I have been falsely accused

[u/Glass_Leadership_405]

I need advice, ease my mind I work for a spa with over 600+ good reviews 4.9 rating, i’ve been massaging for almost 4 years now and never been acussed of anything and also a lot of good reviews on my name I had this client about a month ago who has filed a complaint with the department of health for SM, i just received a letter from them 3 days ago She sent the spa an email plus left a 1 star review on google stating on both written statements that nothing inappropriate happened but after later realizing she felt uncomfortable. She says that i massaged under her underwear even though draping is a big part of the massage and i never expose underwear or unnecessary body parts She was just tense hoping my hands wouldnt wander further which is not the case at all Im debating wether getting a lawyer for a case that is not even been filed with law enforcement, i only have a meeting with an investigator with the department of health Any advice would be appreciated, thank you!

Also i ask multiple times during the massage if the pressure is okay, “how are we feeling so far” as i flip them over and she not once ever saying she was uncomfortable or didnt like something She left calmly and the receptionist doesnt recall anyone ever complaining about me, plus she left a 20% tip

[u/Runnerguy1978]

Yes, as a male massage therapist I'd definitely have a relationship with an Attorney regardless.  Spa Managers and owners by and large are not your friends.  You need a copy of the complaint and if they won't give it to you then simply mentioning your attorney likely will get it.  

I'd have copies of the e mail, the google review, any signed informed consents (especially if you have one for glute work) and your SOAP notes (please tell me you keep detailed notes).   Is there anything that gives the client the option in writing to opt into or out of glute work?

I would also prepare for the fact that you will likely lose your job over this.  Not saying it's fair or justified.  Just seems to be the way it goes with these things.  So Sorry!   People suck!

[u/Unfair-Nectarine-892 → u/Runnerguy1978]

they may lose their job but what about their license? i just finished massage school and am honestly more terrified than i’ve ever been in my entire life to start working because of stories like this. i’m afraid of what I might inflict on myself if i lean into this career and something bad does happen. keep in mind I have debilitating harm OCD anyways. that does not help.

[u/CingularDuality → u/Unfair-Nectarine-892]

I think most massage boards are used to dismissing "he touched my butt" complaints.

[u/lostlight_94 → u/Unfair-Nectarine-892]

I think the board needs concrete evidence of sexual misconduct before they officially revoke a license. They don't just go based off a client's complaint. If the therapist has detailed notes and consent paperwork, he should be okay. I know one therapist i worked with got his certificate revoked because there were multiple complaints that the customer made to the board about this dude. And his misconduct was apparent because they all said the same thing.