Massage therapy in the UK for the most part is governed by common law and there is little legislation.

Much of the work of the General Council for Massage Therapy (GCMT) is being undertaken with a view to anticipating any possible legislative provision governing massage therapy.

In some parts of the country, local authorities require massage practitioners to obtain licences to practise. In some areas e.g. Nottingham, MTI practitioners have been granted exemption from this requirement on the grounds of being bona-fide health practitioners. In London, the London Local Authorities Act 1991 and 2000 requires premises where 'special treatments' (including massage) take place to have a licence from the local authority. The cost of the licence varies from local authority to local authority.

Certain organisations can apply for exemption and, since there is a need to secure agreement from all London local authorities, MTI has asked the GCMT to pursue a blanket exemption for practitioners in London.

Massage therapists must. where appropriate, also adhere to the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and Data Protection Act.

It may be necessary for therapists to be police-checked when working with children or vulnerable adults.