Massage therapists use touch to manipulate various muscles and muscle groups within the body. Therapeutic massage techniques are used to improve circulation, reduce stress, alleviate pain and help soothe and heal muscle injuries. Most states require massage therapists to be licensed or certified through the state. Only six states required no massage therapy licensing in 2014; however, this will be changing in 2015.

Certification-Free States

As of 2014, the states of Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Vermont and Wyoming do not require massage therapists to be licensed or certified. Alaska did not require massage therapists to be licensed in 2014, but legislation has passed that will require massage practitioners to be licensed as of July 15, 2015. This does not, however, mean that you are completely free to practice massage therapy anywhere in these states without a license. Some city governments within these states have created their own laws about massage therapy certification. It is important to check with your local government before practicing massage, even if your state does not require you to have a license.