A Definition of Massage Therapy

"Massage therapy" means the manipulation of soft tissue by hand or through a mechanical or electrical apparatus for the purpose of body massage and includes effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), compression, vibration, friction, nerve strokes, and Swedish gymnastics. The terms "massage," "therapeutic massage," "massage technology," myotherapy," "body massage," "body rub," or any derivation of those terms are synonyms for "massage therapy."

Practices in massage therapy include the use of oil, salt glows, heat lamps, hot and cold packs, and tub, shower, or cabinet baths.

Massage therapy constitutes a health care service if the massage therapy is for therapeutic purposes. Massage therapy does not constitute the practice of chiropractic. The terms therapy and therapeutic when used in the context of massage therapy practice do not include (1) the diagnosis or treatment of illness or disease; or (2) a service or procedure for which a license to practice medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, or podiatry is required by law.

--From the Texas Department of Health