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The following literature briefly outlines the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice that Registered Equine Massage Therapists abide by to help ensure quality and consistency to the equine industry. The Code of Ethics represent the manner in which a REMT should present themselves, while the Standards of Practice outline some of the actual steps that are to be taken by a therapist. The Code of Ethics 1. Respect for Persons and Animals The REMT shall treat all clients and their animals with respect. They will keep all records confidential (unless required by law), help to keep the client fully informed regarding their rights and the treatment of their animal, and they will treat the animal in a humane and considerate manner. 2. Responsible Caring The REMT shall provide professional, quality services to their clients. Should a conflict of personal or medical issues arise, referrals will be made to the appropriate professionals (such as veterinarians or farriers). 3. Integrity in Relationships The REMT will always act in the best interest of the animal, referring when necessary, and helping clients to understand the information presented regarding their horse's treatments. 4. Responsibility to Society The REMT will conduct him or herself in a professional manner, practice career-long professional training, and be committed to improvement of themselves and the profession by collaborating with veterinarians and other equine professionals for the comfort and well being of horses. Standards of Practice 1. Interviewing the horse owner and veterinarian to obtain the treatment goals This allows the REMT to collect the data regarding the owner or veterinarians goals, the horse's level of conditioning, and any restrictions relating to the farm, the horse's training, or use of the facilities. This is usually done when the REMT first visits the horse and should be reviewed periodically. This also is a good time for owners or vets to ask any questions they have regarding massage. 2. Obtain and record the horse's health and use background The REMT will collect contact information (owner and veterinarian), and record the horse's information including: any injuries or illnesses (old, chronic, or new), infectious conditions, and the nature of any existing problems. This allows the REMT to listen for any contraindications to massage, or for any other information that might require modifications to the treatment or not proceeding at all. Discussing this information with the animals vet will dictate how treatments will proceed. The REMT should check with owners periodically for changes in the animal's health that are not apparent during the course of a treatment. 3. Determining the horse's use, experience, and condition, as well as assessing its suitability for massage therapy The therapist will go over the horse's body checking its range of motion at joints, and (the tenderness, tension, texture, and temperature, and tone of) soft tissues. At no time will the horse's joints be forced to bend beyond their current abilities. The information gathered here aids in constructing a treatment plan for the animal (if it is applicable) or helps the therapist offer referrals if necessary. This is to be completed during the initial visit and briefly with each subsequent visit. 4. Explain the initial equine massage plan to the owner and veterinarian The plan outlines how the REMT plans to proceed. It will include the realistic goals of the therapist, areas of the horse to be treated, duration and frequency of visits, recommended remedial exercise, and hydrotherapy if required. The REMT will only proceed if they feel that the massage will benefit the animal. This plan allows the owner to decide if they will proceed, and allows the veterinarian to voice any concerns that they might have. 5. Obtain owner consent to treatment, and consent to discuss and provide treatment details to the horse's veterinarian While the owner may have called the REMT out to assess the animal, consent to proceed with the outlined treatment is required. This gives the owner a chance to ask questions, change the course of treatment, or not proceed at all. These choices can be made at any point by the owner. 6. Prepare treatment area The area used for treatments should be clean, the footing solid (not slippery), and the area generally safe for the horse, therapist, and handler (if applicable). This might include removing other horses from the area and disinfecting clothing/materials used for massage. 7. Personal Hygiene The REMT will wash hands and disinfect footwear between horses and have a change of clothing if required. 8. Safety The REMT will ensure the materials used and the area selected are safe before proceeding with the massage. This includes halters, leads, and wall attachments are secure and properly attached, and the location is free from interruption. If the horse is prone to behavioral problems a hander should be present or in the immediate vicinity. 9. Preparation of Horse The entire body surface of the animal should be clean before starting (this is the responsibility of the owner or caregiver). The therapist will create the appropriate rapport with the animal before commencing work. 10. Methodology and Techniques of Massage Therapy The massage therapy will be applied in accordance to the descriptions and guidelines specified in the curriculum approved by the IFREMT, including any updates or new techniques introduced by the IFREMT. This helps to ensure that the techniques are practiced correctly and safely by the therapist. 11. Humane Treatment and Prevention of Cruelty The REMT will handle subject horses in a manner that is respectful and considerate to the sensitivities and welfare of the animal. Should the therapist observe evidence of cruelty or any unnecessary suffering this will be immediately reported the animal's veterinarian or appropriate authorities. 12. Continuing Education REMTs will continue their education throughout their career to enhance techniques and increase their knowledge. |
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