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Massage is the systematic manipulation of soft tissues for therapeutic purposes. The soft tissues include muscles, tendons,
nerves, and circulatory structures. Therapists manipulate these structures to provide relief from pain, enhance
performance, and to boost the general well being of the animal.
Registered Equine Massage Therapists work in conjunction with the horse's primary veterinarian to achieve these results. We also
work in conjunction with chiropractors, saddle fitters, trainers, farriers and other equine professionals.
| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Is Equine Massage Regulated in Ontario?
The simple answer is no.
There are no government bodies regulating the practice of equine massage therapy in Ontario. Anyone can get a certificate and call themselves an equine massage therapist.
Having said that, the IFREMT has recently be approved the right to the titles "Registered Equine Massage Therapist" and "International Federation of Registered Equine Massage Therapists". This means that only those registered and in good standing with the IFREMT can legally use these titles. This should help the public discriminate between the varying levels of equine massage training and services available for their horses.
The IFREMT does strive to ensure quality and consistency of services to the public. We make sure that each member has passed entrance requirements and exams before they are able to call themselves registered. The IFREMT also insists on professional and courteous behaviour. Should you feel that you have not been treated in a respectful or professional manner when employing the services of an REMT, please contact the IFREMT immediately.
The IFREMT is also an independent entity. It is true that the IFREMT was hatched from the D'AL School or Equine Massage Therapy in London, ON; but it is now an independent association.
If you have any questions please contact the IFREMT info@ifremt.org
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What are the specific requirements to apply for IFREMT membership?
We have had a flood of emails from individuals requesting applications to write the entrance exam for the IFREMT. The following criteria are currently required to apply to write the entrance exams:
1) Educational Requirements: graduation from a 2200 hour equine massage therapy programme at a Federation approved facility
2) Required Documentation:
a) Application form completed in full and signed
b) Two recent letters of reference from a professional source
c) A copy of grade 12 or equivalent education
d) Two citizenship sized, colour photos of the candidate (for ID card)
e) All applicable fees (application, exam, and registration fee)
f) A copy of proof of graduation from a Federation approved equine massage therapy programme
The entire package must be completed and submitted at least 30 days prior to the exams (schools to submit proof of graduation at least 14 days prior to exam date), any incomplete or late packages are not accepted and the candidate must wait until the next exam session.
The testing consists of both a written and practical component. Successful completion of both sections is required for registration. There is a zero tolerance policy for academic misconduct.
While the IFREMT administration is working to expand their list of feeder institutions, the above policies will remain in place. Any updates will be found on the website. Please check back periodically for changes.
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Do horses have health issues like humans that need to be considered before having a massage?
The simple answer is yes, however, sometimes it can be difficult to identify the conditions. Just like humans, many horses live for years with undiagnosed diseases and difficulties because their owners just aren't trained to recognize the signs.
While health conditions may not be exactly as seen in the human, horses do suffer from diseases that can be impacted by massage. Metabolic disorder, dysbiosis, and heaves could be considered the horse's version of diabetes, digestive disorders, and COPD--Your REMT goes through a case history and contacts the animal's primary veterinarian to try and identify any health issues that might be present before launching into any massage schedule.
Massage can have an effect on many of the body's systems. For example, massage is known affect the circulatory system quite profoundly, so if there is a disease process occurring, the REMT needs to know so that they can modify the work to suit the needs of the horse to improve its condition and not do any harm.
If the horse is suffering from extreme muscle pain or pathology and the REMT is recruited to help, they need to know how to work around the condition and not cause more harm.
Working closely with the animal's primary veterinarian and taking a complete case history helps to bring any health issues to light and helps the REMT modify their work to best suit the horse.
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Is it possible to harm the horse?
It might seem odd to think of massage in that way, but yes, it is possible, albeit rare.
Massage affects many body systems, a REMTs knowledge of the equine body's systems, a complete case history, and veterinary direction help the REMT to decide on an appropriate course of action for each client. When presented with contraindications, the REMT can modify or cancel their work until a change is observed to show that the body is capable to handling the massage.
While many think of massage when they think of relaxing and feeling good, the reality is that massage can be deep and quite rigorous, so a thorough understanding of what structures are being handled, what systems are affected, and what conditions are occurring is very important.
It is very important that the REMT, owner, and veterinarian have an open line of communication so that any issues can be discussed and work around for the health of the horse.
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Why should I get my horse massaged?
Massage can be used to maintain, prevent or rehabilitate injury, condition, and improve a horse's performance. When the horse is feeling good he will have a better attitude.
The horse's discipline, the level at which they compete, conformation, and injury are all reasons that an owner or trainer might consider massage.
High performance horses, such as racehorses, show jumpers, or ranch horses all have very demanding tasks that they are expected to do on command. This can be very tough on the body and stressful for some animals mentally. Massage can help to keep their bodies working at maximum ability by helping to keep the body pain free (or decreasing pain), balanced, and
supple, by catching problems early when they are easy to deal with, and by allowing the horse mental down time when they can relax.
For horses that have been injured, massage can help to speed up the healing process, help the injury heal properly (depending on the injury of course), and help to decrease the instances of the compensatory issues that often arise when horses are kept on stall rest. And again, if the horse can feel good while it is recovering and relax, that will benefit the healing process.
A horse with conformational faults, or a permanent injury might find massage beneficial. While massage won't fix the faults, or repair the injury, it can help the rest of the body to maintain a comfortable state so that further damage isn't done due to the horse's physique.
Recreational riders might consider massage as a gift for their friend to help them feel good. School horses might benefit by being more comfortable and therefore more willing mounts for kids and adults learning to ride.
Massage will benefit just about any situation when applied by a knowledgeable and properly trained therapist.
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Is it the same as chiropractics?
No, the chiropractor deals directly with the spine and joints of the horse. Massage deals with the soft tissues of the body such as: muscles, tendons, ligaments, circulatory and nervous structures. While massage may have an effect on the spine and joints, it doesn't manipulate them directly. However, the two approaches tend to work very well together as relaxed muscles will help to hold a chiropractic adjustment better than those that are tight.
The massage can be applied before or after the chiropractic adjustment depending on the individual situation.
If a horse is in need of a chiropractic adjustment, a qualified professional should be sought out. An equine chiropractor must either be a veterinarian who has taken an accredited course on chiropractics for animals, or a chiropractor for humans who has taken an accredited chiropractor course for animals. Just as it is extremely important to look for a qualified massage therapist, it is also important to make sure when looking for a chiropractor that they are approved by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (Chiropractors found in Canada should also be registered with the AVCA).
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What does 'Registered' mean and how does it differ from a non-registered massage practitioner?
A Registered Equine Massage Therapist is a member of the IFREMT. This means that they will have had rigorous hands on and in class training, undergone testing by fellow REMTs and veterinarians, and as members they abide by the standards and codes that govern them. They will pay yearly dues and attend meetings to maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills. While each therapist's style will differ, the public can expect the REMT's skills and knowledge will be at a high level.
The REMTworks as a professional, with equine professionals. An REMT also works under the direction of the horse’s primary veterinarian.
Non registered practitioners might have varying degrees of knowledge and skills, may or may not have had training, and might be hard to track down if a problem arises between the owner and the practitioner. While there are many great unregistered practitioners, owners need to ask questions to be sure of the qulaity of services they will receive.
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When should my horse NOT get a massage?
There are some conditions that contraindicate (would be made worse by) massage. These include acute trauma, circulatory conditions, phlebitis, and some cancers. Sometimes direct contact with an area is contraindicated such as: when there has been an acute injury or surgery, or if there is a contagious condition on the skin (such as ringworm).
Because we depend on the horse's reactions to tell us how to proceed, if the horse is on muscle relaxants or pain killers we need to know so that we can forego or modify the treatment to suit the situation.
Whenever a situation arises where there is any question regarding contraindications, the horse's primary veterinarian is to be contacted, and massage is to proceed only under the veterinarian's approval and direction.
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What can I expect when a Registered equine massage therapist visits?
During the first visit the REMT will complete a case history assessment. This can include observing and noting the horse's conformation, movement, behavior, saddle fit, and possibly watching the horse work. It also includes palpating the horse's muscles and determining the horse's range of motion in specified joints. It is also very helpful to know if the horse has even been injured or ill, had surgery, or if it is on any medications.
We also need to know what the owner expects of the massage.
This information helps the REMT to determine if massage will be suitable for the horse, and to plan a course of action with the owner that will best compliment their needs.
The REMT will also contact the horse's primary veterinarian to inform them of the massage sessions, and to ensure that no other contraindications exist.
On subsequent visits, the owner can expect respectful, courteous, and fair treatment (for both themselves and the horse(s)) from the REMT. The horse should be kept as comfortable as possible. Some treatments may be painful to the horse, but the therapist will monitor the horse's reactions to ensure that they do not go past what the horse can reasonably tolerate. After a deep or painful session, the horse may be site specific sore, or a little stiff, but this should NOT be the norm and the horse should show improvement from its pre-massage state in the following day or two.
Should an owner ever have concerns about the sessions, the therapist should be open discussion and explain their choices or alter the sessions to better suit the owners concerns.
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How soon can I expect to see benefits?
This depends greatly on the horse's condition and how long it has been this way, but in general a change can be observed right after the session. For truly lasting effects, a program of regular, frequent visits may be required (initially), tapering to regular visits as the horse requires.
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Who is liable if a horse doesn't respond well or is hurt during the session?
While some REMTs carry liability insurance, many don't. It is recommended that owners, trainers, or guardians be present during the massage incase of an emergency. Therapists will act using common sense while working with the animals, but it is up to the owners, trainers, or guardians to be there to care for the horse in case of unforeseen situations.
Horses will respond differently to each session. Some might be sore following a particularly deep session, but this is not to be expected for every session. Contacting the therapist and discussing the problem is important. It is also important to give the REMT a complete health history of the animal so that they are fully aware of any conditions that exist. Of course, keeping an open line of communication with the veterinarian is important when dealing with any health issues.
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What effects does it have on injured horses?
If your horse is injured, massage can be beneficial in the healing process (depending on the injury). Massage can help to decrease the healing time by decreasing stress, increasing the circulation, and by minimizing both swelling and scar tissue formation. In addition, massage can help the horse return to work faster and stronger when used on the whole body to minimize compensatory issues, so additional aches and pains don't creep up while the horse is on stall rest.
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What conditions can massage help?
Massage will benefit the horse in many ways, below is a list of some common issues that can be aided with massage:
- Sore back due to ill fitting tack/injury/conformation/overuse
- Bowed tendons, torn suspensory ligaments
- Overuse, unbalanced musculature
- Bad attitude brought on by mental stress or physical pain
- Stiffness from soft tissue pain or stall rest
- Inflammation-massage used to decrease swelling due to acute or chronic injury
- Preventative care
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What are remedial exercise and hydrotherapy?
Remedial exercise is the use of stretches, suppling and strengthening exercises to improve the horse's condition.
Hydrotherapy is the use of water in all of its states (ice, hot or cold water, steam) for therapeutic purposes. The body responds to cool by constricting nearby blood vessels and shunting blood and lymph away from the area that the cool has been applied (used in acute injury to reduce swelling). The body responds to heat by dialating blood vessels which allows an infusion of blood to the area, bringing with it nutrients, and the heat also causes the nervous system to relax the muscles (used in chronic conditions to relax and increase blood flow to an area).
Both remedial exercise and hydrotherapy are often performed during a massage session, and instructions are often left with the horse's care taker to perform some combination of them between REMT visits to continue to help the horse's condition. It is important to perform these with caution to avoid injuring the horse or injuring the person performing the maneuvers (stretching a horse's limbs can be very difficult and dangerous if performed incorrectly).
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Why does one therapist know so much more than another about one subject or incorporate different techniques other then massage?
Every REMT has the same training in massage. After graduation however, therapists branch out on their own to start their practices. Through personal experience, the REMT will quite often find other modalities that incorporate well into their massage and they will start a personal quest to better their knowledge. For example, some become involved in saddle fit, others in ridden techniques, blacksmithing, or training. This is considered over and above what is required for a REMT, and a bonus.
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It doesn't seem to be working? Why?
Massage is a modality that will work when it is given the appropriate chance. On occasion it may be slower than other types of therapy to deliver huge changes, but once they start they are often lasting and impressive. But they need a realistic chance to work. Just like anything else, if nothing changes then nothing changes.
As an example, if a horse is experiencing pain in its back due to an ill fitting saddle, massage can help. There will likely be an improvement in the horse following treatment, but unless the saddle fit problem is corrected, then the problem will reoccur. The same will hold true for any treatment modality if the underlying problem remains unresolved.
Work with the horse's vet, REMT, and other professionals to see an improvement.
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What are the benefits of massage?
Massage has a number of effects on the body.
In general, massage acts to increase local circulation of blood and lymph, decrease tension and pain, increase relaxation, and decrease inflammation.
It can also be used during competition to ready the body for strenuous work, to superficially repair the body during the competition, and after the competition to work deeply on the body to help repair damage and avoid injury. Human athletes have been using this approach for many years with great success.
Massage helps the body heal itself. It can be used to help balance the body when one side is overdeveloped (due to injury, conformation, or underlying pain), or it can be used to bring a horse back from stall rest faster and more efficiently by keeping the animal comfortable and avoiding compensatory issues brought on by the injury or by being confined to stall rest.
Massage may be best used as a conditioning and preventative tool. Regular visits by an REMT to healthy, sound horses keep them that way by address soft tissue issues as they occur, while they are small and seemingly insignificant. Like changing the oil in your car, the regular visits to the garage prevent major troubles later on.
As always, consult with your veterinarian prior to starting any health related activities to ensure open communication, and a safe, sound approach to your horse's health.
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How do you get your voice heard at a members meeting?
In order to have your topic dicussed, contact must be made a few days prior to the meeting. Both the public and members can have their topics
discussed, however, if we don't have a request submitted before the start of the meeting the topic will have to wait until the next member's meeting. Examples
of frequently covered topics include suitable dates for future meetings/events/absences, new techniques in practice, advice to junior members, fundraising
ideas, continuing education, and upcoming seminar dates. Please contact J.Ludwig (see 'Find a Therapist') to submit you ideas, questions, or constructive criticisms!
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Why do you ask so many questions about the horse in the assessment?
Massage tends to ba a holistic modality. This means that we need to look at as much as possible that is going on with the horse and incorporate this information into our massage plans.
It is possible to simply massage muscle tissues without taking other factors into consideration, but to ensure the best possible results we need to know why things are happening to the
animal in order to have positive, lasting results. While you are not obligated to share everyting about your horse, full details help the massage therapist to deliver quality services.
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Please contact us if you have any questions!
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