In Florida, can a massage therapist perform physical therapy and vice versa?

[Jason]

I need a lawyer in Florida specializing in this and please cite the rules and statutes. Thank you.

 

[WRG]

A licensed massage therapist can perform massage. A licensed PT can do either. The PT license is much broader in scope and requires significantly more education.

 

[mistify]

Why do you need a lawyer for this? The state practice acts for both should be a good reference. However, generally speaking...in any state, physical therapists can perform massage as part of a physical therapy treatment...it's within the scope of our practice. A massage therapist, however, cannot perform physical therapy at any time. It's outside the scope of their practice.

Here are a few titles from the state practice act:

A. Requiring license to practice PT: http://www.parkfun.com/Calendar/Calendar_details.aspx?EventId=7853e5e4-de5c-4648-9a85-4450acd2b2f1

Section 11 describes duties of a PT (include the use of massage): http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0486/Sections/0486.021.html

The chapter discussion duties of a massage therapist (manipulation of soft tissues): http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0480/Sections/0480.033.html

The section describing disciplinary actions against an MT who tries to practice outside their scope: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499/0480/Sections/0480.046.html