Is massage therapy considered health care?

Asked by: Jordon Greenfelder  |  Last update: April 25, 2025
Score: 5/5 (47 votes)

Definition. Clinical massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the human body for therapeutic purposes. Based in ancient traditions, massage therapy is a professional health care discipline in the United States.

Is massage part of healthcare?

This is just a small number of allied healthcare workers, and some estimates state that up to 60% of employees in healthcare are in allied care. So, by definition, massage therapy is part of healthcare services, and massage therapists are medical professionals.

Is massage therapy considered health care by IRS?

That's right. The Internal Revenue Service, of all things, actually has tax codes that determine which expenses qualify as legitimate medical expenses or legitimate preventive healthcare. Chiropractic and even such things as acupuncture are on that list, but not massage therapy.

What category does massage therapy fall under?

Massage therapy generally falls under the classification of "general health," which refers to a service or procedure that can provide a boost to a person's overall health and wellness but is not considered a vital treatment to alleviate a specific medical condition.

Is a massage therapist a qualified healthcare professional?

Other qualified healthcare professionals include registered nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and physical, speech, occupational, and massage therapists.

What is Medical Massage vs. Clinical Massage vs. Orthopedic Massage

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Is massage therapy covered by insurance?

Medically Necessary Treatment: If a doctor prescribes massage therapy as part of a rehabilitation or pain management program for conditions like musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, or post-surgery recovery, it may be covered.

What falls under healthcare professional?

Under federal regulations, a "health care provider" is defined as: a doctor of medicine or osteopathy, podiatrist, dentist, chiropractor, clinical psychologist, optometrist, nurse practitioner, nurse-midwife, or a clinical social worker who is authorized to practice by the State and performing within the scope of their ...

What industry is massage therapy considered?

In particular, we expressed support to maintain that massage therapy provided as an integrative health therapy should remain under the large umbrella of Other Health Practitioners (NAICS code 621399).

What field does massage therapy fall under?

Massage therapists play an important role in the field of allied health. They use touch and pressure to manipulate the soft tissues of the body to promote relaxation, relieve pain, reduce stress and promote the overall wellness of their clients.

How many massages can a therapist do in a day?

Massage therapy sessions

How many appointments you have in a day depends on your availability and scheduling preferences, but most full-time therapists will see around five clients a day with massage appointments typically lasting between 60 and 90 minutes.

Is a massage a healthcare expense?

Others may have exhausted standard medical solutions and are turning to massage as a last means to manage their health. As long as the massage was recommended or prescribed by a medical professional, massage therapy can be a qualified medical expense that is tax deductible.

Can massages be written off on taxes?

For instance, if your doctor prescribes massages to help recover from an injury or manage a chronic condition, you may be able to include these costs in your medical expense deductions. Keep in mind that the IRS requires that these expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income before you can claim them.

Does massage therapy qualify for HSA?

Massages with a doctor's note of necessity

In certain cases, the massage is deemed medically necessary, and can be classified as a qualified medical expense. In a case like this, accountholders can use their HSA to pay for the massage.

What counts as healthcare?

Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, midwifery, nursing, optometry, audiology, psychology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training, and other health professions all constitute health care. The term includes work done in providing primary care, secondary care, tertiary care, and public health.

Is massage covered by Medicaid?

The government calls these Alternative and Complementary Medicine. The ACA doesn't see them as essential benefits. So, it's hard to claim massage therapy through Medicaid and insurance. You'll likely need to pay the full cost.

Is massage therapy part of healthcare?

Definition. Clinical massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the human body for therapeutic purposes. Based in ancient traditions, massage therapy is a professional health care discipline in the United States.

Why did I quit massage therapy?

I was not prepared for the awful experience of working as a massage therapist. My clients were demanding and often creepy, thinking it was okay to cross my boundaries. The last client I saw was so awful that I gave up massage therapy completely.

Do massage therapists take insurance?

While it depends on your specific insurance plan, many insurance companies will cover massage therapy if a doctor prescribes it for a medical condition. If you have a condition such as chronic pain or a muscle injury, your massage therapy sessions may be covered under your insurance plan.

What gender gets more massages?

According to a 2023 survey, females in the United States were more likely to get a massage than their male counterparts. Approximately 27 percent of female respondents stated that they got a massage in the previous year, while this figure dropped slightly to 22 percent among male respondents.

How long do massage therapists last?

Various sources report the average lifespan of a massage therapy career is 5-7 years, but it's possible to have a successful career that lasts a few decades. What's the difference between 5 years and 30 years? Continuing education, self-care, and autonomy.

What subject does massage therapy fall under?

Subjects like anatomy, physiology, pathology, and nutrition provide students an overview of the human body and how it works. Classroom coursework in topics related to the practice of massage. Topics on law, ethics, communication, and management prepare students for professional practice.

What jobs are considered health care?

Here is a detailed list of some of the most popular jobs in the medical field:
  • Home health aide. ...
  • Medical assistant. ...
  • Nursing assistant. ...
  • Physical therapy assistant. ...
  • Licensed practical nurse. ...
  • Registered nurse. ...
  • Occupational therapist. ...
  • Physical therapist.

Is a therapist considered a healthcare professional?

The healthcare workforce comprises a wide variety of professions and occupations who provide some type of healthcare service, including such direct care practitioners as physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, respiratory therapists, dentists, pharmacists, speech-language pathologist, physical ...

Which one of the following is not a healthcare provider?

Final answer: A medical transcription company is not a healthcare provider, as it does not deliver direct patient care, unlike dental clinics, physician practices, and chiropractors which do provide such services.