SPRINGFIELD, Ore. — What was supposed to be a routine massage has now led to criminal charges for a Springfield therapist who says he was simply following the “direction of tension.”
According to court documents, Matthew Christopher Ramos has been charged with third-degree sexual abuse after a client reported that he inappropriately touched her during a massage session in July. The woman told police she felt scared and froze during the incident. She later texted Ramos saying she felt violated by what happened.
Ramos allegedly apologized, explaining that he was just following the “direction of tension” and acknowledged he should have asked for consent.
Police later contacted Ramos about the allegations. According to court records, he initially denied wrongdoing but later admitted to massaging the woman’s chest and abdomen. He maintained he did nothing wrong but stated he would voluntarily relinquish his license.
Public records show Ramos was associated with a Springfield business called Willamette Valley Massage, where he was listed as an Oregon Licensed Massage Therapist, license number 21933. Business listings identify the practice at 1717 Centennial Blvd in Springfield and, more recently, at 4739 Main Street, Suite 4. The clinic advertised neuromuscular massage services focused on pain management and improving clients’ quality of life. Online listings now indicate the business appears to be permanently closed.
Do you love Oregon?
Sign up for monthly emails full of local travel inspiration and fun trip ideas. In each newsletter we'll share upcoming events, new things to do, hot dining spots and great travel ideas.
Under Oregon law, massage therapists are required to obtain informed consent before providing treatment. The Oregon Board of Massage Therapists defines informed consent as a process in which the client understands what will occur, participation is voluntary, and the client is competent to agree.
State guidelines also require safe and functional draping whenever a client is disrobed. Genitals and the gluteal cleft must never be exposed, and the breast area must not be exposed during treatment. While gluteal or breast draping may be temporarily adjusted for therapeutic purposes, it must be done with voluntary and informed consent and without exposing those areas.
In practice, informed consent typically includes explaining the treatment plan, discussing any sensitive areas, confirming how draping will be handled, and making clear that the client can stop or modify the session at any time.
A massage professional familiar with industry standards told us that while both abdominal and breast work can be indicated in certain therapeutic contexts, they require clear clinical reasoning and explicit communication beforehand.
“There’s no routine protocol that would automatically connect those areas without very specific discussion and consent,” the source said.
Ramos faces a charge of third-degree sexual abuse. As with all criminal cases, he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The case remains ongoing.
