Which organization primarily defines recognized massage modalities in Maryland?

The Maryland Massage Therapy Board is responsible for defining recognized massage modalities within the state. This board not only regulates the practice of massage therapy but also establishes the standards for education and training of massage therapists. By doing so, it ensures that practitioners are knowledgeable and skilled in the various techniques considered acceptable and effective in the field of massage therapy.

Understanding this context highlights the board's role as the governing body specifically focused on massage therapy, differentiating it from other organizations like the State Board of Nursing or the State Department of Health, which have broader responsibilities overseeing healthcare professions or public health initiatives without the specific focus on massage modalities. The American Massage Therapy Association, while influential, primarily serves as a professional organization for practitioners and does not have the authoritative power to define recognized modalities on a statewide regulatory level.