Elements and Performance Criteria

Signs and symptoms of condition may include:
Physical evidence
Behavioural evidence
States of disorder
Sensations
Onset
Duration
Location
Causation
Direction of chief complaint
Ameliorating and aggravating factors
Symptom qualities (intensity, severity, nature of complaint)
Non-verbal signs and symptoms
Functional and pathological disturbances

Body patterns may refer to:
Posture
Range of movement
Muscle strength
Contra-lateral comparisons

Critical aspects of assessment include:
Knowledge of data analysis techniques
Demonstrated ability to interpret investigative findings
Demonstrated differential diagnostic skills
Ability to prioritise presenting conditions
Knowledge of referral process
Establishment of urgency for treatment required
Ability to conduct orthopaedic tests
Demonstrated ability to identify treatment options and establish treatment regimes
Demonstrated ability to prepare treatment plans
Demonstrated ability to understand and discuss medical reports and other data relevant to the case
Demonstrated ability to prescribe treatment according to the time-frame appropriate to the client/patient condition and the treatment selected
Knowledge of legal and ethical considerations in treating clients/patients with massage
Knowledge of lifestyle factors relevant to treatment of specific conditions and diseases
Demonstrated consideration of the impact of client/patient vitality on selected treatment
Knowledge of possible obstacles and contra-indications to treatment
Knowledge of community resources and support services
Demonstrated communication and negotiation skills
Demonstrated ability to provide advice

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
Perform health assessment
Communicate effectively with clients

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Knowledge of the indications, possible responses and contra-indications to treatments
Knowledge of advanced assessment procedures and options allowing complex regional assessments
Skills in applying advanced assessment techniques
Knowledge of orthopaedic tests
Knowledge of the clinical indications of treatment relevant to specific circumstances - first aid and injuries
Ability to identify bone landmarks, structures and individual muscles through palpation.
Knowledge of the situation and referral patterns of trigger points
Knowledge of signs and symptoms of disease and disorder/dysfunction
Knowledge of common disease states and functional problems of each bodily system
Knowledge of the principles and practice of treating common conditions
Knowledge of the organisation of the body
Knowledge of the systems and regions of the body
Knowledge of skeletal musculature
Knowledge of biomechanics
Knowledge of the structure and function of the articular system - classification of joints and types and ranges of motion
Knowledge of human physiology
Knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system
Knowledge of regional anatomy
Knowledge of the structure and function of the lymphatic system
Knowledge of the structure and function of the respiratory system
Knowledge of the reproductive system
Knowledge of the endocrine system
Knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system
Knowledge of the structure and function of the immune system
Knowledge of the structure and function of the cardiovascular system
Knowledge of pathology and symptomology
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the body systems
Knowledge of the processes of biological maturation
Knowledge of the role of massage in enhancing growth
Knowledge of pain and chronic pain syndromes
Knowledge of the processes of aging
Knowledge of the role of massage in alleviating depression and anxiety
Knowledge of the role of massage in enhancing attentiveness
Knowledge of the role of massage in immune disorders
Knowledge of the role of massage in auto-immune disorders
Knowledge of supplementary measures in the management of the condition/system (dietary considerations, exercise)
Ability to transcribe assessment findings and treatment in a patient history using accepted medical terminology
Ability to identify and describe a treatment outcome using accepted medical terminology
Knowledge of medical reports and diagnostic procedures
Ability to access and interpret up-to-date information
Knowledge and understanding of methods of preparing treatment and management plans
Knowledge of the correct preparations required for specific treatment
Knowledge of disease process
Ability to apply differential assessment
Knowledge and understanding of types of further investigation available
Ability to write referrals, appraisal letters for insurance companies and other documentation
Knowledge of the contribution of the different schools of thought and historical theories of clinical practice
Interpersonal and questioning skills
Knowledge of the ethical and legal implications of the practice of massage

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

Method of assessment:
Assessment may include:
Written assignment with practical demonstration
Diagnosis from assessment notes or simulated assessments
Oral questioning
Case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of diagnostic technique
Short answer tests

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.