For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE or MASSAGE THERAPY.
(1) Scientific health care, health maintenance and rehabilitation technique scientifically applied to the client by a trained professional massage therapist for the purpose of causing increased circulation throughout the body, ridding the body of waste products and/or toxins, inducing relaxation, easing mental and physical tension, alleviating aches and pain and the breaking up of fatty tissues, adhesions, scar tissue and muscle spasms and releasing the body’s natural pain killers called “endorphins,” which produce biological effects of analgesia and euphoria.
(2) THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE does:
(a) Not diagnose or treat classified diseases;
(b) Practice spinal manipulation; or
(c) Prescribe medicine or drugs.
(3) THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE may include, but is not limited to joint mobilization techniques, stretches, effleurage (stroking), petrissae (kneading), tapotement (percussion), compression, vibration, friction, nerve strokes and any reasonable method of pressure on the external soft parts of the body with the hands, elbows or forearms, or with the aid of any mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliance, with or without supplementary aids as rubbing alcohol, oils, liniments, hot and cold packs, antiseptics, powders, creams, lotions, salt glows, ointments or other similar preparations commonly used in the practice.
MASSAGE THERAPISTS. Any person who, for any consideration whatsoever, engages in the practice of therapeutic massage, as defined above, and who provided proof of the following:
(1) Proof of active member status in a professional massage therapy organization; and
(2) Completion and graduation from an approved program for 500-hour massage/bodywork training or a passing score on a recognized certification exam such as the national certification exam.
MASSAGE THERAPY CLINIC. Any place of business having a source of income or compensation derived from therapeutic massage, where a licensed massage therapist administers therapeutic massage or from where a massage therapist is dispatched to administer therapeutic massage. A MASSAGE THERAPY CLINIC may be located within a licensed massage therapist’s home providing it meets the requirements of this chapter. A MASSAGE THERAPY CLINIC also includes schools and institutions for purposes of this chapter.
OFF-PREMISES MASSAGE. The activity of providing massage services by a licensed massage therapist, for a fee, at a location other than at a massage therapy clinic.
OFFICES WITHIN THE HOME. Offices within the home shall have a room(s) solely for massage services. This shall mean that the office/treatment room(s) shall not double as a guest room, bedroom or be used for any other domestic/business purposes.
PROFESSIONAL MASSAGE THERAPY ORGANIZATION. An organization that promotes minimum standards for the profession, assists legislatures in developing laws regarding the profession, requires members to adhere to a code of ethics and provides legal assistance, education, insurance, support and information to its members.
(`92 Code, § 7-7-1) (Ord. 00-08, passed 6-7-00)