§ 18-147. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Advertising includes telephone directory listings and business cards.

Department of finance means the department of finance of Fulton County, Georgia.

Director of finance means the director of the department of finance.

Licensee means any person holding a license issued hereunder.

Massage clinic/corporation/parlor means any business where one or more massage therapists perform massage therapy.

Massage therapist means a person who performs massage on the human trunk or limbs.

Massage therapy means the manipulation of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes and includes, but is not limited to, effleurage (stroking skin without going deep), petrissage (kneading movement by lifting and grasping), tapotement (brisk blows in rapid alternating fashion), compression, vibration, friction, nerve strokes and other movements, whether by hand or with mechanical or electrical apparatus, for the purpose of muscular massage. This may include the use of oil, salt glows, hot and cold packs, and other recognized forms of massage therapy. Massage therapy shall not include a diagnosis, service or procedure normally provided by a doctor of medicine, doctor of chiropractic or doctor of podiatry, nor shall it apply to athletic trainers, technicians, or physical therapists who act by a prescription or under the supervision of a person authorized to practice medicine or surgery. Massage therapy shall not include any conduct or activity which is otherwise prohibited by state, federal or local law.

(Res. No. 06-0465, Exh. A, 5-3-06)