Massage therapists in CO attend massage school for a minimum of 500 hours of coursework, pass a state exam, pass a criminal background check and apply for a massage license. You can check to verify massage licenses on the DORA website. People who practice using reflexology, auricular therapy, and meridian therapies that affect the reflexes of the body; Feldenkrais method, the Trager approach, and body-mind centering;Practices using touch or healing touch to affect the human energy systems, such as reiki, shiatsu, and meridians; Structural integration practices such as Rolfing and Hellerwork; and The process of muscle activation techniques. The practice of animal massage has earned a degree or certificate in animal massage from a school approved by the private occupational school division of the Colorado department of higher education under article 64 of title 23, an out-of-state school offering an animal massage program with an accreditation recognized by the United States department of education, or a school that is exempt under section 23-64-104.
Title 12 Division of Professions and Occupation . Article 235. Massage Therapists Practice Act defines massage as:
(4) “Massage” or “massage therapy” means a system of structured touch, palpation, or movement of the soft tissue of another person’s body in order to enhance or restore the general health and well-being of the recipient. The system includes, but is not limited to, techniques such as effleurage, commonly called stroking or gliding; petrissage, commonly called kneading; tapotement or percussion; friction; vibration; compression; passive and active stretching within the normal anatomical range of movement; hydromassage; and thermal massage. The techniques may be applied with or without the aid of lubricants, salt or herbal preparations, water, heat, or a massage device that mimics or enhances the actions possible by human hands.
(5) “Massage therapist” means an individual licensed by this state to engage in the practice of massage therapy. The terms “masseuse” and “masseur” are synonymous with the term “massage therapist”
12-235-105. Use of massage titles restricted. Only a person licensed under this article 235 to practice massage therapy may use the titles “massage therapist”, “licensed massage therapist”, “massage practitioner”, “masseuse”, “masseur”, the letters “M.T.” or “L.M.T.”, or any other generally accepted terms, letters, or figures that indicate that the person is a massage therapist.
12-235-115. Unauthorized practice – criminal penalties. (1) A person who practices or offers or attempts to practice massage therapy without an active license issued under this article 235 is subject to penalties pursuant to section 12-20-407 (1)(b). (2) A person who knowingly aids or abets the unlicensed practice of massage therapy is subject to penalties pursuant to section 12-20-407 (1)(b).
12-235-119. Local government – regulations – enforcement. (1) No city, county, city and county, or other political subdivision of this state shall enact or enforce any local ordinance that regulates the practice or the profession of massage therapy. (2) Local government law enforcement agencies may inspect massage therapy licenses and the business premises where massage therapy is practiced for compliance with applicable laws. Nothing in this section precludes criminal prosecution for a violation of any criminal law. If an inspection reveals the practice of massage therapy by a person without a valid
license, the local government law enforcement agency shall charge the person with a misdemeanor pursuant to sections 12-20-407 (1)(b) and 12-235-115.(3) A city, county, city and county, or other political subdivision may inspect massage businesses, except for a sole proprietorship with a person’s residence, upon complaint of illegal activity and ensure that the people performing massage therapy are licensees. A city, county, city and county, or other political subdivision shall not charge a fee for the inspection
or license verification.
For Massage Therapists:
The use of the words masseuse,masseur may add confusion to the many issues around human trafficking and the use of the words massage parlor.
HB22-1300 Local Enforcement To Prevent Human Trafficking – The act allows a board of county commissioners (board) to adopt a local resolution or ordinance to establish business licensure requirements to regulate massage facilities for the sole purpose of deterring illicit massage businesses and preventing human trafficking. A study is needed to find out if establishment licensing is in fact doing anything to deter brothels from using the name of massage.
“What does this bill do?
This bill provides guidance for local enforcement to prevent human trafficking. Municipalities in Colorado already have the authority to enact ordinances to establish licensing authorities to regulate massage businesses and to deter and shut down illicit massage businesses. Now, a county may adopt a local resolution or ordinance to establish business licensure requirements to regulate massage facilities or to regulate and prohibit unlawful activities for the sole purpose of deterring illicit massage businesses and preventing human trafficking. Frequently Asked Questions: HB22-1300 Local Enforcement To Prevent Human Trafficking
Colorado Coalition of Massage Therapists Legislative Work Group
CCMT Representatives
Cobi Clark, AMTA-CO Chapter Government Relations Director
Shelly Cox, AMTA-CO Government Relations Committee
Laura Embleton, ABMP Government Relations Director
Erin Haden, ABMP Government Relations Coordinator
Bekka Lambert, AMTA-CO Chapter President
Tsy Schupack, ABMP; CCMT Volunteer
Chris Smith, Colorado School of Healing Arts
Kris Will, Colorado School of Healing Arts
AMTA’s Reply to TO: The Colorado Springs City Council RE: Proposed Massage Business Ordinance
Coloarado just had a sunset review of their massage board (PDF) program. The report finds that most of the violations have to do with sexual acts and not physical harm from the actual process of massage therapy.
“The table indicates that the most frequently found violations occurred relating to license requirements, standard of practice violations, and criminal history. It should be noted that found violations relating to sexual acts while in a therapeutic relationship and falsified information rose significantly in fiscal year 19-20. The Division has indicated that these found violations may have increased due to law enforcement actions taken within local jurisdictions, which are typically reported to the Division.”
Contact Information
Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
Division of Professions and Occupations
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-894-7800 | Fax: 303-894-7693 | Email: dora_dpo_licensing@state.co.us
