Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in Massachusetts
1. State Overview of Reflexology
Massachusetts does not license reflexology as a separate profession. Practices that use touch or directed movement to influence energy meridians—such as reflexology—are explicitly exempt from the state’s massage-therapy licensing laws mass.gov. In short, you may offer pure reflexology statewide without a Massachusetts LMT or RMP license, provided you never hold yourself out as performing “massage” as defined under M.G.L. c. 112, § 228 and 269 CMR 2.01 mass.govlaw.cornell.edu.
2. Massachusetts Massage Therapy Licensing
Massachusetts only regulates massage therapy. Reflexologists who wish to perform massage techniques must hold one of the following:
| Designation | Key Requirements | Renewal & CE |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage Therapist | • 600–750 classroom hours of approved massage curriculum • Pass no specific exam (education-based licensure) • Good moral character, background check, liability insurance • CPR certification may be required by local boards |
Renew every 2 years; 24 CE hours (per local board guidance) massagetherapylicense.org |
| Registered Massage Practitioner | • ~600 hours of approved training • Transitional status; not open to new applicants in many cases |
Same as LMT while active |
For detailed application steps, see the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy—COMAR equivalent pages law.cornell.edu.
3. Reflexology vs. Massage Therapy
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Reflexology: Body-work techniques on feet or hands aimed at balancing energy meridians.
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Massage Therapy: Defined as systematic soft-tissue manipulation (pressure, kneading, stretching, etc.) law.cornell.edu.
If you perform only reflexology, no state license is required. Offering any massage-therapy techniques (beyond reflex points) must be under a valid LMT/RMP license.
4. Local (Municipal/County) Regulations
Although reflexology is unlicensed at the state level, many Massachusetts cities and towns regulate it under bodyworks or massage establishment ordinances. Always check your local board of health. Two examples:
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Oxford, MA: Town regulations forbid administering massage without a state license; reflexology may fall under this if mis-advertised as massage oxfordma.us.
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Needham, MA: Bodyworks practitioners must hold a town permit, and premises must be licensed for body-work services needhamma.gov.
Larger cities like Boston or Cambridge often require a general business or health-department permit for body-work establishments—refer to your local Inspectional Services or Health Department.
5. Raynor Reflexology Guidance in Massachusetts
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Raynor-trained reflexologists can legally practice reflexology statewide without state massage licensure—so long as only reflexology services are offered.
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If you open a commercial practice, secure any required local bodyworks or business permits, and clearly advertise “Reflexology Only—No Massage.”
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Raynor’s curriculum remains fully valid; it does not substitute for LMT/RMP requirements if you wish to perform massage techniques.
- Learn More About Raynor Foot and Hand Reflexology Courses
Link to Raynor reflexology state overview →
https://www.raynormassage.com/reflexology-regulations-and-laws-state-by-state-across-the-us
6. Quick Reference Table
| Service Type | State License Required? | Local Permit Often Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Reflexology Only | No | Yes (bodyworks/business permit) |
| Massage Therapy (LMT) | Yes | No |
| Massage Therapy (RMP) | Yes | No |
| Raynor Reflexologists | No (reflexology only) | Yes, if operating a commercial site |
7. FAQs
Q: Can I advertise “foot massage” without an LMT license?
A: No—“massage” implies techniques beyond reflexology. Use “reflexology” only unless you hold an LMT/RMP license.
Q: What permits do I need in my town?
A: Check your local Board of Health or Inspectional Services. Many municipalities require a bodyworks establishment permit.
Q: Does Raynor certification count toward state massage licensure?
A: No. Raynor training qualifies you to practice reflexology, but massage therapy licensure must follow Massachusetts LMT/RMP rules.
8. Resources & References
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Raynor Massage – State Overview (all states)
https://www.raynormassage.com/reflexology-regulations-and-laws-state-by-state-across-the-us/ -
Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy (M.G.L. c. 112, 269 CMR)
https://www.mass.gov/lists/board-policies-and-guidelines-massage-therapy -
Oxford, MA Bodyworks Regulations
https://oxfordma.us/DocumentCenter/View/252 -
Needham, MA Bodyworks Ordinance
https://needhamma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11755
Disclaimer: Regulations change. Always confirm with your local Board of Health or municipal offices before opening or advertising services.
