Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:57 AM AWST

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Perform remedial massage musculoskeletal assessments

Perform remedial massage musculoskeletal assessments

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTMSG013
State Code
OEO24
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
15/12/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/08/2023
Field of Education
061711 - Massage Therapy
Original Release Date
11/08/2023
Nominal Hours
190
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assess clients presenting with symptoms, musculoskeletal conditions or restriction in range of motion. It requires the ability to gather client information, conduct specific tests and bring information together to develop a remedial massage treatment plan. There is a strong focus on functional anatomy.This unit applies to remedial massage therapists.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certificate or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine scope of client needs.
  • 1.1. Clarify client expectations and identify client motivation for wanting to receive remedial treatment.
  • 1.2. Provide clear information about scope and limits of services to be provided, in accordance with legal and ethical considerations.
  • 1.3. Collect an accurate, relevant and organised health record and document in a form which can be interpreted readily by other professionals.
  • 1.4. Recognise needs that are beyond scope of own practice and make referrals to other health care professionals as required.
  • 1.5. Identify and respond to any barriers to information gathering and assessment.
  • 1.6. Seek client information respectfully and sensitively, using purposeful, systematic and diplomatic questions.
  • 1.7. Manage information in a confidential and secure way.
2. Conduct client assessment.
  • 2.1. Determine appropriate assessment process.
  • 2.2. Provide information about the assessment process and obtain informed client consent to proceed.
  • 2.3. Follow clinical and therapist hygiene protocols and work health and safety (WHS) standards.
  • 2.4. Respect client dignity and anticipate potential sensitivities.
  • 2.5. Seek client feedback on comfort levels throughout assessment process.
  • 2.6. Assess client through palpation, observation, range of motion (ROM) testing and client’s reported outcomes.
  • 2.7. Observe and note any client concerns about pain or health.
  • 2.8. Identify variations of posture or structural function in relation to presenting symptoms.
  • 2.9. Analyse variables of presenting condition through use of functional and special testing.
  • 2.10. Use ongoing discussions with client to gain subjective information as required for assessment.
  • 2.11. Document information from the assessment according to organisational policies and procedures.
3. Develop treatment plan.
  • 3.1. Correlate results of assessment with case history.
  • 3.2. Consider available medical information and incorporate into analysis within scope of own practice.
  • 3.3. Identify condition according to stage and related implications.
  • 3.4. Identify and respond to cautions or contraindications for remedial treatments.
  • 3.5. Determine optimum techniques to be used for treatments.
  • 3.6. Use outcomes of assessment and analysis to determine and discuss treatment plan and expected client outcomes.
  • 3.7. Document all proposed treatment plan.
4. Confirm assessment and treatment plan with client.
  • 4.1. Discuss assessment, its implications and rationale for treatment with the client.
  • 4.2. Assign and agree treatment priorities and expectations in consultation with the client.
  • 4.3. Respond to client questions and concerns using language the client understands.
  • 4.4. Obtain informed consent for remedial treatment.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVA20 HLTMSG003 Perform remedial massage musculoskeletal assessments Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BIP6 HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage Qualification