Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to provide superficial lymph massage for the treatment of specific skin and body conditions. It requires the ability to interpret a treatment plan, and to select and apply a range of superficial lymph massage techniques.
This unit applies to beauty therapists with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, the role of the lymphatic system in wound healing, inflammation and oedema and the biology of acne conditions. They provide treatments in beauty therapy or medical cosmetic clinics. Treatment may be performed post-operatively under medical supervision. They exercise judgement in planning and implementing an appropriate treatment program.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Establish client priorities. | 1.1 Access and review client treatment plan if available. 1.2 Discuss massage requirements and lifestyle factors with client and identify treatment priorities. 1.3 Review indications for treatment, contraindications and client feedback and modify treatment plan as required. 1.4 Identify contraindications which prevent treatment and recommend suitable alternative treatments or refer client to appropriate professional as required. 1.5 Confirm treatment objectives and revised treatment plan with client. 1.6 Obtain written medical approval as required. |
2. Prepare for treatment. | 2.1 Check readiness of treatment area and availability of equipment. 2.2 Prepare client, equipment and products based on agreed treatment plan. 2.3 Use energy, water and other resources efficiently during preparation and subsequent treatment process. |
3. Provide lymphatic massage. | 3.1 Position self to minimise fatigue and risk of injury. 3.2 Apply superficial lymph massage routine according to treatment plan. 3.3 Ensure client modesty and comfort throughout treatment. 3.4 Maintain infection control procedures throughout treatment. 3.5 Monitor effects and modify massage appropriately. 3.6 Apply post treatment products according to manufacturer instructions. |
4. Review treatment and provide post treatment advice. | 4.1 Evaluate lymph massage treatment with client. 4.2 Record outcomes of treatment on client treatment plan. 4.3 Advise client on expected reactions and provide home care and lifestyle advice. 4.4 Discuss next treatment and rebook client as required. 4.5 Complete and store treatment documentation. |
5. Clean treatment area. | 5.1 Remove used linen and clean surfaces and equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 5.2 Restock equipment and products in preparation for next treatment. 5.3 Dispose of general waste to minimise negative environmental impacts according to organisational policies and procedures. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
design, interpret, modify and record a treatment plans for manual superficial lymph massage for the face and body as follows:
body for relaxation or retention of fluid
face to treat any two of the following:
facial oedema
pre and post-operatively
relaxation
scar tissue
acne
rosacea or telangiectstasis
design and provide treatment routines that demonstrate appropriate selection, application and combination of the following superficial lymph massage movements:
correct pressure, direction and stroke pattern
appropriate rhythm, speed and treatment duration
stationary, circle, pump, scoop and rotary movements
present self, according to organisational policy
comply with health and hygiene regulations and requirements
clean, prepare and maintain treatment area according to organisational policy.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
state or territory and local health, hygiene and skin penetration regulations and requirements relevant to superficial lymph massage treatment
organisational policies and procedures relevant to superficial lymph massage treatment:
client record management
equipment use and maintenance
incident reporting
linen use and laundry
personal hygiene and presentation
presentation of treatment area
waste disposal
work health and safety
legal and insurance liabilities and responsibilities regarding treatments
scope of practice:
when to refer clients to other practitioners
role of complementary therapist and medical practitioner
indications for manual superficial lymph massage:
facial oedema
pre and post-operative
relaxation
scar tissue
acne
rosacea
telangiectstasis
contraindications to manual superficial lymph massage:
raised temperature
disease:
heart
kidney
liver
skin
acute asthma
acute allergies
cancer
contagious disease
organ transplant
hyperthyreosis over the throat area
detailed anatomy and physiology of lymphatic system:
lymphatic pathways
lymph tissue, vessels, nodes, nodules
lymphocytes
lymph composition and formation
the spleen
the thymus
the thoracic duct and the right lymphatic duct
lymphatic circulation
role of lymphatic system in immunity and wound healing
formation of oedema
correct terminology
anatomy and physiology of the skin and skin structures as they relate to superficial lymph massage treatments
phases of skin growth, cell renewal, healing of skin and factors affecting epidermal mitosis
normal skin response to irritation and trauma
scars, including hypertrophic and keloid (their origin and evolution) and abnormal scar tissue
effects of lymphatic treatments on physical structure of skin
wound healing in different skin types and locations
causes of skin reactions and allergies in regard to treatments.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in a beauty industry environment; this can be:
a beauty industry workplace or
a simulated beauty workplace set up for the purpose of skills assessment, that provides services to paying members of the public.
Assessment must ensure access to:
paying clients, both new and regular, with different body massage requirements, who have the expectation that the services provided reflect those of a commercial business
relevant organisation documentation:
blank client records
product instructions and safety data sheets
organisational policies and procedures relevant to providing superficial lymph massage.
Assessment must ensure use of:
cleaning and disinfection products and equipment
client gowns or covers
individual workstations consisting of:
adjustable facial couch with safe working access for operator and equipment
magnifying lamp
a professional range of massage/skincare and home care products
treatment towels or linen, or disposable linen.
Assessment activities that allow the individual to:
provide superficial lymph massages within commercially realistic speed, timing and productivity
demonstrate competency in an environment reflective of real work situations
manage tasks and contingencies in the context of the job role.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisation’s requirements for assessors and:
hold a qualification as a beauty therapist
have worked as a beauty therapist for at least three years where they have applied the skills and knowledge of this unit of competency.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement. | |
Reading skills to: | interpret and follow manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets for dilution, handling and disposal of cleaning products source and interpret credible information from anatomy and physiology publications and anatomical charts and models. |
Writing skills to: | record treatment using anatomy and physiology terminology to describe body areas and anatomical positions. |
Oral communication skills to: | select and use appropriate terminology in consultations with clients protect confidentiality of client information by ensuring that other clients and colleagues do not overhear discussions. |
Numeracy skills to: | calculate treatment price and timing. |
Technology skills to: | access credible online publications and resources that build knowledge for providing advice to clients use client software to update client notes, and record stock data and product purchases. |
Self-management skills to: | manage treatment length recognise scope of practice issues and refer clients to colleagues or health care professionals. |
Sectors
Beauty
Competency Field
Body Services