Assessor Resource

HLTMSG002
Assess client massage needs

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to gather client information, make a physical assessment of the body and determine massage treatment options.

This unit applies to massage therapists providing general health maintenance treatments. It does not include remedial massage assessment techniques.

This unit applies to massage therapists.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements define the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Determine scope of client needs

1.1 Clarify client expectations

1.2 Provide clear information about scope and limits of services to be provided

1.3 Collect 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. Make a physical assessment

2.1 Advise client about the physical assessment process and obtain client consent to proceed

2.2 Follow clinical and practitioner hygiene protocols

2.3 Respect client dignity and anticipate potential sensitivities

2.4 Seek client feedback on comfort levels throughout assessment process

2.5 Assess client through palpation, observation and range of motion (ROM) testing

2.6 Identify and respond to contra-indications to massage treatment

2.7 Accurately document assessment findings

3. Determine and communicate treatment approach

3.1 Determine treatment needs by integrating findings from physical assessment, observation and communication

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 as required

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

performed the activities outlined in the performance criteria of this unit during a period of at least 80 hours of massage client consultation work

prepared for and managed at least 40 massage assessments - clients must include males and females from different stages of life with varied presentations

completed physical assessments using palpation, observation and active, passive and resisted ROM testing

interacted effectively with clients:

clearly articulated information about services, treatment options and rationale

engaged clients in decision making

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

legal and ethical considerations (national and state/territory) for client assessment:

codes of conduct

duty of care

informed consent

mandatory reporting

practitioner/client boundaries

privacy, confidentiality and disclosure

records management

working role boundaries

working within scope of practice

presenting symptoms that require referral to a medical practitioner

work health and safety

referral options for massage practitioners, including:

professional health services including complementary health modalities

community resources and support services

factors and barriers that may impact on massage assessment:

physical

psychological

cultural

factors that affect individual health status:

age

gender

constitution

lifestyle

diet

personal and medical history

values and attitudes

balance of rest and activity

physical environment

social environment

client information required prior to physical assessment, including:

case history

client expectations

considerations for performing physical massage assessments:

environment

equipment

client privacy

client instructions

physical assessment techniques, how and when they are used, including:

postural assessment

range of motion (active, passive and resisted)

palpation

contraindications to treatment and possible indications for referral, including:

protracted pain or pain which is non re-producible or neural in origin

fatigue

circulatory disorders

inflammation

lumps and tissue changes

rashes and changes in the skin

oedema

mood alterations

infection

changes in habits such as appetite elimination or sleep

bleeding and bruising

nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea

temperature-hot or cold

major muscle anatomy, including:

surface anatomy

origin and insertion

palpable bony landmarks

reciprocal inhibition, antagonist/agonist, synergists

actions including individual actions, planes and synergistic groups of the following muscles:

temporalis

masseter

frontalis

sternocleidomastoid

trapezius

levator scapulae

latissimus dorsi

supraspinatus

infraspinatus

teres major

teres minor

subscapularis

rhomboids

pectoralis major

pectoralis minor

rectus abdominis

quadratus lumborum

psoas

erector spinae

gluteus maximus

gluteus medius

piriformis

quadriceps

tibialis anterior

peroneals

hamstrings

adductor magnus

adductor longus

gastrocnemius

soleus

deltoid

biceps brachii

triceps brachii

flexor carpi radialus

flexor carpi ulnaris

palmaris longus

pronator teres

brachioradialis

extensor carpi radialis

supinator

skeleton:

bones of the body

major bony landmarks

surface anatomy and palpable bony landmarks

bone growth and remodelling

joints:

joint classifications – fibrous, cartilaginous, synovial (glide, plane, ball/socket, saddle, hinge, condyloid, pivot)

joint actions

physiology:

soft tissue:

muscle contraction

muscle physiology (reflexes, chemistry, proprioceptors)

tendons and ligaments

fascia

hard tissue:

bone growth and development

abnormal bone growth

recognition of in terms of contra-indications:

inflammation (cardinal signs, physiology at cellular level)

injury and wound healing (acute/chronic, stages, grades)

pain types

tendinopathy

Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated clinical environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:

use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:

client information – case history

private consultation area

adjustable height massage table

towels/sheets for draping

oils/balms

hot/cold packs

bolsters

modelling of industry operating conditions, including provision of services to the general public

clinic supervision by a person who meets the assessor requirements outlined below for at least 60 of the 80 hours of client consultation work

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

In addition, assessors must:

have current clinical experience working as a massage therapist providing services to the general public

hold practising membership of an Australian professional body that represents massage therapists

fulfil the continuing professional development requirements of the professional body to which they belong


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements define the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Determine scope of client needs

1.1 Clarify client expectations

1.2 Provide clear information about scope and limits of services to be provided

1.3 Collect 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. Make a physical assessment

2.1 Advise client about the physical assessment process and obtain client consent to proceed

2.2 Follow clinical and practitioner hygiene protocols

2.3 Respect client dignity and anticipate potential sensitivities

2.4 Seek client feedback on comfort levels throughout assessment process

2.5 Assess client through palpation, observation and range of motion (ROM) testing

2.6 Identify and respond to contra-indications to massage treatment

2.7 Accurately document assessment findings

3. Determine and communicate treatment approach

3.1 Determine treatment needs by integrating findings from physical assessment, observation and communication

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 as required

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

performed the activities outlined in the performance criteria of this unit during a period of at least 80 hours of massage client consultation work

prepared for and managed at least 40 massage assessments - clients must include males and females from different stages of life with varied presentations

completed physical assessments using palpation, observation and active, passive and resisted ROM testing

interacted effectively with clients:

clearly articulated information about services, treatment options and rationale

engaged clients in decision making

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

legal and ethical considerations (national and state/territory) for client assessment:

codes of conduct

duty of care

informed consent

mandatory reporting

practitioner/client boundaries

privacy, confidentiality and disclosure

records management

working role boundaries

working within scope of practice

presenting symptoms that require referral to a medical practitioner

work health and safety

referral options for massage practitioners, including:

professional health services including complementary health modalities

community resources and support services

factors and barriers that may impact on massage assessment:

physical

psychological

cultural

factors that affect individual health status:

age

gender

constitution

lifestyle

diet

personal and medical history

values and attitudes

balance of rest and activity

physical environment

social environment

client information required prior to physical assessment, including:

case history

client expectations

considerations for performing physical massage assessments:

environment

equipment

client privacy

client instructions

physical assessment techniques, how and when they are used, including:

postural assessment

range of motion (active, passive and resisted)

palpation

contraindications to treatment and possible indications for referral, including:

protracted pain or pain which is non re-producible or neural in origin

fatigue

circulatory disorders

inflammation

lumps and tissue changes

rashes and changes in the skin

oedema

mood alterations

infection

changes in habits such as appetite elimination or sleep

bleeding and bruising

nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea

temperature-hot or cold

major muscle anatomy, including:

surface anatomy

origin and insertion

palpable bony landmarks

reciprocal inhibition, antagonist/agonist, synergists

actions including individual actions, planes and synergistic groups of the following muscles:

temporalis

masseter

frontalis

sternocleidomastoid

trapezius

levator scapulae

latissimus dorsi

supraspinatus

infraspinatus

teres major

teres minor

subscapularis

rhomboids

pectoralis major

pectoralis minor

rectus abdominis

quadratus lumborum

psoas

erector spinae

gluteus maximus

gluteus medius

piriformis

quadriceps

tibialis anterior

peroneals

hamstrings

adductor magnus

adductor longus

gastrocnemius

soleus

deltoid

biceps brachii

triceps brachii

flexor carpi radialus

flexor carpi ulnaris

palmaris longus

pronator teres

brachioradialis

extensor carpi radialis

supinator

skeleton:

bones of the body

major bony landmarks

surface anatomy and palpable bony landmarks

bone growth and remodelling

joints:

joint classifications – fibrous, cartilaginous, synovial (glide, plane, ball/socket, saddle, hinge, condyloid, pivot)

joint actions

physiology:

soft tissue:

muscle contraction

muscle physiology (reflexes, chemistry, proprioceptors)

tendons and ligaments

fascia

hard tissue:

bone growth and development

abnormal bone growth

recognition of in terms of contra-indications:

inflammation (cardinal signs, physiology at cellular level)

injury and wound healing (acute/chronic, stages, grades)

pain types

tendinopathy

Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated clinical environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:

use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:

client information – case history

private consultation area

adjustable height massage table

towels/sheets for draping

oils/balms

hot/cold packs

bolsters

modelling of industry operating conditions, including provision of services to the general public

clinic supervision by a person who meets the assessor requirements outlined below for at least 60 of the 80 hours of client consultation work

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

In addition, assessors must:

have current clinical experience working as a massage therapist providing services to the general public

hold practising membership of an Australian professional body that represents massage therapists

fulfil the continuing professional development requirements of the professional body to which they belong

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
 
Clarify client expectations 
Provide clear information about scope and limits of services to be provided 
Collect accurate, relevant and organised health record and document in a form which can be interpreted readily by other professionals 
Recognise needs that are beyond scope of own practice, and make referrals to other health care professionals as required 
Identify and respond to any barriers to information gathering and assessment 
Seek client information respectfully and sensitively, using purposeful, systematic and diplomatic questions 
Manage information in a confidential and secure way 
Advise client about the physical assessment process and obtain client consent to proceed 
Follow clinical and practitioner hygiene protocols 
Respect client dignity and anticipate potential sensitivities 
Seek client feedback on comfort levels throughout assessment process 
Assess client through palpation, observation and range of motion (ROM) testing 
Identify and respond to contra-indications to massage treatment 
Accurately document assessment findings 
Determine treatment needs by integrating findings from physical assessment, observation and communication 
Discuss assessment and rationale for treatment with the client 
Respond to client enquiries using language the client understands 
Discuss referral and collaborative options with the client as required 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

HLTMSG002 - Assess client massage needs
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

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Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

HLTMSG002 - Assess client massage needs

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: