Okla. Stat. tit. 59, § 59-4200.2: Definitions

As used in the Massage Therapy Practice Act:

1. "Board" means the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering;

2. "Direct access" means the ability that the public has to

seek out treatment by a massage therapist without the direct

referral from a medical or health care professional;

3. "Massage therapist" means an individual who practices

massage or massage therapy and is licensed under the Massage Therapy

Practice Act. A massage therapist uses visual, kinesthetic, and

palpatory skills to assess the body and may evaluate a condition to

the extent of determining whether massage is indicated or

contraindicated;

4. "Massage therapy" means the skillful treatment of the soft

tissues of the human body. Massage is designed to promote general

relaxation, improve movement, relieve somatic and muscular pain or

dysfunction, stress and muscle tension, provide for general health

enhancement, personal growth, education and the organization,

balance and integration of the human body and includes, but is not

limited to:

a. the use of touch, pressure, friction, stroking,

gliding, percussion, kneading, movement, positioning,

holding, range of motion and nonspecific stretching

within the normal anatomical range of movement, and

vibration by manual or mechanical means with or

without the use of massage devices that mimic or

enhance manual measures, and

b. the external application of ice, heat and cold packs

for thermal therapy, water, lubricants, abrasives and

external application of herbal or topical preparations

not classified as prescription drugs; and

5. "Massage therapy school" means a facility providing

instruction in massage therapy.