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Elements and Performance Criteria

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Essential knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of

Basic assessment procedures and options

Environmental physiology and the effects of drugs on the individual

Ethical and legal implications of enquiry and treatment

Functions of major muscle groups

Fundamental human physiology

Indications and contraindications for massage

Indications for massage

Pathology and symptomology

Reproduction as it relates to massage

Skeletal musculature

The articular system classification of joints and types and ranges of motion

The ethical and legal implications of the practice of massage

The organisation of the body

The organisation of the nervous system

The philosophies and beliefs of a massage framework

The systems and regions of the body

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to

Apply basic assessment techniques

Apply commonly used treatment techniques listed under the range of variables

Apply commonly used treatment techniques listed under the range of variables

Comprehend common medical terminology

Demonstrate communication skills to gain and convey required information

Ensure all treatment or care delivered is consistent with legislative and regulatory requirements

Ensure client responses to treatment provided are documented

Ensure treatment incorporates the philosophies and beliefs of a massage framework

Ensure treatment is provided according to the individual the condition and the presence of complicating factors

Identify prominent bones structures and muscle groups through palpation

Manage time throughout consultation and treatment

Prepare client for treatment according to massage principles

Suggest alternative health care professionals when case is outside practitioners competence

Suggest alternative health care professionals when case is outside practitioners competence

Transcribe assessment findings and treatment in a client history

Evidence Required



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 practitioners workplace scope of practice as detailed in the qualification and component competency units holisticintegrated 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 paperbasedvideo assessment instruments Appropriate assessment environment Demonstration modelclient

Method of assessment	Observation in the work place Written assignmentsprojects 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 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 andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

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

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