It included a provision to create a separate board of massage therapist and somatic practitioners. A common complaint about the typical massage law is that many other therapies are encompassed by laws with no specific educational requirements or clear definition. The holder of a massage license is thus legally allowed to practice any of a number of alternative practices with no training or experience. At the same time, an alternative practitioner with training and experience in a single therapy such as reflexology cannot practice without meeting licensing requirements for the profession of massage. Massage therapists complain about the difficulties of practicing in Massachusetts under current laws.
Local ordinances vary widely.
One town requires a window in massage rooms. One requires an open window in a massage room. One requires testing for syphilis. Cross gender massage is prohibited. Physical therapists defended their position, stating that massage therapists do not have sufficient training to be health care providers and therefore pose a serious risk to the public.