Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and provide remedial massage treatments based on the outcomes of an existing health assessment and treatment plan.
This unit applies to remedial massage therapists working with clients presenting with soft tissue dysfunction, musculoskeletal imbalance or restrictions in range of motion (ROM).
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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare client for treatment | 1.1 Interpret treatment plan and clearly outline how the treatment will be provided and managed 1.2 Explain factors which may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment 1.3 Inform the client of possible physical or emotional reactions during and following a session and the appropriate course of action to take 1.4 Follow established protocols to physically prepare the client for treatment 1.5 Confirm client consent for treatment |
2. Use remedial massage techniques and sequences | 2.1 Determine treatment sequence, location and degree of pressure according to assessment indications 2.2 Use the condition and response of the client as a continual feedback to the initial assessment 2.3 Position client to optimise their comfort and support while allowing for optimum application of techniques 2.4 Maintain client dignity through use of draping 2.5 Maintain therapist postures that ensure a controlled distribution of body weight 2.6 Maintain client-focused attention throughout the treatment session 2.7 Recognise reactions to treatment and respond promptly |
3. Provide advice and resources to the client | 3.1 Educate client in relevant and practical techniques that support the treatment plan 3.2 Answer client queries with clarity, using language the client understands 3.3 Use honesty and integrity when explaining treatment plans, schedules and recommendations to the client 3.4 Promote client independence and responsibility in treatment 3.5 Discuss and agree on evaluation strategies 3.6 Accurately document treatment provided and details of client communications |
Evidence of Performance
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 200 hours of massage client consultation work
prepared for and managed at least 60 remedial massage treatment sessions - clients must include males and females from different stages of life with varied presentations
applied techniques in each of the following positions during client consultation sessions according to client needs:
prone
supine
seated
side-lying recumbent
used all of the following techniques appropriately:
frictions
passive joint movement
passive soft tissue movement
deep tissue massage
muscle energy
neuromuscular
press and release
myofascial (without skin penetration)
trigger point therapy (without skin penetration)
lymphatic drainage
temperature therapy
proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)
stretching
mobilisation and movement at major joints (without adjustments or high velocity manipulations)
Evidence of Knowledge
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
work role boundaries:
working within scope of practice
presenting symptoms that require referral to a medical practitioner
work health and safety
remedial massage techniques and how to apply them:
friction techniques
compressive techniques
passive joint movement techniques
passive soft tissue movement
deep tissue massage
muscle energy techniques
myofascial techniques (without skin penetration)
trigger point therapy (without skin penetration)
lymphatic drainage
temperature therapy
topical applications
PNF
stretching techniques
mobilisation and movement at major joints (without adjustments or high velocity manipulations)
remedial massage techniques to address the following conditions:
sciatica
arthritis
headache
plantar fasciiti
shoulder impingement
TMJ
repetitive strain injuries
medial and lateral epicondylitis
carpal tunnel syndrome
postural imbalances
endangerment sites - where they are and how to use palpatory skills in these areas according to scope of practice, including:
anterior triangle of the neck
posterior triangle of the neck
femoral triangle
cubital fossa
axillary area
medial epicondyle
lateral epicondyle
sternal notch and anterior throat
umbilicus
twelfth rib dorsal body
sciatic notch
inguinal triangle
popliteal fossa
potential reactions during treatment and how to respond:
discomfort
emotional reactions
feedback - verbal, tactile, visual
muscle spasms
body temperature discomfort
deep relaxation
potential reactions following treatment and appropriate client advice to provide
types of advice and resources that can be provided to clients for their use outside the clinical environment
documentation requirements for recording treatment details
Assessment Conditions
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, treatment plan
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 150 of the 200 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 remedial massage therapist providing services to the general public
hold practising membership of an Australian professional body that represents remedial massage therapists
fulfil the continuing professional development requirements of the professional body to which they belong
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.