How is 'massage therapy' defined in Maryland law?

In Maryland law, 'massage therapy' is defined as the manual manipulation of soft tissues for therapeutic purposes. This definition highlights the physical aspect of massage therapy, emphasizing the importance of applying techniques that focus on the body's soft tissues, which include muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The therapeutic intent underlines that these manipulations aim to promote health and well-being, alleviate pain, and aid in the recovery of physical injuries.

The focus on manual techniques distinguishes massage therapy from other practices such as aromatherapy or solely applying heat and cold therapies, which do not inherently involve the tactile interaction with the body that is central to massage therapy. Therefore, when discussing the scope and practice of massage therapy within the context of Maryland law, it revolves around the practitioner’s direct physical engagement with the client's body to achieve health benefits, solidifying the role and definition of massage therapy in the state’s legal framework.