Legalities

[?RadSkully?]

As someone who grew up on the track and trained both thoroughbreds and quarter horses, I definitely have my opinions about this subject! :twisted:

In my opinion, many vets are not very well educated about massage and soft tissue injury. Like many med doctors who prescribe pain killers, muscle relaxers, or surgery, vets tend to prescribe bute, muscle relaxers, rest and other sometimes invasive treatments. If a joint is involved, inject it. Prescribing or suggesting massage never crosses their minds, and frankly, many vets just as doctors, do not believe in the physiological benefits of massage. Massage feels good, and helps with relaxation, but as for healing benefits, they really do not believe.

However, trainers and grooms who are truly interested in the well being of their horses, do alot of "rubbing" (massage) on not only legs but also shoulders, stifles, backs and hindquarters. Chances are if you asked them if they are practicing massage therapy, they would look at you and laugh. But if you watch, you will see that they use the techniques that a trained massage therapist would use. Most of these trainers also practice preventive care using massage and hydrotherapy techniques. And I promise you, most of these people have no formal training, what they know is passed down through a kind of mentorship, person to person, close observation of horses, and a true desire to learn everything horse.

Do I think that equine therapy should fall under vet med? No. Do I think that there should be education and certification? Yep.

 

[gummybear]

There are no boards that regulate the practice of animal massage.

Not true. In UT and WA animal massage therapists must be certified to work on humans and meet training/education guidelines to work on animals, and thus are regulated by the massage therapy boards of those states.

Thanks for the correction, this is actually an old post/thread and I've since added that info to other threads without coming back in here and updating.

There is also a new law that past in 2007 regarding Washington state, that you do not need to be a human massage therapist, see below:

Washington state law previously only allowed certified and licensed human massage therapist with a specific allowed number of hours to practice massage on animals (information requirements for licensed human massage therapists below). A recent bill which passed in April 17, 2007 now allows individuals with a required minimum of 300 hours specifically designed for large animals or a required minimum of 300 hours specifically designed for small animal to practice in the state if licensed.

For more specifics on the new law above and compiled USA animal laws by state, click HERE.