Raynor Naturopathic Massage

Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in New Jersey

Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in New Jersey

1. State Overview of Reflexology

  • Reflexology is exempt from New Jersey’s massage-therapy licensure requirements. According to our state‐by‐state guide, New Jersey is one of the states where reflexology does not require a massage license, provided you restrict your work to foot, hand, or ear reflex techniques and do not hold yourself out as performing “massage” raynormassage.com.

  • You may practice pure reflexology statewide without a New Jersey LMT/RMP license—but always clarify your scope on your website and marketing materials.

Link to full state overview →
https://www.raynormassage.com/reflexology-regulations-and-laws-state-by-state-across-the-us

2. New Jersey Massage Therapy Licensing

If you wish to perform massage therapy (beyond reflexology’s scope), you must hold a license from the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy:

Designation Key Requirements Renewal & CE
Licensed Massage Therapist • 600 hours of approved massage-therapy instruction (increased from 500 hours as of July 10, 2024) abmp.com
• Pass the MBLEx (or Board-approved exam)
• Criminal background check & fingerprints
• CPR/AED certification		 Renew biennially with 20 CE hours

Apply & Learn More →
https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/mbt/Pages/individual.aspx njconsumeraffairs.gov

3. Reflexology vs. Massage Therapy

  • Reflexology: Targeted pressure on reflex points of the feet, hands, or ears—exempt in New Jersey when not advertised as massage.

  • Massage Therapy: Systematic soft-tissue manipulation (kneading, stretching, etc.)—requires a valid LMT license.

If you perform any massage-therapy techniques, you must first obtain New Jersey LMT credentials.

4. Local Business & Health-Department Permits

While the state exempts reflexology, many municipalities regulate body-work establishments. For example:

  • Atlantic City: All massage and body-work facilities must hold a local health-department permit and comply with building and sanitary codes.

  • Princeton, Hoboken, Newark: Most towns require a business license and may inspect your premises before opening.

Tip: Always check with your city or county clerk’s office for specific business, zoning, and health-department requirements before launching your practice.

https://youtu.be/Xsy8NKFva8Y

5. Raynor Reflexology Guidance in New Jersey

  • Raynor-trained reflexologists can practice reflexology anywhere in New Jersey without state massage licensure—provided they limit services to reflexology techniques.

  • When operating from a physical location, secure any required local permits and clearly advertise:

    “Raynor Reflexology – Pure Reflexology, No Massage Therapy.”

  • Leverage our world-class curriculum to stand out, while staying fully compliant.

Explore Raynor Courses →
https://www.raynormassage.com/courses/?utm_source=raynormassage.com

https://youtu.be/EkM8Fn4XVCM

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6. Quick Reference Table

Service Type State License Required? Local Permit Often Required?
Reflexology Only No Yes (health-dept/business permit)
Massage Therapy (LMT) Yes Yes (facility/business license)
Raynor Reflexologists (Exempt) No Yes, if operating commercially

7. FAQs

Q: Can I advertise “foot massage” without a license?
A: No – “massage” implies soft-tissue modalities and requires LMT licensure. Use “reflexology” unless you hold a massage license.

Q: Does my Raynor certification replace state requirements?
A: Raynor training qualifies you to practice reflexology, but you still must meet the state’s local-practice permits if you have a commercial location.

Q: Where can I find the official licensure statutes?
A:

  • New Jersey Code of Regulations, Title 13, Chapter 37A (Massage & Bodywork Therapy Rules)

  • N.J. Stat. § 45:11–61 et seq. (Massage Therapy Practice Act)

8. Resources & Links

Disclaimer: Laws, rules, and municipal ordinances can change. Always verify current requirements with the New Jersey Board and your local licensing authorities before opening or advertising your practice.