The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this article,
shall have the following meanings ascribed to them:
ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
(1)
The practice of an individual who uses touch to affect the energy
systems, acupoints, Qi meridians, or channels of energy of the human
body while engaged within the scope of practice of a profession with
established standards and ethics. Such practices include acupressure,
Asian bodywork therapy, polarity therapy bodywork, Quigong, reiki,
shiatsu, and tui na;
(3)
The practice of an individual who uses touch, words, and directed
movement to deepen awareness of existing patterns of movement in the
body and to suggest new possibilities of movement, while engaged within
the scope of practice of a profession with established standards and
ethics; and/or
(4)
Any massage-like activity that does not meet the definition
of "massage therapy" set forth hereinafter.
ALTERNATIVE THERAPY ESTABLISHMENT
Any place in the Borough where alternative therapy is administered
for the payment of a fee or other compensation or consideration, but
not including a hospital, nursing home, medical clinic or the office
of a physician, surgeon, physical therapist, chiropractor, or osteopath
currently licensed as such by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and
including barbershops or practices licensed by the Department of Cosmetology,
or any athletic program of accredited junior and senior high schools
or colleges in which a massage is administered by a trainer within
the scope of such athletic program.
ALTERNATIVE THERAPY TECHNICIAN
Any person who administers alternative therapy to another
as part of a massage business or alternative therapy business that
is not licensed as such by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
MASSAGE THERAPIST
An individual licensed by the State Board of Massage Therapy
to practice massage therapy.
MASSAGE THERAPY
The application of a system of structured touch, pressure,
movement, holding, and treatment of the soft tissue manifestations
of the human body in which the primary intent is to enhance the health
and well-being of the client, without limitation, except as provided
in this article. The term includes the external application of water,
heat, cold, lubricants or other topical preparations, lymphatic techniques,
myofascial release techniques and the use of electro-mechanical devices
which mimic or enhance the action of the massage techniques. The term
does not include the diagnosis or treatment of impairment, illness,
disease, or disability; a medical procedure; a chiropractic manipulation;
physical therapy mobilization; manual therapy; therapeutic exercise;
electrical stimulation; ultrasound or prescription of medicines for
which a license to practice medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy,
occupational therapy, podiatry, or other practice of the healing arts
is required; or any other area licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
MASSAGE THERAPY ESTABLISHMENT
Any place in the Borough where massage therapy is administered
for the payment of a fee or other compensation or consideration, but
not including a hospital, nursing home, medical clinic or the office
of a physician, surgeon, physical therapist, chiropractor, or osteopath
currently licensed as such by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and
including barbershops or practices licensed by the Department of Cosmetology,
or any athletic program of accredited junior and senior high schools
or colleges in which a massage is administered by a trainer within
the scope of such athletic program.
PERSON
Any individual, association, firm, partnership, limited partnership,
corporation, trust, or other legally recognized entity.
RECOGNIZED SCHOOL
Any school or educational institution licensed to operate
as a school educational institution in the state in which it is located
or any school recognized or approved by the American Massage and Therapy
Association, Inc., or such other bona fide educational institution
that provides education on massage therapy and/or alternative therapy.
Such educational institution shall have the purpose of teaching the
theory, method, profession, or work of an alternative therapy, and
issue a diploma or certificate of graduation.
SEXUAL or GENITAL AREA
The genitals, pubic area, anus, or perineum of any person,
and the vulva and breasts of a female.
THERAPY
"Alternative therapy" or "massage therapy" as defined herein.