Body Works and Spa Safety in Montgomery County

Not all legitimate spas look perfect, and not all polished locations are safe. Here are specific red flags that should raise concerns:

Licensing & Certification Red Flags

• Unable to provide therapist license numbers upon request
• Certificates displayed are generic, lack official state seals, or appear identical across multiple therapists
• Staff cannot explain their training or certification background
• Business refuses to provide proof of liability insurance

Business Practice Red Flags

• Cash-only policy with no receipts provided
• Vague or suggestive language in advertising 
• Appointment times available at unusual hours and do not coincide with Montgomery County policies (8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.)
• Locked doors during posted business hours or buzzer entry systems
• Windows heavily tinted or covered, preventing visibility inside

Location & Environment Red Flags

• Living quarters visible on premises (beds, cooking areas, unusual amount of personal belongings)
• Staff appear to live at the business location
• Lack of visible health and safety certifications

Online Presence Red Flags

• Online reviews mentioning "extras," coded language, or inappropriate services
• Multiple negative reviews about pressure for tips or additional services
• No professional website or social media presence
• Business listed on questionable directories or forums

✓ Check Licensing

Maryland requires massage therapists to be licensed. Verify credentials through:

Maryland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners 
Maryland State Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Search by therapist name or license number

• Confirm licenses are current and in good standing
• Check for any disciplinary actions

✓ Look for Proper Business Registration

Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
Montgomery County Business Licensing

✓ Read Reviews Carefully

• Check Google, Yelp, and other review platforms
• Look for consistent professionalism
• Be wary of coded language or suspicious patterns
• Note: Some legitimate spas may have a citation in their past—look at the full context

✓ Ask Questions

Before booking, don't hesitate to ask:

• "Are all therapists licensed by the State of Maryland?"
• "Can I see proof of your therapist's credentials?"
• "What is your cancellation policy?"
• "Do you provide receipts?"

Professional businesses welcome these questions.

Your health and safety come first. Whether you're seeking relief from chronic pain, stress reduction, or wellness care, you deserve:

• Licensed, trained professionals
• Clean, safe environments
• Transparent business practices
• Respect and professional boundaries

Don't let a polished exterior fool you—dig deeper. The most luxurious-looking spa may lack proper licensing, while a modest location might be fully legitimate and highly skilled.

Understanding the Risks

Some establishments operating as massage businesses may be fronts for illicit activities. While we focus on health and safety violations, it's important to understand that:

• Unlicensed operations put your physical health at risk
• Some locations may involve exploited or trafficked workers
• Patronizing illegitimate businesses can have legal consequences
• Your safety and the safety of vulnerable individuals are interconnected

If something feels wrong, trust your instincts.