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Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in Wisconsin

Reflexology & Foot Massage Regulations in Wisconsin

1. State Overview of Reflexology

Under Wisconsin law, reflexology is considered within the scope of massage and bodywork therapy unless a narrow exemption applies. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 460 governs massage therapy and bodywork therapy docs.legis.wisconsin.gov.

2. Exemption for Pure Reflexology

Wis. Stat. § 460.03(3) provides a reflexology exemption:

“A person who manipulates only the soft tissues of the hands, feet, or ears of the human body, provided that the services are not represented or implied to be massage therapy or bodywork therapy.” law.justia.com

Key point:

  • You may practice pure hand-, foot-, or ear-based reflexology without a Wisconsin massage license—so long as you do not imply “massage” in your services or advertising.

3. Wisconsin Massage & Bodywork Therapist Licensing

To perform any massage techniques beyond the narrow reflexology exemption—or to use the term “massage”—you must hold a Massage Therapist or Bodywork Therapist credential via the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS):

Requirement Details
Education 500 classroom hours at a DSPS-approved massage/bodywork school
Examination Passage of a Board-approved exam (e.g., MBLEx)
Reciprocity Licensure by reciprocity if your out-of-state credential is “substantially equivalent” dsps.wi.gov
Background Check & Fingerprints Criminal history check via DSPS; fingerprints required
Continuing Education & Renewal Biennial renewal with CE as specified in Wis. Admin. Code Chapter MTBT

Apply & Learn More →
https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/MassageTherapistBodyworkTherapist/Default.aspx dsps.wi.gov

https://youtu.be/0kITCWLS_HQ

4. Local Business & Health-Department Permits

Even exempt reflexologists often require municipal permits:

  • Fox Crossing: Massage/reflexology permit from the Village Clerk ecode360.com

  • Hales Corners: Massage-establishment license under local ordinance lwm-info.org

  • Other Cities/Counties: Check with your city or county clerk for business licenses, zoning, and health-department inspections.

Tip: Always verify local requirements before opening your practice.

https://youtu.be/6vUb8nnvteY

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Q5. Do reflexologists need a massage license to practice reflexology?
A: No—if you manipulate only hands, feet, or ears and do not represent your service as “massage therapy,” you are exempt under Wis. Stat. § 460.03(3) law.justia.com.

Q6. What qualifies as reflexology under Wisconsin law?
A: Reflexology is the manipulation of soft tissues of the hands, feet, or ears only, without stroking, tapping, or use of oils/lotions, and without implying massage therapy.

6. Raynor® Reflexology Guidance

  • Raynor-trained reflexologists can leverage Wisconsin’s exemption to practice pure reflexology statewide—just avoid “massage” terminology.

  • To offer tool-assisted or any deeper soft-tissue foot massage, obtain the Massage Therapist or Bodywork Therapist license.

  • 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

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8. Quick Reference Table

Service Type State License Required? Local Permit Often Required?
Pure Reflexology (hands/feet/ears) No (Wis. Stat. § 460.03(3) exemption) Yes (business/health-dept permit)
Reflexology + Massage Techniques Yes (MTBT license) Yes
Massage Therapy (MTBT license) Yes Yes

9. Resources & Links

Disclaimer: Regulations and local ordinances evolve—always verify current requirements with the Wisconsin DSPS and your local licensing authorities before opening or advertising your practice.

https://youtu.be/swms8dIulzQ