Massachusetts Massage LicensingMassachusetts Massage Licensing was implemented in 2006. The Massachusetts Massage Licensing Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation is in charge of regulations. They use the following definition for massage: "Massage", the systematic treatment of the soft tissues of the body by use of pressure, friction, stroking, percussion, kneading, vibration by manual or mechanical means, range of motion for purposes of demonstrating muscle excursion or muscle flexibility and nonspecific stretching. Massage therapy may include the use of oil, ice, hot and cold packs, tub, shower, steam, dry heat or cabinet baths, in which the primary intent is to enhance or restore the health and well-being of the client. Massage therapy shall not include diagnoses, the prescribing of drugs or medicines, spinal or other joint manipulations or any services or procedures for which a license to practice medicine, chiropractic, occupational therapy, physical therapy or podiatry is required by law."Massage therapist" or "Massage practitioner", a person licensed by the board who instructs or administers massage or massage therapy for compensation." They have some techniques and disciplines that are exempt from licensing meaning you don't have to go to massage school to practice one of these but you do have to be certified with each group if available."Nothing in this section shall prevent or restrict the practice of a person who uses touch, words or directed movement to deepen awareness of patterns of movement in the body, or the affectation of the human energy system or acupoints or Qi meridians of the human body while engaged within the scope of practice of a profession with established standards and ethics, but such services shall not be designated or implied to be massage or massage therapy. Such practices shall include, but not be limited to, the Feldenkrais Method; Reflexology; The Trager Approach; Ayurvedic Therapies, Rolf Structural Integration, Polarity or Polarity Therapy; Polarity Therapy Bodywork; Asian Bodywork Therapy that does not constitute massage as defined in this chapter; Acupressure; Jin Shin Do; Qi Gong; Tui Na; Shiatsu; Body-Mind Centering and Reiki. These exempt practitioners may use the terms "bodywork", "bodyworker" and "bodywork therapist" in their promotional literature." If you have more information on what it is like to practice massage in Massachusetts and Massachusetts Massage Licensing please let me know by submitting the following form: Have information on massage licensing in this state?Please provide any updates to this massage licensing information or stories on getting your license or questions on massage licensing. || FAQ's || Career Guides || Websites || Supervision || About Me ||
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