Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in Utah
1. State Overview of Reflexology
In Utah, reflexology is generally exempt from regulation under the Massage Therapy Practice Act (Title 58, Chapter 47b). Anyone offering soft-tissue services—reflexology excluded—for compensation must hold a massage-therapist license unless an exemption applies utah.gov.
2. Exemption for Reflexology
Utah Code § 58-47b-304 provides specific exemptions from licensure:
“The following individuals may engage in the practice of massage therapy as defined under this chapter … without being licensed, but may not represent themselves as a massage therapist or use the word ‘massage’ to describe such services:”
• “Persons whose practice is limited to the manipulation of the soft tissues of the hands, feet, or outer ears, including practitioners of reflexology and foot-zone therapy.” abmp.com
Key takeaway:
Certified reflexologists who work only on hands, feet, or outer ears and do not advertise as “massage” may practice statewide without a Utah massage license.
3. Utah Massage Therapist Licensing
If you wish to perform any broader foot-massage or soft-tissue techniques—or advertise using protected terms like “massage”—you must obtain a Massage Therapist license from the Division of Professional & Occupational Licensing:
Requirement | Details |
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Education | Completion of an approved 500-hour massage-therapy program (anatomy, technique, ethics, practicum) utah.gov |
Examination | Pass the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam) or a Board-approved equivalent |
Background Check & Fingerprints | FBI and DPS criminal history checks; fingerprints required |
Continuing Education & Renewal | Renew biennially with 8 hours of Board-approved CE credits le.utah.gov |
Insurance & Conduct | Maintain liability insurance; adhere to DOPL’s Code of Ethics |
Apply & Learn More →
https://dopl.utah.gov/massage/ le.utah.govhttps://youtu.be/0kITCWLS_HQ
4. Local Business & Establishment Registration
In addition to state licensure or exemption, most municipalities and counties require:
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A business license or registration with the city/county clerk.
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Health-department inspections for any public body-work establishment.
Tip: Check your local jurisdiction (Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, etc.) for exact permit and zoning requirements.
https://youtu.be/6vUb8nnvteY
5. What Is Reflexology?
Reflexology in Utah—as carved out by § 58-47b-304—means manipulating soft tissues only on the hands, feet, or outer ears, focusing on reflex points to stimulate healing. It does not include:
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Stroking, rubbing, tapping, stretching, bathing, or scrubbing
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Use of oils or lotions
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Work on any other body part abmp.com
Practitioners must not claim to be “massage therapists” or use the term “massage” in their marketing.
6. Raynor® Reflexology Guidance
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Raynor-trained reflexologists may leverage the Utah exemption to practice reflexology statewide—just ensure you strictly limit services to hands, feet, or ears and avoid “massage” terminology.
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To offer any massage-therapy modality or deeper foot-massage techniques, secure your Massage Therapist license.
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Clearly state on your site:
“Certified Raynor Reflexology – Hands, Feet & Ears Only (No Massage Therapy).”
Explore Raynor Courses →
https://www.raynormassage.com/courses/
7. Read Our Testimonials
8. Quick Reference Table
Service Type | License Required? | Local Permit Often Required? |
---|---|---|
Pure Reflexology (hands/feet/ears) | No (exempt under § 58-47b-304) | Yes (business/health-dept license) |
Reflexology + Massage Techniques | Yes (Massage Therapist license) | Yes |
Massage Therapy (MT license) | Yes | Yes |
9. Resources & Links
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Utah Massage Therapy Act & Exemptions (Utah Code § 58-47b-301 & § 58-47b-304)
https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title58/Chapter47B/58-47b-S304.html le.utah.gov -
ABMP Legislative Update: Reflexology Exemption
https://www.abmp.com/updates/legislative-updates/utah/utah-reflexology-and-ortho-bionomy-are-now-exempt-state-licensure abmp.com -
DOPL Massage Therapist Licensing
https://dopl.utah.gov/massage/ le.utah.gov -
Raynor Massage State Overview (All States)
https://www.raynormassage.com/reflexology-regulations-and-laws-state-by-state-across-the-us -
Raynor Massage Courses
https://www.raynormassage.com/courses/ -
Testimonials
https://www.raynormassage.com/testimonials
Disclaimer: Regulations and local ordinances evolve—always verify current requirements with DOPL and your local authorities before opening or advertising your practice.
https://youtu.be/swms8dIulzQ