Massage Licensing in PA

In October 2008, former Gov. Rendell signed the Amendent that put the PA Massage Therapist Licensing into motion. Near the end of 2010 it was finalized and starting this year the new PA State Board of Massage Therapy made available applications for existing and newly graduate Massage Therapists to finally receive a license.

Because of this advancement in recognition, Massage Therapy now has a specific definition of what massage therapy is considered; following is how it is defined by the Board:

§ 20.41. Scope of practice.
(a) Massage therapists apply a system of structured touch, pressure, movement, holding and treatment of the soft tissue manifestations of the human body in which the primary intent is to enhance the health and well-being of the client. Massage therapy includes:
(1) The external application of water, heat, cold, lubricants and other topical preparations.
(2) Lymphatic techniques.
(3) Myofascial release techniques.
(4) The use of electro-mechanical devices which mimic or enhance the action of the massage techniques.
(b) Massage therapy practice does not include:
(1) The diagnosis or treatment of impairment, illness, disease or disability.
(2) Medical procedures.
(3) Chiropractic manipulation—adjustment.
(4) Physical therapy mobilization—manual therapy.
(5) Therapeutic exercise.
(6) Ordering or prescribing drugs or treatments for which a license to practice medicine, osteopathic medicine, nursing, podiatry, optometry, chiropractic, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other healing art is required.
(7) The application of high velocity/low amplitude force further defined as thrust techniques directed toward joint surfaces.
(8) The use of equipment or devices that require a prescription (for example, ultrasound, diathermy or electrical neuromuscular stimulation)