Code of Massachusetts Regulations
269 CMR - BOARD OF REGISTRATION OF MASSAGE THERAPY
Title 269 CMR 2.00 - Definitions
Section 2.01 - Definitions

As used in 269 CMR, the following definitions shall apply:

Board. The Board of Registration of Massage Therapy as established by M.G.L. c. 13, § 98.

Division. The Division of Professional Licensure.

Licensed Massage School. A facility which is licensed by the Board after meeting minimum standards for training and curriculum, as determined in accordance with M.G.L. c. 13, §§ 228 through 236.

Licensed Massage Therapy Establishment: A place, office, clinic or facility licensed by the Board to offer Massage services.

Licensee. A person or entity holding a license issued pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 227 through 235.

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 of illness or disease, the prescribing of drugs or medicines, high-velocity, low amplitude thrust applied to the joint, electrical stimulation, application of ultrasound, exercise, 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 Therapy also shall not include the practice of a person who uses touch, words or directed movement to deepen awareness of the patterns of movement in the body, or the affectation of the human energy system or acupoints or Qimeridians of the human body while engaged within the scope of practice of a profession with established standards and ethics, including, but not 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 M.G.L. c. 135, Acupressure, Jin Shin Do, Qi Gong, Tui Na, Shiatsu, Body-mind Centering and Reiki. For purposes of 269 CMR et seq., the use of the term "Massage" shall also mean the term "Massage therapy".

Massage Therapist or Massage Practitioner. A person licensed by the Board who instructs or administers Massage or Massage therapy for compensation. For purposes of 269 CMR 2.00, the use of the term "Massage Therapist" shall also mean the term "Massage Practitioner".

Unrelated. A person who is not a family member by blood or by a legally recognized relationship.