Elements and Performance Criteria

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.


Factors which interfere with the effectiveness of treatment may include:
Other medical treatment being undertaken
Client'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


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 relaxation
Emotional release


Responses to reactions may include:
Adjusting treatment accordingly
Seeking appropriate expertise
Discussing reaction with the client
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
Continued:
Massage techniques includes Cont:
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
rhythmically using the hands
percussion: cupping, tapping, hacking, pummelling and flicking are applied
Petrissage
Temperature therapy
conduction, eg heat packs and immersion baths
radiation, eg ray lamps
friction
topical applications
Stretching techniques


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

EVIDENCE GUIDE

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


Context of and specific resources for assessment:
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


Method of assessment
Observation in the work place
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
Explanations of technique
Oral questioning and discussion


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


Related units:
This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related units:
HLTCOM404C Communicate effectively with clients
HLTFA301C Apply first aid
HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures
HLTOHS300B Contribute to OHS processes