Massage

Legal Definitions of Massage & Bodywork

Legally speaking, the definition of “massage” actually covers “bodywork” as we are defining it here. According to many state statutes, they are synonymous terms. Yet many therapists prefer the term bodywork, or such as myotherapy or muscle therapy, to distinguish their work from the relaxation, spa style of work.

One legal definition of “massage” is:

A system of manual therapy performed by a formally trained, often licensed practitioner that focuses on the application and principles of therapeutic massage to reduce musculoskeletal pain and promote healing, relaxation, and overall health.

And one from the Florida Massage Statutes:

“Massage” means the manipulation of the soft tissues of the human body with the hand, foot, arm, or elbow, whether or not such manipulation is aided by hydrotherapy, including colonic irrigation, or thermal therapy; any electrical or mechanical device; or the application to the human body of a chemical or herbal preparation.

Another, more specific definition from the Arizona Statutes on Massage Therapy is:

3. “Bodywork therapy” means massage therapy.

4. “Massage therapist” means a person who is licensed under this chapter to engage in the practice of massage therapy.

5. “Massage therapy” means the following that are undertaken to increase wellness, relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief and postural improvement or provide general or specific therapeutic benefits:

(a) The manual application of compression, stretch, vibration or mobilization of the organs and tissues beneath the dermis, including the components of the musculoskeletal system, peripheral vessels of the circulatory system and fascia, when applied primarily to parts of the body other than the hands, feet and head.

(b) The manual application of compression, stretch, vibration or mobilization using the forearms, elbows, knees or feet or handheld mechanical or electrical devices.

(c) Any combination of range of motion, directed, assisted or passive movements of the joints.

(d) Hydrotherapy, including the therapeutic applications of water, heat, cold, wraps, essential oils, skin brushing, salt glows and similar applications of products to the skin.

So the Arizona Statutes consider massage and bodywork to be more or less synonymous terms. Yet the massage versus bodywork question is not rigidly defined or settled. In fact, back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was in the massage industry quite a controversy going on as to what exactly the terms meant, and how they should be used.

Eventually, it was decided to use them individually to indicate different modes or intent of therapy.

These elements will be a primary focus of your training, and will prepare you for private practice or employment upon graduation from FloridaSAB.