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There has been a lot of debate recently concerning massage franchises, such as Massage Envy and Elements Massage. Both of these companies, and others like them, are on the fast track of expansion all over the country, and a fellow therapist from Canada mentioned recently that a major American franchise was planning a massive invasion there as well.

For the unfamiliar, places like these charge a monthly membership fee, which gets you one massage per month, and any additional massages are purchased at a lower price than most of us independent therapists perform our work for.

Many therapists are critical of such places, using the argument that they offer cookie-cutter massages, and that their price cuts make it hard for the rest of us to compete. Other therapists, especially those fresh out of massage school, are happy to work there, because they offer benefits such as health insurance that many can't afford on their own, opportunities to advance into management, and flexible work hours. Another truth is that not everyone is cut out to be self-employed; there are plenty of people who are great massage therapists but lack enough knowledge, and/or self discipline, to run their own business. Some people just don't want the responsibility that comes with being an entrepreneur.

I'm of the opinion that there are enough aching bodies to go around. I confess I've never visited a franchise, so I can't vouch for the quality of the massage, but I do understand why that would be attractive to some people. Travelers, for instance, could go to a strange city and know that if they visit a Massage Envy, they are visiting a legitimate place where the therapists are licensed and the surroundings will be clean and pleasant. Others may appreciate the discounts for frequent visits, or the fact that these places tend to open early and close late.

Self-employed therapists can stay competitive by offering package deals or incentives for frequent visits, and by accommodating clients who need an appointment before or after regular work hours, when they can. And, you simply cannot accommodate everyone, so the client who needs a 9 p.m. massage due to their own schedule can get one by visiting a franchise.

Don't despair that franchised massage places are going to put you out of business. There will still be plenty of clients who prefer a more personal atmosphere than the one available in a franchise. It's sort of like the difference in eating a juicy hamburger in a local diner, where the waitress knows your name and the cook knows you like your fries extra crispy, vs. going to McDonald's. There's room, and demand, for both types of places.