What we can and cannot do as a Massage Therapist

What you can do as a massage therapist

• Perform manual soft tissue work (muscles, fascia, tendons)
• Use techniques like:
  • Swedish massage
  • Deep tissue
  • Sports massage
  • Myofascial release
• Work on pain management, mobility, and recovery
• Provide client education (stretching, posture, self-care)
• Adapt sessions for special populations (within training), like:
  • Athletes
  • Older adults
• Use adjunct tools if trained (cupping, hot stones, etc.)
• Maintain client records and treatment plans

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What we can’t do

This is where therapists can accidentally cross lines:

• ❌ Diagnose medical conditions (that’s for MDs, DOs, etc.)
• ❌ Prescribe treatment plans outside massage scope
  • (You can suggest, but not prescribe like a doctor or PT)
• ❌ Perform chiropractic adjustments or joint manipulations
• ❌ Practice physical therapy modalities unless separately licensed
• ❌ Give medical advice (like telling someone to stop meds)
• ❌ Work outside your training/competence
• ❌ Treat conditions that require medical clearance without referring out

There are some grey areas when it comes to massage as well, that’s why it is important as a therapist we watch how we word things so it doesn’t not fall outside our scope of practice. When it doubt we will refer our if we are use of something.

-Specific Health Massage Therapy LLC

(608) 284-8698

(AI assisted)