. Basically, if it’s Asian branding and on a street, it is offering extras. If it’s inside a shopping centre, it’s not. If it’s day spa vibe, it’s not.
Hope you are feeling better soon and can find a nicer experience.
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u/likeyoukn0wwhatever Aug 06 '26
Koh Thai massage in Yarraville are great and have specific signage not to ask for sexual services as they do not provide. Awesome massages too, and the pricing is reasonable.
Don't go to any that have the front windows obscured by generic massage pictures, that are open all hours, and that have neon signage. Places that offer private health insurance rebates are usually a safe bet to not offer sexual services either.
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u/Vyraxysss Aug 06 '26
You should find a private masseuse, not walk in. More like work for themselves type. They're more likely to be legit and have 'no sexual service signs' up.
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u/Tree_Chemistry_Plz Aug 06 '26
I used the website Blys to book an at-home remedial massage as a one-off. It happened in my home and was 100% professional. https://getblys.com.au/
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u/yalitah Aug 06 '26
The myos at life performance have always been good to me. Would recommend any of them, they work out of a physio
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u/myLongjohnsonsilver Aug 06 '26
Lmao it's a legite question. One of the technicians that travels to service my workplace got a rude suprise when he spent a long day running cables through a roof then went for a neck massage. Picked the wrong place and they grabbed his wiener unprompted.
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u/Robot_Graffiti Aug 06 '26
At one point, Violet Massage in West Footscray had a sign taped up on the front that said "NOT SEXUAL". So a) non-sexual message is available and b) evidently some of the masseurs have experienced a similar frustration to you
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u/-businessskeleton- Aug 06 '26
Lots of female reviews online? That's a possibility. Also you have spa places like endota that are more high class estsbliments
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u/Necessary_Space_7155 Aug 06 '26
From my experience.. go to a place with lots of good google reviews from men and women about the services; well-lit space; clear/glass shop frontages (and not covered with stock photos of people being massaged); staff look professional; in a clean and public location like a shopping centre; if you're male, ask for male masseuse; busy with patrons of both sexes.
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u/StageJealous730 Aug 06 '26
Some places have signs inside strictly stating that there will be no sexual services and you will be asked to leave so if you pop your head in and check for signs
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u/knobbledknees Aug 06 '26
If you are getting remedial massage from a place that also has a physios, I have never heard anyone experience someone pushing sexual services there.
If you go to a place where the rooms are only divided by curtains or similar, that is also likely better, e.g. I have never had any dodgy experience at the place in Melbourne Central, where half the time the guy massaging you is an old Chinese guy, who definitely does not seem interested in making a buck on the side by offering "extra services".
If they have private rooms and dim lights, you simply can't guarantee that NONE of the therapists are making some money on the side; I went to one place and got quite a few few good massages with nothing dodgy, then one day one of the masseuses asked me if I needed something extra, in a very specific way (I did not, I just had a sore back).
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u/OziNiner Aug 06 '26
just to add from experience, i know of NDIS therapists and massage workers who provide sex work to clients
i never thought i'd write that sentence in my life but i have
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u/universe93 Aug 06 '26
Any one in a major shopping centre is likely not going to offer those services. Centre managements are pretty strict and have agreements that prevent them doing that or they’d get kicked out so if anyone does get an offer like that, report them. Otherwise you might want to find a place attached to a medical service with physios etc
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u/sharkbait-oo-haha Aug 06 '26
Does Melbourne have a city cave? They are a chain here in Brisbane that my ex used to go to alot, very corporate, do the whole spa thing like deprecation of liberty tanks, solariums etc. Pretty sure they are PG.
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u/Conscious-Read-698 Aug 06 '26
Reviews that aren't just from men. Not open 24/7. Place that accepts private health insurance. Not called a Parlour.
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u/SakuraM1011 Aug 06 '26
things i look for as green flags are no flashing neon signs, being able to see in the front windows, having a range of massage types and other therapies (eg my usual place also does cupping), health insurance rebates and then also reviews :)
i've been going to vigorous thai/vigorous therapeutic for a while with no weird vibes at all from them, and they always do a great job of kneading out any issues i have in my muscles. they accept both pre booked sessions online or in store as well as walk ins if they have the time to slot you in.
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u/moonchildkityprinces Aug 06 '26
HICAPS is a health fund acceptance on payment systems. I'd go there.
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u/brianozm Aug 06 '26
The label “therapeutic massage” should be visible but I’d just ask if massage is therapeutic, and if yes, then confirm no happy ending.
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u/UncleJohnsonsparty Aug 06 '26
As someone who has ongoing back pain and use massage as a therapeutic means, I tend to stick to:
- using places that are not open late.
- avoiding frosted windows with neon signs
- using shopping centres
- using places with remedial massage and hicaps (less likely)
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u/HighKick_171 Aug 06 '26
Remedial massage. Book this type of massage and you won't get offered anything weird. I'm a woman so it's neevr happened to me but I know for a fact that remedial massage is able to be redeemed on private health insurance and private health would never cover sexual services.
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u/Numerous-Panic-1760 Aug 06 '26
Made the same mistake in WA. The sign declaring it was massage ONLY NO EXTRAS "mislead" me..
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u/No_Astronaut_7692 Aug 06 '26
Go somewhere that’s a clinic that has multiple modalities in the same place- such as a clinic that has physio, massage, chiropractic etc. They definitely won’t be offering extra in there.
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u/crudknuckles Aug 06 '26
Just jumping on this to add, I used to be a spa therapist. I applied for a job at what I thought was a massage therapist place, heard back really quickly and scheduled an interview. It wasn't until I decided to check out the Google reviews that I twigged what kind of place it was. And the fact that it was open until 2am on the weekend.
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u/AgentKnitter North Side Aug 06 '26
Good tip: look for health fund rebate options. More likelihood of being legitimate.
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u/IndividualBuffalo990 Aug 06 '26
I've always wondered this. I've wanted a massage to help with pain but scared to go as I don't want an experience like you had.
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u/Imbeingbored Aug 06 '26
Sorry random question for the women that get a happy ending, is it time based or do they twist your nips and send you on your way?
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u/Salty-Astronaut8312 Aug 06 '26
You can to this neons sign/ late places and when they ask for an “area to focus on” towards the very end just say oh my back again thank you haha. I’ve been in a few funny situations but I still got a massage, nothing like a proper qualified massage but sometimes you just need a bit of zoning out. I’m a female though so maybe there’s no convo and it’s a given with men??? So keen to know how that works though with - do they ask for more money afterwards? Or ask first like “do you want extra?”… educate me.
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u/Brilliant-Lettuce695 Aug 06 '26
So this thread is how I find out my dad is getting happy endings at his local massage place.
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u/Svenikus Aug 06 '26
People have mentioned reading reviews etc but no one has specifically mentioned google their phone numbers (land line and mobile if they have them).
A lot of the places offering extras also advertise in message boards and post their phone numbers which will get picked up in search results.
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u/dummydo11y Aug 07 '26
somewhere that i am 100% sure does not offer sexual services is The Healing Lounge in St Kilda :) they are friendly, the massages are amazing (plus free tea & cookies afterwards if you like), and there are signs clearly stating that there is no sexual conduct and failure to adhere to that will result in the massage session being terminated. i hope this helps!
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u/Empresscamgirl Aug 07 '26
I only go to places that also offer chiro and osteo, and accept private health. Also the ones inside shopping centres are fine.
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u/Acceptable_Fun6235 Aug 07 '26
My little experience with erotic massage places is very limited, i sometimes wonder if ive been to one and never known... But I've found shops on malls/arcades/shopping centres are the safest choice. If there's a red lantern/LED open light they can be indicators but those open signs are everywhere and it isn't a sure bet. My best advice is a little pricey depending on where you live but myotherapy could be helpful especially for physical pain and recovery. They are a lot safer for someone with osteo or muscular issues, and I've never been or attempted to be mounted by one.
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u/Mysterious_Squash867 Aug 07 '26
There’s a massage place on Russell Street that has a sign explicitly telling people to stop asking for ‘extra service’. Try there?
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u/bkc83 Aug 07 '26
I know you said walk ins but what about a voucher on Groupon or Scoopon and redeeming it when you want it? I'm assuming they're legit? Good luck, the amount of massage parlours that are just dodgy brothels is so gross.
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u/zaprime87 Aug 07 '26
You might be better off going to a physio. At least you know what you are getting.
As a fellow ND, the idea of someone pushing me into that sort of thing in a vulnerable state is very disconcerting.
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u/l3ntil Aug 07 '26
u/main_confusion_8030
I just wanted to reassure you that your concerns are 100% legit, and was unaware of what a huge problem massage therapist services can be:
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u/g00detama Aug 08 '26
As a person who enjoys massage every other week (yes sue me) my safest go-to:
The ones inside the mall (vouching for MyPlace Spa!!!)
The ones that are famous on social media (like SoS, Sakura Lounge, Izumi, Kai Body Retreat etc)
The ones that have existed for ages and have a proper biz establishment (Endota, Stable Massage, etc)
The local ones that have Google/Yelp/TA Reviews where ratings and comments are of similar amounts (not ratings only) its so I can see the comments where predominantly female-based, plus points if its verified reviewers and the review got replied by the owner!
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u/sleepysof_ Aug 09 '26
if you have a lady friend, who you can ask this of without being creepy, make an appointment at the same time with her.
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u/daybeforetheday Aug 09 '26
OP, I don't have an answer, but I just wanted to say this was a really good question. I think there's probably a lot of people who would want a similar guarantee, myself included. I'm sorry you've been through a lot.
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u/New_Tap4159 Aug 09 '26
There are tons where I live. Inner eastern suburb. The ones you can see in are legit. But check google reviews or if they have a website. Just because they are Asian run as some have suggested doesn’t mean anything. Don’t tarnish legit small business with the same brush.
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