Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in Montana
1. State Overview of Reflexology
Under Montana law (MCA 37-33-404(5)(a)(iv)), reflexology is expressly exempt from massage-therapy licensure when all of the following are true:
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Your practice only involves touch to affect reflex areas in the hands, feet, or outer ears.
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You’re recognized by a professional organization or credentialing agency that certifies reflexology based on training, demonstrated competence, and ethical standards.
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Your services are not designated or implied to be massage therapy archive.legmt.gov.
That means pure reflexologists may legally offer reflexology statewide without a Montana massage license—so long as they meet those exemption conditions.
2. Montana Massage Therapy Licensing
If you wish to perform any massage-therapy techniques (beyond reflexology’s narrow scope), you must hold a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) credential from the Montana Board of Massage Therapy:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Minimum 500 hours of supervised classroom instruction from a Board-approved school mblexguide.com. |
| Examination | Passage of the MBLEx (or a Board-approved equivalent exam). |
| Other Prerequisites | ≥ 18 years old; background check & fingerprinting; liability insurance & CPR/First Aid certification. |
| Renewal & Continuing Ed. | Renew every two years with 12 CE hours, as outlined by the Board. Current renewal fees are abated through Aug 31, 2024 boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov. |
Apply & Learn More →
https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/massage-therapy/
3. Reflexology vs. Massage Therapy
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Reflexology (Hands/Feet/Ears Only)
Exempt under MCA 37-33-404(5)(a)(iv) when properly certified and limited in scope. -
Massage Therapy
Any broader soft-tissue work (kneading, stretching, deep-tissue, etc.) requires a Montana LMT license.
4. Local Business & Health-Department Permits
Montana does not have statewide county “body-works” licenses, but many cities and towns regulate massage and spa businesses. For example:
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Billings, MT requires all massage or spa facilities to hold a Business License and comply with local health and building codes under Chapter 7-1900 of the Billings Code of Ordinances library.municode.com.
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Bozeman, Missoula, Helena, and other municipalities may also require business or health-department permits for any public reflexology or massage practice.
Tip: Always check with your city or county clerk’s office to confirm permit, zoning, and inspection requirements before opening.
5. Raynor Reflexology Guidance in Montana
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Raynor-trained reflexologists can practice reflexology statewide without massage licensure, provided they meet the exemption criteria above.
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If you operate from a commercial location, secure any required local business or health permits.
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On your site, clearly advertise:
“Reflexology Only (Hands, Feet, or Ears) – Not Massage Therapy.”
Explore Raynor Courses →
https://www.raynormassage.com/courses/
Read Our Testimonials
Discover more client stories and see why people love Raynor →
Raynor Testimonials
6. Quick Reference Table
| Service Type | State License Needed? | Local Permit Often Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Reflexology (Hands/Feet/Ears Only) | No (Exempt—MCA 37-33-404(5)(a)(iv)) | Yes (Business/Health-dept license) |
| Massage Therapy (LMT) | Yes | Yes (Facility/business license) |
| Raynor Reflexologists (Exempt) | No | Yes, for commercial locations |
Learn more about Raynor foot and hand reflexology seminars
7. FAQs
Q: Can I call my service “foot massage” without an LMT license?
A: No—using “massage” implies techniques beyond reflexology and requires an LMT credential. Market your service strictly as “reflexology” unless licensed.
Q: How do I claim the statutory exemption?
A: Maintain certification from a recognized reflexology body, limit your practice to hands/feet/ears, avoid framing it as massage, and keep proof of your certification on file.
Q: Where can I find Montana’s massage statutes?
A: MCA 37-33-404 covers exemptions; see the full text → https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0370/chapter_0330/part_0040/section_0040/0370-0330-0040-0040.html archive.legmt.gov.
8. Resources & Links
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Raynor Massage – State Overview (All States)
https://www.raynormassage.com/reflexology-regulations-and-laws-state-by-state-across-the-us/ -
Montana Board of Massage Therapy (Licensure & Renewals)
https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/massage-therapy/ -
Raynor Massage Courses
https://www.raynormassage.com/courses -
Testimonials – Our clients’ success stories
https://www.raynormassage.com/testimonials -
Billings Code of Ordinances Ch. 7-1900 (Local business rules)
https://library.municode.com/mt/billings/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CICO_CH7BUBURE_ART7-1900MASPRE library.municode.com
Disclaimer: Laws and municipal requirements can change. Always confirm current regulations with the Montana Board of Massage Therapy and your local licensing authorities before opening or advertising your practice.
