The following terms, however used or referred to in this chapter, shall have the following meanings unless a different meaning is required by the context:
A. "Massage" and "massage therapy"
means a health care service involving the external manipulation or pressure of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. Massage therapy includes massage techniques such as methods of effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, tapping, compressions, vibration, friction, nerve stokes, and Swedish gymnastics or movements either by manual means, as they relate to massage, with or without the aids of superficial heat, cold, water, lubricants or salts. Massage therapy does not include diagnosis or attempts to adjust or manipulate any articulations of the body or spine or mobilization of these articulations by the use of a thrusting force.
B. "Massage business"
means the operation of a business where massages are given.
C. "Massage practitioner"
means a person engaged in the practice of massage therapy.
(Ord. 1179 § 1, 1981; Ord. 1533 § 1, 1991)