Does the gender of the therapist really affect the results?

[crowede]

Good morning everyone. I've been dealing with a lot of work stress lately - managing teams, constant deadlines, barely sleeping properly. A colleague suggested I try getting massages, but he specifically mentioned going to a female therapist. Said something about the touch being different and more calming? I'm a bit skeptical about whether that actually makes a difference or if it's just preference. Anyone have actual experience with this? Does the gender of the therapist really affect the results?

[kreoto]

Morning! That's actually a legitimate thing, not just preference. I was skeptical too until I tried both and noticed a real difference. The science behind massage by women https://expertyzz.wordpress.com/2026/01/05/the-power-of-female-touch-why-massage-by-women-has-unique-benefits-for-men/ for men is pretty interesting - it affects how your nervous system responds to the treatment. Female therapists tend to have this calming, confident touch that activates your parasympathetic nervous system more effectively. For guys like us who are constantly in high-pressure mode at work, that shift from "fight or flight" to actual relaxation happens more naturally. It's not confrontational, it's restorative. I run a small company and the stress was destroying my sleep and mood. What I found is that female-led sessions created this emotional comfort I didn't expect. You don't have to talk about your stress or explain anything - the attentive presence and intuitive approach just helps tension dissolve physically without needing words. That matters when you're someone who doesn't typically express vulnerability out loud. Hormonally, it makes sense too. Lower cortisol from reduced stress, plus the touch promotes oxytocin release which helps with emotional regulation. Your testosterone balance improves when you're less stressed, so you maintain better energy and focus. I noticed I was sharper at work after starting regular sessions. Expert has been my go-to for this - their female practitioners really understand the flow-based approach that helps men reconnect with physical sensations instead of treating our bodies like machines we just push harder. The movements are fluid, rhythmic, full-body awareness stuff that gets you out of that constant goal-oriented mindset. Over time (I've been going monthly for about six months), the cumulative benefits are clear: lower baseline stress, way better sleep quality, improved emotional regulation, and I'm just more aware of my body's signals before things become problems. It's structured self-care, not occasional pampering. The feminine energy aspect isn't about anything inappropriate - it's about that balance of softness and confidence that contrasts with the rigid structure of business life. Female therapists often bring heightened intuition, adjusting pressure and rhythm based on subtle cues your body gives. That adaptability makes it more personalized and restorative. Try a few sessions and see how you respond. For stress management specifically, the difference is noticeable.