Elements and Performance Criteria

Factors which interfere with the effectiveness of treatment may include:
Other medical treatment being undertaken
Client/patient's physical and psychological readiness and/or wellness
Cultural factors
Contra-indications to treatment
Post massage activity

Mode of administration may include:
Exposure of sections of the body
Rotating of exposure around the body
Use of oils and treatments
Requirement for feedback and interaction
Massage technique
Variations in application intensity
Requirement of specified positioning of client/patient

Reactions may include:
Pain and/or discomfort
Feedback - verbal, tactile, visual
Muscular spasms
Allergy to oils or treatments used
Temperature discomfort
Joint sounds (spontaneous cavitation)
Client/patient relaxation
Emotional release

Responses to reactions may include:
Adjusting treatment accordingly
Seeking appropriate expertise
Discussing reaction with the client/patient
Adherence to clinic guidelines for response to accidents and emergencies
Using first aid procedures according to St Johns, Australian Red Cross or other appropriate first aid training
Maintaining a senior first aid certificate which is renewed at least every three years
Accessing local emergency services

Consent for treatment refers to:
Informed consent according to local and national regulations and legal guidelines

Massage techniques includes:
Massage techniques 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. This may include:
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 palmer 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
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
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
Pestrissage
Temperature therapy
Conduction, eg heat packs and immersion baths
Radiation, eg ray lamps
Friction
Topical applications
Stretching techniques

Advise and resource the client/patient refers to:
Providing relevant literature or information materials
Referring client/patient to other information sources
Advising client/patient of suggested resources
Suggestion of referrals to other health professionals

Critical aspects of assessment:
Treatment incorporates the philosophies and beliefs of a massage framework
Demonstrated ability to apply commonly used treatment techniques listed under the range of variables
Treatment is provided according to the individual, the condition and the presence of complicating factors
Ability to suggest alternative health care professionals when case is outside practitioner's competence
Patient/client is prepared for treatment according to massage principles
Treatment is provided and client/patient responses are documented
All treatment or care delivered is consistent with legislative and regulatory requirements

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
Communicate effectively with clients
Contribute to the control of infection
Work effectively within the health industry
OHS
First aid

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Knowledge of the organisation of the body
Knowledge of the systems and regions of the body
Knowledge of skeletal musculature
Knowledge of functions of major muscle groups
Knowledge of the articular system, classification of joints and types and ranges of motion
Knowledge of fundamental human physiology
Knowledge of the organisation of the nervous system
Knowledge of reproduction as it relates to massage
Knowledge of pathology and symptomology
Knowledge of indications and contra-indications for massage
Knowledge of basic assessment procedures and options
Skills in applying basic assessment techniques
Demonstrated ability to comprehend common medical terminology
Ability to identify prominent bones, structures and muscle groups through palpation.
Ability to transcribe assessment findings and treatment in a patient history.
Knowledge of the ethical and legal implications of the practice of massage
Knowledge of environmental physiology and the effects of drugs on the individual
Ability to manage time throughout consultation and treatment
Knowledge of indications for massage
Demonstrated communication skills to gain and convey required information
Knowledge of ethical and legal implications of enquiry and treatment

Resource implications:
Resource requirements may include:
An appropriately stocked and equipped clinic or simulated clinic environment
Relevant texts or medical manuals
Relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments
Appropriate assessment environment
Demonstration model/client/patient

Method of assessment:
Assessment may include:
Practical demonstration
Simulations
Explanations of technique
Oral questioning and discussion
Case studies and scenarios

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of work conditions. Assessment may contain both theoretical and practical components and examples covering a range of clinical situations.