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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

Advanced assessment procedures and options allowing complex regional assessments

Best practice massage therapy principles

Classification of joints and types and ranges of motion

Ethical legal and regulatory implications of treatment

History philosophy and beliefs of massage therapy within a health framework

Indications and contraindications for massage

Pain and chronic pain syndromes

Pathology and symptomology

Regional anatomy

Structure and function of anatomical systems appropriate to massage therapy and scope of practice such as

articular system

cardiovascular system

endocrine system

lymphatic system

reproductive system

respiratory system

Technical and practical knowledge of treatment

The organisation of the body

The processes of ageing and biological maturation

The role of massage in

alleviating depression and anxiety

autoimmune disorders

enhancing attentiveness

enhancing growth

immune disorders

The situation and referral patterns of trigger points

Understanding of physiology and anatomy according to massage therapy

Understanding of the fundamental principles of biomechanics and functional anatomy

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

Communicate effectively with clientother health practitioner

Complete documentation of all recommendations and client responses

Comprehend common medical terminology

Demonstrate skills in applying advanced assessment techniques

Develop and implement treatment plans to achieve optimal health rehabilitation or to improve quality of life which involve

treatment of a range of conditionsdisease states

compressive techniques including digital ischemic pressure

deep tissue massage techniques

demonstration of the application of all of the techniques listed under the range of variables

effleurage including cross over stroke longitudinal stroking gliding techniques

friction techniques

manual lymphatic drainage

mobilising techniques

myofascial tension technique

passive joint movement techniques

passive soft tissue movement

percussion techniques

petrissagekneading

proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation

stretching techniques

temperature therapy

trigger point release techniques

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

Gather and interpret information through the tactile senses

Handle a case requiring referral to another health care professional

Identify and describe a treatment outcome using accepted medical terminology

Identify bone landmarks structures and individual muscles through palpation

Identify prominent bonesstructure and phasic and postural muscles

Manage time throughout consultation and treatment

Palpate prominent bonesstructure and phasic and postural muscles

Prepare the client for treatment according to massage principles

Essential skills contd

Provide treatment according to the individual the condition and the presence of complicating factors It must be the safest most efficacious method that is also cost effective to the client

Review treatment plan

Transcribe assessment findings and treatment in a client history using accepted medical terminology

Use equipment and resources competently and safely

Write referrals appraisal letters for insurance companies and other documentation

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 workplace 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 after or 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 HLTHIRB Communicate and work effectively in health HLTHIR301B Communicate and work effectively in health HLTINC Comply with infection control policies and procedures HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures

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.

Consent for treatment refers to:	Informed consent according to the local and national regulations and legal guidelines In the case of a minor or a ward of the state that an appropriate adult be present during any examination

Respond may include:	Adjusting treatment accordingly Seeking appropriate expertise or referral Discussing reaction with the client Adhering 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

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. These include but are not limited to: 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 palm 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/petrissage 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 or massage tool friction techniques are believed to be beneficial in releasing adherent/scar tissue continued ...
Massage techniques (cont):	Compressive techniques digital pressure compression: successive and rapid pressure, i.e. a series of short duration compressions, is applied to soft tissue between two structures, i.e. underlying bone structures and therapist's hand, or hand to hand Percussion: cupping, tapping, hacking, pummelling and flicking are applied rhythmically using the hands Temperature therapy conduction, eg heat packs and immersion baths radiation, eg ray lamps friction Topical applications Deep tissue massage techniques Myofascial tension technique: techniques conducted on superficial and/or deep tissues to: lengthen tissue reduce adhesions increase range of movement decrease compartment pressure restore elasticity Manual lymphatic drainage Trigger point release techniques: apply digital ischemic pressure and/or apply stretching after treatment. It incorporates: ischemic pressure stretching Stretching techniques: static stretching dynamic stretching contract-relax and hold-relax

Advise and resource the client refers to:	Providing relevant literature or information materials Referring client to other information sources Providing advice regarding self-care Advising client of suggested resources Providing of details which help to fully inform client of relevant information Providing referrals to other health professionals Availability of products required or suggested for treatment Postural correction advice

Practical techniques that promote and maintain optimal health may include:	Postural improvement strategies eg ideal posture for activities Discussion of causes of poor posture Simple follow-up activities and/or strategies to work on between sessions Activities and/or tasks to avoid Self-massage techniques