United States Massage Regulations

Massage Therapy Regulations in the United States. A State by State Guide

Massage Therapy Regulations in the U.S.

Stay Legal. Stay Confident. Practice with Peace of Mind.

Looking for reliable information on massage therapy regulations and licensing requirements in the U.S.?
At Raynor Massage School, we help you understand what rules apply in your state so you can practice legally — and ethically.

Face and head massage by Naturopath Brandon Raynor

Why Regulations Matter

  • Protect your clients with safe, professional standards

  • Protect yourself from fines, legal issues, and penalties

  • Maintain credibility as a licensed professional

  • Understand your scope of practice, including reflexology, deep tissue, and other modalities

Best of Raynor Foot Reflexology Using Massage Tools. Part 5

National Overview

  • 45 states + D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands require massage therapy licensure

  • Licensure categories: licensure, certification, registration (varies by state)

  • Most states require 500–1,000 hours of training, an approved exam (like MBLEx), and continuing education (CE) for license renewal

Best of Intense Raynor Foot Reflexology. Part 1

Reflexology & Specialty Modalities

Reflexology is often regulated under massage therapy laws:

  • In states like New York, reflexologists must have a full massage license

  • In other states, reflexology may be unregulated or covered separately

  • Always check both state laws and local (city/county) ordinances

  • Raynor Massage is exempt in some states if advertised as energy work and done fully clothed, like in Arizona or only practiced on the feet up to the knees, arms up to the elbows and head, above the neck in Missouri.

Foot massage using acupressure pen to get fine detailed pressure. Rock day 1 afternoon session.

Local Rules You Should Know

  • City or county licenses may apply even if you have a state license

  • Local permits may include health inspections, zoning approvals, fingerprinting, or background checks

  • Example: New York City requires a massage establishment permit with the Health Department

Deep Tissue Massage Using Oil on Rock's Leg. Raynor Massage Techniques to Loosen Leg & foot Tension.

Tips for Compliance

✅ Check your state board regulations
✅ Track your training hours and exam records
✅ Complete CE credits on time
✅ Apply for any required local permits
✅ Stay within your legal scope of practice

Raynor foot reflexology massage using chopsticks on Vlad using GoPro

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all states require massage therapy licensure?
No. Currently, California, Kansas, Minnesota, Vermont, and Wyoming do not have state licensure, but local permits may apply.

How many training hours are required?
Typically, 500–1,000 hours of approved education plus passing a national or state exam.

Is continuing education (CE) required?
Yes, in most states — usually 12–36 hours every 1–3 years.

Can I transfer my license between states?
Many states offer reciprocity or endorsement if your original license meets or exceeds their requirements.

Intense foot reflexology massage using acupressure pen. ASMR. Rock first session part 2

Why This Matters for Your Career

Knowing and following massage therapy regulations:

  • Protects your right to practice

  • Builds client trust

  • Strengthens your professional reputation

  • Prevents costly legal issues

Raynor Massage offers training and support to help you comply with your state’s requirements. Contact us to learn more!

Intense Deep Foot Reflexology Massage using 3 pointed Thai massage tools.

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For information about The Level 1 Online Introduction to Raynor Massage Click Here.

U.S. States and Territories (Alphabetical List)

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

U.S. Territories

American Samoa
District of Columbia (D.C.)
Guam
Northern Mariana Islands
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands

Upcoming Massage Courses

Our Massage courses have helped many people with their career and personal lives.

Honestly from the bottom of my heart 10/10 . I went into this course knowing what Raynor massage can do but when Brandon worked on my hands / shoulder and feet it was absolutely life changing. I’ve got hardly any pain now after I suffered for so many years . I recommend if you want to help your self or anyone else release tension I would book in today . Brandon is an absolutely beautiful man with a heart of gold & so knowledgeabl e. Thankyou Brandon xx
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Brooke
I recently completed the Raynor Naturopathic Bodywork course in Gympie, and honestly, it was such a powerful and personal experience for me.

From the very beginning, it felt like more than just a course—it felt like stepping into a space where I could grow, not only as a practitioner, but as a person. The work itself goes so much deeper than physical massage. It’s about connection, breath, energy, and really learning to listen to the body in a way I hadn’t experienced before.

One of the most special parts of this experience was the group of people who attended. Everyone came from different backgrounds, but there was this shared openness and willingness to learn, be vulnerable, and support one another. Over the time we spent together, we built genuine connections, held space for each other, and created an environment that felt safe, grounding, and uplifting. It made the whole journey even more meaningful.

Brandon is incredibly supportive and encouraging, guiding us with both knowledge and presence. I felt comfortable to step outside my comfort zone, trust my intuition, and really lean into the process.

The advanced certificate course has added so much depth to my work. It aligns beautifully with the way I already approach healing—through presence, energy, and connection—and has given me even more confidence in what I offer.

I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to deepen their bodywork practice or step into a more intuitive, holistic approach to healing 🙏🏽
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nicole bilney Avatar
nicole bilney
Hi everyone
Dan from the utube videos here I completed the first 3 levels of my training with Brandon in Glastonbury Queensland Australia.
Absolutely life changing experience, the skills, knowledge and treatments I received during that time have transformed my life in the most marvelous way. My body, mind and spirit feels invigorated.
Super talented man I can't thank him enough for putting together such an effective, powerful and informative course and for the health benefits he has given me.
Thanks mate
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Daniel Ward Avatar
Daniel Ward
Experiencing Raynor Massage changed the trajectory of my life. I wanted more. Needed more. I decided to take his courses and the further I went the more deeply I healed myself. I now have my own business doing Raynor Massage and I can help others heal too. Brandon and his teachers teach techniques you won't learn anywhere else! 1000% Recommend! Life changing!
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Arlene B Boersma Avatar
Arlene B Boersma
Such an amazing course! The teacher Brandon was so knowledgeable and passionate about massage and natural therapies. I was recommended to do it by my cousin who did the course years ago and runs a successful massage business with the knowledge she learnt! Such an incredible course that truly reinvigorated my love for helping people heal. Couldn't recommend this course more for people who want to learn a massage style that truly helps people release tension and allows for amazing future career prospects! Thank you so much for this amazing experience!
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Gracie Allurah Avatar
Gracie Allurah
Brandon Raynor Massage course was so helpful in that it has helped me, as an already practicing therapist, to further discern the roots of body tension and release it.
I also really enjoyed meeting Brandon and his personality is a breath of fresh air as a teacher and therapist.
The course is great as it has enmeshed within its content different aspects of other massage modalities from around the world. This aspect about the course was a gem for me as I learnt some of the best parts from other massage cultures.
I highly recommend the course to anyone starting their journey as a therapist or if you are already a therapist.
Thanks again Brandon
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Joshua Corda Avatar
Joshua Corda
Raynor Online Massage Certificate Course I thoroughly enjoyed doing this course. I found the content interesting and am looking forward to make a start using the bands (without chopsticks :) ) Kia ora (thank you)
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Jill Renata
I attended the Advanced Raynor Massage course last month in London, UK. It was a very informative week with lots of demonstrations from Brandon and plenty of time to practise new techniques. And working with other participants is a great way of picking up additional massage tips.

For me, the course was invaluable to understanding what Raynor Massage is all about. It's only when you use specialised techniques and experience tension being released through your body that you can understand the power of Raynor Massage.

Thank you again Brandon for a great course. Well recommended!
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David Watts Avatar
David Watts
My offering has transcended to new levels following the Advanced Raynor Massage course. Brandon is generous with his knowlwdge and genuinely wants you to succed as a therapist. Thank you Brandon.
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steven lawrence Avatar
steven lawrence
A fantastic experience! The real deal, truly a healing journey to go on, to really get rid of residual tension which doesn`t belong to us and reintegrate with our true self.

Also a great, simple and the most effective skillset to add as a professional. Helps to focus on the most important parts of the body and also teaches how to have longer careers by the right body-use and self-care as therapists.

Wonderful experience and high quality, experienced teaching. Also focusing on the most important thing for a professional which is care for the clients, being present with them, taking part in their healing journey.
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Mihaly Vincze Avatar
Mihaly Vincze
ADVANCED RAYNOR MASSAGE COURSE
I had an incredible 6 days learning more in depth Raynor massage last week in Australia. Brandon Raynor is so passionate about his teaching that his courses are priceless.
I have been practicing Raynor massage over the last 6 years with amazing results. What I learned last week are bringing me to the next level of understanding this incredible modality. I understand more in depth the power of rhythm and flow and the importance of the breath. Advanced course is the next level. Any Raynor practitioner should do it. You have the chance to practice on other qualified students and receive quality massages like nowhere else. I already practice differently since I am back, and the results speak for themselves. I don't need to do much advertising; my clients take my cards and word of mouth is enough! If you are ready to change your life, ready to release your trapped body tensions (physical and emotional), you will feel like a new person. Thank you, Brandon, for this amazing opportunity to take this course and meet wonderful practitioners.
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Lilly McKenzie - Body Mind Care Avatar
Lilly McKenzie - Body Mind Care
ADVANCED RAYNOR MASSAGE COURSE I had an incredible 6 days learning more in depth Raynor massage last week in Australia. Brandon Raynor is so passionate about his teaching that his courses are priceless. I have been practicing Raynor massage over the last 6 years with amazing results. What I learned last week are bringing me to the next level of understanding this incredible modality. I understand more in depth the power of rhythm and flow and the importance of the breath. Advanced course is the next level. Any Raynor practitioner should do it. You have the chance to practice on other qualified students and receive quality massages like nowhere else. I already practice differently since I am back, and the results speak for themselves. I don't need to do much advertising; my clients take my cards and word of mouth is enough! If you are ready to change your life, ready to release your trapped body tensions (physical and emotional), you will feel like a new person. Thank you, Brandon, for this amazing opportunity to take this course and meet wonderful practitioners.
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Body Mind Care
Brandon, thank you for an amazing experience and sharing knowledge that i know will help clients with issues that come my way. The advance diploma course brought out a different side on how I can better myself with some great new techniques I can add to my arsenal.
Good laughs, fun learning and a great experience with all the great students that I felt a close bond with.
I appreciate and value what you are doing for this world to make it a tension free one!
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
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Jean-loup Frederic Avatar
Jean-loup Frederic
I'm so grateful for the amazing opportunity to do the 3 day course with Brandon and Lily. I was part of quite a large group of lovely people, and they both held so much space, guidance, knowledge and skill for all of us. I learnt a lot about what I needed to let go of within my body and soul, and how I can guide others to do the same. Thank you so much Brandon and Lily.
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Miriam Stewart Avatar
Miriam Stewart
I spent 7 days hands on with Brandon, Lilly and about a dozen friendly students like myself. I signed on as a beginner, I did the online course, and though upon arrival I was behind my fellow students in skill (some of whom were extremely experienced in various caring arts) I never felt neglected. The course I attended was truly a boutique course where Brandon worked his way through the group, demonstrating and teaching according to our individual ability and experience. It's undeniable that we all had our minds blown. I would recommend the experience to anyone. My level of bodily awareness has totally changed, the level of detail was fascinating, and if you are a novice like me you will also be in the best hands!
Thanks

P.S. my once-injured toe moves a lot better after all the massage practice we did LOL
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Dan Robinson Avatar
Dan Robinson
Honestly from the bottom of my heart 10/10 . I went into this course knowing what Raynor massage can do but when Brandon worked on my hands / shoulder and feet it was absolutely life changing. I’ve got hardly any pain now after I suffered for so many years . I recommend if you want to help your self or anyone else release tension I would book in today . Brandon is an absolutely beautiful man with a heart of gold & so knowledgeable. Thankyou Brandon xx
read more
JB Gaming Avatar
JB Gaming

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