Texas Massage Licensing

Texas Massage Licensing is handled by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

TEXAS (licensing started in 1985)
Department of Health
Professional Licensing
Massage Therapy Program
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756-3183
Tel: 512-834-6616
Fax: 512-834-6677
Website : See the Texas Massage Board Website for info on Texas Massage Licensing

Texas definition of Massage Therapy:

"Massage therapy--The manipulation of soft tissue by hand or through a mechanical or electrical apparatus for the purpose of body massage. The term includes effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), compression, vibration, friction, nerve strokes, and Swedish gymnastics. Massage therapy may include the use of oil, lubricant, salt glows, heat lamps, hot and cold packs, or tub, shower, jacuzzi, sauna, steam or cabinet baths. Equivalent terms for massage therapy are massage, therapeutic massage, massage technology, myo-therapy, body massage, body rub, or any derivation of those terms. Massage therapy is a health care service when the massage is for therapeutic purposes. The terms "therapy" and "therapeutic" do not include diagnosis, the treatment of illness or disease, or any service or procedure for which a license to practice medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, or podiatry is required by law. Massage therapy does not constitute the practice of chiropractic."

Texas requires massage instructors to be licensed and also requires a massage establishment license.

These are just a few of the things in the Massage licensing laws. Be sure to contact the Texas Massage Board with all of your questions on licensing and legislation. This information is subject to change.

Becoming a massage therapist in Texas will require that you go to massage school and take the required classes as well as maintain your Texas massage license. If you are in the process of researching careers in massage, be sure to read my Massage Career Guide which will give you more info on the things you need to know about becoming a massage therapist including tips for choosing the best massage school.