In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

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1. "Board" means the board of massage therapy.

2. "Board recognized school" means a school that is any of the following:

(a) Accredited to offer massage therapy education by an agency recognized by the secretary of the United States department of education.

(b) If located in this state, offered by a community college or approved by the state board for private postsecondary education.

(c) If located in another state or a Canadian province, approved by an agency similar to the state board for private postsecondary education.

(d) A career technical education district program that is offered by a career technical education district as defined in section 15-391.

3. "Bodywork therapy" means massage therapy.

4. "Massage therapist" means a person who is licensed under this chapter to engage in the practice of massage therapy.

5. "Massage therapy" means the following that are undertaken to increase wellness, relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief and postural improvement or provide general or specific therapeutic benefits:

(a) The manual application of compression, stretch, vibration or mobilization of the organs and tissues beneath the dermis, including the components of the musculoskeletal system, peripheral vessels of the circulatory system and fascia, when applied primarily to parts of the body other than the hands, feet and head.

(b) The manual application of compression, stretch, vibration or mobilization using the forearms, elbows, knees or feet or handheld mechanical or electrical devices.

(c) Any combination of range of motion, directed, assisted or passive movements of the joints.

(d) Hydrotherapy, including the therapeutic applications of water, heat, cold, wraps, essential oils, skin brushing, salt glows and similar applications of products to the skin.

6. "Practice of massage therapy" means the application of massage therapy to any person for a fee or other consideration. Practice of massage therapy does not include the diagnosis of illness or disease, medical procedures, naturopathic manipulative medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine, chiropractic adjustive procedures, homeopathic neuromuscular integration, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, prescription of medicines or the use of modalities for which a license to practice medicine, chiropractic, nursing, occupational therapy, athletic training, physical therapy, acupuncture or podiatry is required by law.