Scope of Practice and Prohibited Conduct
Scope
Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissue for compensation to promote relaxation, circulation, and well-being. Within scope: palpation, compression, kneading, friction, vibration, stretching, and external application of approved lubricants. Out of scope: diagnosis, prescription, spinal adjustment, invasive procedures, and treating disease as a medical provider. Referred pain or a red-flag symptom requires referral, not a more aggressive massage.
Prohibited conduct
- Sexual contact, sexualized language, or draping that exposes breasts or genitals.
- Practicing under alcohol or drug impairment.
- False or misleading advertising, including unearned medical credentials.
- Aiding unlicensed practice or letting an unlicensed person perform massage.
- Billing fraud or documenting services not rendered.
Worked example
A client reports unilateral calf pain, swelling, and warmth after a flight. The therapist proceeds with deep calf massage because the client just wants relief. These are possible deep-vein thrombosis signs; massage could dislodge a clot. Scope and safety require stopping, referring for medical evaluation, and documenting the referral without diagnosing.
Traps
Prescription massage does not mean the therapist may diagnose. Stretching is not a chiropractic adjustment, but high-velocity spinal manipulation is outside scope. A signed consent form does not authorize prohibited sexual conduct. A therapeutic relationship does not make a medical disclaimer optional.