Scope of Practice
| RULE §117.2 | Definitions |
(18) Massage therapist–A person who practices or administers massage therapy or other massage services to a client for compensation. The term includes a licensed massage therapist, therapeutic massage practitioner, massage technician, masseur, masseuse, myotherapist, body massager, body rubber, or any derivation of those titles. (19) 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.
OCCUPATIONS CODE TITLE 3. HEALTH PROFESSIONS SUBTITLE H. PROFESSIONS RELATED TO CERTAIN TYPES OF THERAPY CHAPTER 455. MASSAGE THERAPY SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS(7) “Massage therapist” means a person who practices or administers massage therapy or other massage services to a client for compensation. The term includes a licensed massage therapist, therapeutic massage practitioner, massage technician, masseur, masseuse, myotherapist, body massager, body rubber, or any derivation of those titles.(8) “Massage therapy” means the manipulation of soft tissue by hand or through a mechanical or electrical apparatus for the purpose of body massage and includes effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), compression, vibration, friction, nerve strokes, and Swedish gymnastics. The terms “massage,” “therapeutic massage,” “massage technology,” “myotherapy,” “body massage,” “body rub,” or any derivation of those terms are synonyms for “massage therapy.” Sec. 455.002. MASSAGE THERAPY AS HEALTH CARE SERVICE. (a) Massage therapy constitutes a health care service if the massage therapy is for therapeutic purposes. Massage therapy does not constitute the practice of chiropractic. (b) In this chapter, therapy or therapeutic procedures do not include: (1) the diagnosis or treatment of illness or disease; or (2) a service or procedure for which a license to practice medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, or podiatry is required by law. Sec. 455.003. PRACTICES INCLUDED IN MASSAGE THERAPY. Massage therapy includes the use of oil, salt glows, heat lamps, hot and cold packs, and tub, shower, or cabinet baths. Other Laws of Interest Sec. 455.059. INSPECTIONS; INVESTIGATIONS. The department, the department’s authorized representative, or a peace officer may enter the premises of a massage establishment or massage school at: (1) reasonable times to conduct an inspection incidental to the issuance of a license; and (2) other times that the department, the department’s authorized representative, or a peace officer considers necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter.
Distance Learning
Distance learning hours are limited to a maximum amount of 250 hours and are allowed only for theory hours. Topics which can be covered include anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, hydrotherapy, laws and rules, business practices, professional ethics, health, hygiene, first aid, universal precautions, and CPR. Schools can request to offer a portion of the hours, or the maximum amount of 250-hours as distance learning.
A minimum of 250-hours of in-person, hands-on instruction with a licensed massage therapist instructor is required for Swedish massage, massage techniques and all internship hours.
Schools must meet all of the requirements defined in 16 TAC 117.59(m) to offer distance learning. A current certificate of approval must be posted reflecting the approval to offer distance education for schools to be in compliance with 16 TAC 117.50 (k).
Continuing Education Required
| RULE §117.30 | Massage Therapist Continuing Education–Hours |
| (a) Massage therapists must successfully complete at least twelve hours of approved continuing education per license term.(b) One hour of credit will be awarded for each clock hour of attendance at acceptable continuing education activities, except as follows: (1) one semester hour of academic credit will constitute fifteen clock hours of continuing education; (2) one quarter hour of academic credit will constitute ten clock hours of continuing education; and (3) 0.1 continuing education unit will constitute one clock hour of continuing education.(c) A clock hour is equal to 50 minutes. |
Exemptions
Do reflexologists need to have a massage license to practice reflexology? ‘
Reflexology of the hands and feet only (no massage therapy performed and no advertising that uses the word ‘massage’ or any other word protected by our law) does not require a license in Texas.