Reflexology and Foot Massage Regulations and Laws in Connecticut
At Raynor Massage, we support holistic healing and believe in empowering practitioners with the knowledge to practice legally and ethically. In Connecticut, reflexology and foot massage are regulated under the state’s massage therapy laws, meaning you must comply with state licensing requirements if offering reflexology for compensation.
Is Reflexology Legal in Connecticut?
Yes, but reflexology is not exempt from state massage laws. Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 384a define “massage therapy” as including reflexology and hand/foot work involving pressure, kneading, or stroking—so any paid reflexology requires a massage therapist license
Connecticut Massage Therapy Licensing Requirements
Anyone engaging in paid massage—including reflexology—must be licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health library.municode.com.
Key requirements:
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750 total hours: At least 750 classroom hours with instructors present, plus 60 hours of supervised clinical internship • No online-only counting amtamassage.org+3portal.ct.gov+3massagemag.com+3.
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Pass MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam) or the prior NCBTMB exam jumozy.com+5portal.ct.gov+5massagemag.com+5.
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Apply and pay: Initial fee $379.75; renewal every 2 years with $255 fee library.municode.com+11portal.ct.gov+11naturalhealers.com+11.
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Continuing education: 24 hours every 4 years, with a maximum of 6 hours of online learning abmp.com+6naturalhealers.com+6jumozy.com+6.
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Background check and compliance with public health standards massagemag.com.
Scope & Exemptions
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Unlicensed individuals cannot use words like “massage,” “masseur,” “shiatsu,” “acupressure,” or “Thai massage” mindbodyandsoleonline.com+2portal.ct.gov+2law.justia.com+2.
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Students under supervision may practice only as part of school curriculum (no compensation) .
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Out-of-state therapists may temporarily practice if licensed elsewhere and recently active .
Local (City & County) Regulations
In most Connecticut towns and cities—like Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, Hartford—massage establishments must also obtain local permits from health or police departments.
Example: Norwalk
Requires:
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Massage establishment license
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Therapist permits with fingerprints, photos, and license verification
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Layout plans, fees ($150 for establishment, $70 per therapist) cga.ct.gov+4library.municode.com+4massage-exam.com+4amtamassage.org+2massage-exam.com+2abmp.com+2thehour.com+1massagemag.com+1
You should check with your city or town hall for details as rules vary locally.
✅ What This Means for Your Practice
To legally offer reflexology or foot massage for compensation in Connecticut, you must:
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Complete 750 classroom + 60 internship hours from an accredited school
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Pass the MBLEx
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Obtain a Connecticut massage license
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Maintain 24 hours CE every 4 years
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Comply with local city/town permitting (if required)
Want to Learn Reflexology?
Our Raynor Massage training aligns with these standards and elevates your practice:
➡️ Foot & Hand Reflexology Course
➡️ All Raynor Massage Courses
Our comprehensive training is ideal for:
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Students preparing to meet state licensing requirements
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Licensed therapists seeking advanced reflexology techniques
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Holistic practitioners aiming for excellence within legal frameworks
⚖️ Disclaimer
This page is for informational use only and not a substitute for professional legal advice. Connecticut’s laws and local regulations can change—always verify with the Connecticut Department of Public Health and your city/town licensing agency.
Raynor Massage
www.raynormassage.com