In India during the development of varmalogy, not only human but animal bodies were charted, resulting in what we refer to as trigger points.
[1] Massage techniques continued to develop throughout history and are mentioned in the early writings of the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Turks, Persians, and Japanese.
As long as horse racing has existed, equine massage has been an integral part of caring for the valuable animals.
In the 1970s the U.S. Equestrian Team formalized their use of massage, no longer referring to it as a "rub down" but calling it therapy.
[citation needed] Canine massage therapy should not be used as a substitute for veterinary medical care.
Although there are many different ways in which a canine massage therapist will conduct a session, all will use some method to assess the needs of the dog and develop an improvement plan for the animal.
The therapist will consider what massage techniques worked best for the dog and will often note any changes in gait or posture after the treatment session is complete.
Recommendations can include veterinary visits and owner homework, as well as follow-up massage sessions.
The IAAMB provides a reasonably up-to-date chart of state veterinary scope of practice laws as they pertain to animal massage.
In addition to being a prominent voice in the animal massage community, IAAMB supports national competency assurance testing and accreditation.