Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:48 AM AWST

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Assess client massage needs

Assess client massage needs

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTMSG010
State Code
OEO47
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
90
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to gather client information, make a client assessment and determine massage treatment options.This unit applies to massage therapists providing therapeutic and relaxation massage treatments. It does not include remedial massage assessment techniques.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. Ensure client completes client intake form prior to assessment.
  • 1.2. Clarify client expectations and identify reason client is wanting to receive massage therapy.
  • 1.3. Provide clear information about scope and limits of services to be provided.
  • 1.4. Collect accurate, relevant and organised health record and document in a form which can be interpreted readily by other professionals.
  • 1.5. Recognise needs that are beyond scope of own practice, and discuss other health care options as required with client.
  • 1.6. Identify and respond to any barriers to information gathering and assessment.
  • 1.7. Seek client information respectfully using purposeful, systematic and diplomatic questioning.
  • 1.8. Manage information in a confidential and secure way in accordance with legal and ethical considerations.
2. Conduct client assessment.
  • 2.1. Determine appropriate assessment process.
  • 2.2. Advise client about the assessment process and obtain informed client consent to proceed.
  • 2.3. Follow clinical and therapist hygiene protocols.
  • 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 and observation.
  • 2.7. Observe and note any client concerns about pain and health.
  • 2.8. Identify and respond to cautions and contra-indications to massage treatment.
  • 2.9. Document all assessment findings.
3. Determine and discuss treatment approach.
  • 3.1. Discuss assessment findings to determine treatment needs.
  • 3.2. Discuss assessment and rationale for treatment with the client.
  • 3.3. Respond to client enquiries using language the client understands.
  • 3.4. Discuss referral and collaborative options with the client.
  • 3.5. Obtain informed consent for massage therapy treatment.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVA22 HLTMSG002 Assess client massage needs Unit of competency