Iowa Massage Licensing

Iowa Massage Licensing is regulated by the Department of Public Health, Bureau of Professional licensureIowa Massage Licensing Board

Iowa has approximately 3,400 licensed massage therapists.

They define massage as :

Massage therapy" means performance for compensation of massage, myotherapy, massotherapy, bodywork, bodywork therapy, or therapeutic massage including hydrotherapy, superficial hot and cold applications, vibration and topical applications, or other therapy which involves manipulation of the muscle and connective tissue of the body, excluding osseous tissue, to treat the muscle tonus system for the purpose of enhancing health, muscle relaxation, increasing range of motion, reducing stress, relieving pain, or improving circulation. "Reflexology" means manipulation of the soft tissues of the human body which is restricted to the hands, feet, or ears, performed by persons who do not hold themselves out to be massage therapists or to be performing massage therapy.

Some therapies are currently exempt from licensing:Relexology, Trager Approach, Feldenkrais and other movement based modalities (check with them for specifications) and energy work.

For more information on careers in massage and how to choose a massage school see the Massage Career Guide - The Truth About Becoming a Massage Therapist.