Scottsdale, AZ police are inspecting massage facilities throughout the city

Police in Scottsdale enforce massage laws
Steve Ibach

Officers from the Scottsdale police department are out today inspecting licensed massage facilities and seeking unlicensed businesses illegally providing massage therapy. The purpose of the inspections is to enforce Scottsdale’s massage facility code and Arizona’s massage therapy laws to ensure the safe practice of massage therapy, and to prevent businesses from using massage as a front for prostitution or other illegal activity. Many illegitimate massage parlors were recently shut down in a massive police investigation in Mesa, Arizona, a neighboring town.

Prostitution in Scottsdale and in Arizona in general is a serious concern to law enforcement officials. As prostitution is often conducted under the guise of massage, day spas and others offering massage in Scottsdale are often under the scrutiny of police who have the difficult job of obtaining sufficient proof that illegal activities are taking place. Businesses providing sex and prostitutes are very cautious at first to ensure that any new clients are not undercover police officers. While Scottsdale police can inspect any facility offering massage, they cannot enter treatment rooms while treatments are taking place without probable cause and cannot make arrests and shut down businesses without proof that prostitution is occurring.

Another important part of the police activity is to ensure that massages are not being be illegally performed. Reflexology practices and other businesses in Scottsdale have been sited by the police in recent months for providing massage therapy as defined under A.R.S. 42 without a license. Massage therapy, although often thought of as just a relaxing treatment, is a medical service and has serious contraindications for some individuals. Massage therapists in Arizona receive 700 hours of training in anatomy, physiology, and other related subjects so they can identify contraindications and provide massage safely and therapeutically. Anyone performing massage therapy without a license in Scottsdale or anywhere in Arizona, is subject to law enforcement action. Exceptions are made only for “massages” of the feet, hands, and head.

Due to limited resources the police cannot inspect every business and cannot find every illegal practice without the public’s help. Call Scottsdale Police at 480-312-5000 if you know of a business involved in illegal sex or prostitution or if you believe someone is performing massage therapy without a license. Remember only licensed massage therapists, who must carry their license with them anytime they perform a massage, can massage any area of the body other than the hands, feet, and head. Reports can also be filed online at: https://eservices.scottsdaleaz.gov/eservices/tipline/ 

More Information: Is prostitution and sex taking place in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and other valley massage facilities?

In addition to being the Scottsdale Massage Therapy Examiner, Steve Ibach is a licensed massage therapist and is nationally certified in therapeutic massage. Steve specializes in advanced medical massage therapy as well as Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage which he studied on Maui, HI. Steve is also a fitness consultant and is currently writing a book on fitness and exercise. He is the owner of Hawaiian Experience Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. Please contact the spa at 480-661-2991 if you would like to make an appointment with Steve or one of his therapists.

Important: All information and advice published by Steve is general in nature only and should not be used as specific medical advice. Always consult with a doctor for medical advice. All articles are copyrighted to Steve Ibach and may not be reproduced without his written consent.

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