Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:37 PM AWST
22/07/2026 9:37 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Provide remedial massage treatments within a corporate setting
Provide remedial massage treatments within a corporate setting
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTREM512C
HLTREM512C
State Code
WD275
WD275
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/07/2012
Field of Education
061711 - Massage Therapy
Original Release Date
19/07/2012
Nominal Hours
80
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to administer remedial massage treatments within a corporate environment
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify common musculoskeletal injuries and associated treatment procedures
- 1.1 Identify and describe common work related musculoskeletal injuries and their causes
- 1.2 Explain and describe industry standard massage therapy principles regarding procedures and/or approaches for treating common musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace
- 1.3 Identify massage therapy procedures useful and/or appropriate for application in the workplace
2. Provide massage programs within a corporate environment
- 2.1 Build and maintain a relationship of trust with the corporate client, with active promotion of and strict adherence to confidentiality.
- 2.2 Develop a program to suit corporate client
- 2.3 Ensure consent for treatment from individual clients
- 2.4 Undertake monitoring of individual client health in line with agreement with corporate client
3. Treat common musculoskeletal injuries
- 3.1 Develop a treatment package incorporating massage techniques and/or massage therapy techniques to treat common musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace
- 3.2 Implement a treatment package through the integration of various techniques
- 3.3 Recommend changes to the workplace and work practices which cause musculoskeletal stress
- 3.4 Establish, explain, clarify and instigate self-management programs with the client
- 3.5 Establish, explain, clarify and instigate rehabilitation programs with the client
- 3.6 Refer client to other health professionals in relation to areas/aspects in which the therapist is not currently competent
4. Provide support packages for individual clients
- 4.1 Establish, explain, clarify and instigate self-management programs with the client
- 4.2 Advise client and teach relevant self massage techniques to assist in self management programs
- 4.3 Explain and discuss contraindications for massage with client
- 4.4 Advise client on rehabilitation programs
5. Market/promote corporate massage
- 5.1 Identify potential appropriate promotional activities
- 5.2 Plan promotional activities to the needs of the organisation
- 5.3 Ensure timelines and costs for promotion of activities are realistic and consistent with budget resources
- 5.4 Establish relationships with targeted groups in a manner which enhances the positive image of the service
- 5.5 Use networks to assist in the promotion of service
6. Evaluate services/treatment
- 6.1 Question individual clients to ascertain their level of comfort and compliance with the treatment
- 6.2 Ascertain degree of improvement or changes in condition of clients and compare with expectations of the corporate client
- 6.3 Provide clients with clear information about their level of improvement
- 6.4 Assess and review treatment as required
- 6.5 Document progress according to requirements
- 6.6 In conjunction with corporate client evaluate impact of ongoing treatment in relation to the physical, mental and emotional condition and behaviour in the workplace
- 6.7 Encourage individual clients to maintain their health by active involvement in their treatment and ongoing health care
- 6.8 Consult with other treatment practitioners as necessary and appropriate
- 6.9 Refer to other health professionals if condition deteriorates
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Clients may include:
Corporate organisations and companies
Individual clients who may be:
are usually committed and self-motivated to return
female or male
with or without a disability or special needs
with or without social disadvantage
and/or from minority ethnic and cultural groups
Common musculoskeletal injuries may include but are not limited to:
Bones
Fracture
Periosteal contusion
Overuse
Stress fracture
'Bone strain', 'stress reaction'
Osteitis/periostitis
Apophysitis
Articular cartilage
Overuse
Chondropathy, eg, softening, fibrillation, fissuring, chondromalacia
Dislocation
Subluxation
Overuse
Synovitis
Osteoarthritis
Ligament
Muscle
Tendon
Bursa
Nerve
Skin
Normal muscle imbalances
Tendinopathies
Strain sprain
Headaches
Contraindications for massage may include:
Massage therapists are not expected to diagnose any conditions but must be able to recognise the indications and contraindications of conditions
Massage is contraindicated in all infectious diseases suggested by fever, nausea and lethargy until a diagnosis is received and recommended by a medical practitioner
Always refer for diagnosis when symptoms do not have a logical explanation
Indications for referral include
pain,local, sharp, dull, achy, deep, surface
fatigue
inflammation
lumps and tissue changes
rashes and changes in the skin
edema
mood alterations, eg, depression, anxiety
infection
changes in habits such as appetite elimination or sleep
bleeding and bruising
nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
temperature,hot or cold
Endangerment sites are areas where nerves and blood vessels lie close to the skin and are not well protected
anterior triangle of the neck
posterior triangle of the neck
axillary area
area of the sternal notch and anterior throat
twelfth rib dorsal body
sciatic notch
inguinal triangle
popliteal fossa
Massage techniques may include:
To be performed in a variety of positions, ie, standing, seated, prone, supine and side recumbent lying, and through clothing as well as conventional table massage. These include but are not limited to:
Passive joint movement techniques
joints are moved through their range of movement, ie to the point of mild tissue resistance
Passive soft tissue movement
technique is applied with palmer surfaces of the hand, heel of hand and/or fingers
jostling:
shaking of the muscle from origin to insertion
Gliding techniques
effleurage:
broad superficial strokes using the entire palm surface of the hands to cover large surface areas of the body
Longitudinal stroking:
deep gliding movement is applied in the direction of the muscle fibres through focal pressure using any of the following; fingers, palm, heel of hands, forearm and/or knuckles
transverse gliding
cross over stroke:
pulling and pushing of the tissue using the hands in a criss-cross manner
Kneading/petrissage
technique is applied with palm surface of the hand, heel of hand and/or fingers
soft tissue is mobilised with rhythmical circular rolling, squeezing or pulling movements
Friction techniques
superficial tissue is moved over an underlying structure in circular, longitudinal or transverse directions
deep repetitive movements of short amplitude are applied usually with thumbs, fingers and knuckles
friction techniques are believed to be beneficial in releasing adherent/scar tissue
continued ...
Massage techniques (contd):
Compressive techniques
digital pressure
compression: successive and rapid pressure, ie a series of short duration compressions, is applied to soft tissue between two structures, ie underlying bone structures and therapist's hand, or hand to hand
Percussion: cupping, tapping, hacking, pummelling and flicking are applied rhythmically using the hands
Temperature therapy
conduction, eg heat packs and immersion baths
friction
Topical applications
Deep tissue massage techniques
Myofacial release: techniques conducted on superficial and/or deep tissues to:
lengthen tissue
reduce adhesions
increase range of movement
decrease compartment pressure
restore elasticity
Manual lymphatic drainage
Trigger point release techniques: apply digital ischemic pressure and/or apply stretching after treatment. It incorporates:
ischemic pressure
stretching
Stretching techniques:
static stretching
dynamic stretching
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching: contract-relax and hold-relax
Programs may include the following:
Aim/purpose/outcomes of program
Frequency of visits
Number of individual clients
Time allocated to individual clients
Cost and payment
Referral mechanisms
Confidentiality processes
Promotion to individual clients
Reporting and evaluation mechanisms
Industry standard massage therapy principles may include:
Relevant national, state/territory or local massage therapy organisations' and/or associations' Code of Ethics or Code of Conduct documents/policies, regulations and guidelines
Relevant national, state/territory or local government regulations and guidelines
Accepted preventative practices adopted by self or peers to minimise safety hazards and risks in the same or similar situations
Current and past good practice demonstrated by self or peers in the same or similar situation
Other health professionals may include:
Practitioners who can competently make assessments regarding conditions that may potentially be complicated by the application of massage techniques
Medical practitioners
Physiotherapists
Chiropractors
Osteopaths
Other massage therapists with current competencies in modalities outside the scope of the practitioner, eg, specialising in oriental modalities
Naturopaths/homeopath therapists
Podiatrists
Yoga/relaxation/tai chi instructors
Dentists
Exercise therapists
Acupuncturists
Self-management program may include
Assisting the client in areas such as:
activities or tasks to avoid
self stretches or simple exercises
simple temperature therapy techniques
self-massage techniques
workplace activities
Promotional activities may include:
Media announcements
Employee functions
Client functions
Product launches
Advertisements
Web pages
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Clients may include:
Corporate organisations and companies
Individual clients who may be:
are usually committed and self-motivated to return
female or male
with or without a disability or special needs
with or without social disadvantage
and/or from minority ethnic and cultural groups
Common musculoskeletal injuries may include but are not limited to:
Bones
Fracture
Periosteal contusion
Overuse
Stress fracture
'Bone strain', 'stress reaction'
Osteitis/periostitis
Apophysitis
Articular cartilage
Overuse
Chondropathy, eg, softening, fibrillation, fissuring, chondromalacia
Dislocation
Subluxation
Overuse
Synovitis
Osteoarthritis
Ligament
Muscle
Tendon
Bursa
Nerve
Skin
Normal muscle imbalances
Tendinopathies
Strain sprain
Headaches
Contraindications for massage may include:
Massage therapists are not expected to diagnose any conditions but must be able to recognise the indications and contraindications of conditions
Massage is contraindicated in all infectious diseases suggested by fever, nausea and lethargy until a diagnosis is received and recommended by a medical practitioner
Always refer for diagnosis when symptoms do not have a logical explanation
Indications for referral include
pain,local, sharp, dull, achy, deep, surface
fatigue
inflammation
lumps and tissue changes
rashes and changes in the skin
edema
mood alterations, eg, depression, anxiety
infection
changes in habits such as appetite elimination or sleep
bleeding and bruising
nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
temperature,hot or cold
Endangerment sites are areas where nerves and blood vessels lie close to the skin and are not well protected
anterior triangle of the neck
posterior triangle of the neck
axillary area
area of the sternal notch and anterior throat
twelfth rib dorsal body
sciatic notch
inguinal triangle
popliteal fossa
Massage techniques may include:
To be performed in a variety of positions, ie, standing, seated, prone, supine and side recumbent lying, and through clothing as well as conventional table massage. These include but are not limited to:
Passive joint movement techniques
joints are moved through their range of movement, ie to the point of mild tissue resistance
Passive soft tissue movement
technique is applied with palmer surfaces of the hand, heel of hand and/or fingers
jostling:
shaking of the muscle from origin to insertion
Gliding techniques
effleurage:
broad superficial strokes using the entire palm surface of the hands to cover large surface areas of the body
Longitudinal stroking:
deep gliding movement is applied in the direction of the muscle fibres through focal pressure using any of the following; fingers, palm, heel of hands, forearm and/or knuckles
transverse gliding
cross over stroke:
pulling and pushing of the tissue using the hands in a criss-cross manner
Kneading/petrissage
technique is applied with palm surface of the hand, heel of hand and/or fingers
soft tissue is mobilised with rhythmical circular rolling, squeezing or pulling movements
Friction techniques
superficial tissue is moved over an underlying structure in circular, longitudinal or transverse directions
deep repetitive movements of short amplitude are applied usually with thumbs, fingers and knuckles
friction techniques are believed to be beneficial in releasing adherent/scar tissue
continued ...
Massage techniques (contd):
Compressive techniques
digital pressure
compression: successive and rapid pressure, ie a series of short duration compressions, is applied to soft tissue between two structures, ie underlying bone structures and therapist's hand, or hand to hand
Percussion: cupping, tapping, hacking, pummelling and flicking are applied rhythmically using the hands
Temperature therapy
conduction, eg heat packs and immersion baths
friction
Topical applications
Deep tissue massage techniques
Myofacial release: techniques conducted on superficial and/or deep tissues to:
lengthen tissue
reduce adhesions
increase range of movement
decrease compartment pressure
restore elasticity
Manual lymphatic drainage
Trigger point release techniques: apply digital ischemic pressure and/or apply stretching after treatment. It incorporates:
ischemic pressure
stretching
Stretching techniques:
static stretching
dynamic stretching
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching: contract-relax and hold-relax
Programs may include the following:
Aim/purpose/outcomes of program
Frequency of visits
Number of individual clients
Time allocated to individual clients
Cost and payment
Referral mechanisms
Confidentiality processes
Promotion to individual clients
Reporting and evaluation mechanisms
Industry standard massage therapy principles may include:
Relevant national, state/territory or local massage therapy organisations' and/or associations' Code of Ethics or Code of Conduct documents/policies, regulations and guidelines
Relevant national, state/territory or local government regulations and guidelines
Accepted preventative practices adopted by self or peers to minimise safety hazards and risks in the same or similar situations
Current and past good practice demonstrated by self or peers in the same or similar situation
Other health professionals may include:
Practitioners who can competently make assessments regarding conditions that may potentially be complicated by the application of massage techniques
Medical practitioners
Physiotherapists
Chiropractors
Osteopaths
Other massage therapists with current competencies in modalities outside the scope of the practitioner, eg, specialising in oriental modalities
Naturopaths/homeopath therapists
Podiatrists
Yoga/relaxation/tai chi instructors
Dentists
Exercise therapists
Acupuncturists
Self-management program may include
Assisting the client in areas such as:
activities or tasks to avoid
self stretches or simple exercises
simple temperature therapy techniques
self-massage techniques
workplace activities
Promotional activities may include:
Media announcements
Employee functions
Client functions
Product launches
Advertisements
Web pages
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of performance in the workplace or a simulated workplace (defined as a supervised clinic)
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Assessment may contain both theoretical and practical components and examples covering a range of clinical situations
Assessment of sole practitioners must include a range of clinical situations and different client groups covering at minimum, age, culture and gender
Assessment of sole practitioners must consider their unique workplace context, including:
interaction with others in the broader professional community as part of the sole practitioner's workplace
scope of practice as detailed in the qualification and component competency units
holistic/integrated assessment including:
working within the practice framework
performing a health assessment
assessing the client
planning treatment
providing treatment
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Massage therapy facilities
Massage therapy equipment
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place (if possible)
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting. If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Related units:
This unit should be assessed after or in conjunction with the following related units:
HLTAP501C Analyse health information
HLTREM502C Provide remedial massage treatment
HLTREM503C Plan the remedial massage treatment strategy
HLTREM504C Apply remedial massage assessment framework
HLTREM505C Perform remedial massage health assessment
HLTREM510C Provide specialised massage treatment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of performance in the workplace or a simulated workplace (defined as a supervised clinic)
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Assessment may contain both theoretical and practical components and examples covering a range of clinical situations
Assessment of sole practitioners must include a range of clinical situations and different client groups covering at minimum, age, culture and gender
Assessment of sole practitioners must consider their unique workplace context, including:
interaction with others in the broader professional community as part of the sole practitioner's workplace
scope of practice as detailed in the qualification and component competency units
holistic/integrated assessment including:
working within the practice framework
performing a health assessment
assessing the client
planning treatment
providing treatment
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Massage therapy facilities
Massage therapy equipment
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place (if possible)
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting. If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Related units:
This unit should be assessed after or in conjunction with the following related units:
HLTAP501C Analyse health information
HLTREM502C Provide remedial massage treatment
HLTREM503C Plan the remedial massage treatment strategy
HLTREM504C Apply remedial massage assessment framework
HLTREM505C Perform remedial massage health assessment
HLTREM510C Provide specialised massage treatment
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D8486 | HLTREM512B | Provide remedial massage treatments within a corporate setting | Unit of competency |
