Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.
Treatment plan must include:
outcomes of previous treatments
relevant medical history
medications being used
contraindications
massage techniques, including types, frequency and duration of movements
tools and equipment selected.
Contraindications may include:
infectious disease suggested by fever, lethargy and nausea, until reviewed and cleared by a medical practitioner
symptoms that do not have a logical explanation and should be referred to a medical practitioner, including:
pain: local, sharp, dull, deep and surface
extreme fatigue
inflammation
lumps and tissue changes
severe oedema
infection
bleeding and bruising
hot or cold extremes of body temperature
factors restricting treatment or that require adaptation of the body massage, such as:
pregnancy
skin trauma
lesions
rashes.
Clients may include:
new or regular clients with routine or special needs
female or male clients
people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities.
Necessary action may include:
following actions for a range of clients:
encouraging client to seek medical advice
explaining why service cannot be carried out
modifying the body massage service
refusing an unsuitable client.
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
requirements of specific positioning of client.
Treatment area must include:
torso
back
neck
décolletage
arms
legs.
Reactions may include:
pain or discomfort
verbal, tactile or visual feedback
muscular spasms
allergy or reactions to body oils or treatments
skin blemishes due to massage stimulation
bruising
temperature discomfort
joint sounds
client relaxation
emotional release.
Responses to reactions may include:
adjusting treatment accordingly
seeking appropriate expertise
discussing reaction with client
adhering to workplace guidelines for dealing with emergencies
accessing local emergency services.
Massage medium may include:
oil
cream
powder.
Massage techniques must include:
passive joint movement techniques
passive soft tissue movement
gliding techniques
longitudinal stroking
kneading
friction techniques
compressive techniques
petrissage
stretching techniques
superficial lymphatic drainage techniques.
Treatment routine must include:
rhythm
repetition
variation.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
interpreting treatment plan and making adjustments required by variations in client's condition
preparing massage area and clients for body massage treatments
applying and adapting massage movements and routines to suit client requirements and reactions during treatment
demonstrating safe and effective application of required massage techniques listed in the range statement
using time effectively
evaluating body massage treatments and advising clients on future treatments
accurately and legibly recording relevant data on client treatment plans.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
that competency is consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by assessor or technical expert working in partnership with assessor as described in the Assessment Guidelines
that competency is demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of real work situations, which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace.
Assessment must ensure access to:
an environment, which includes as a minimum:
individual client workstations
adjustable massage couch with safe working access for operator and equipment
relevant professional massage medium
appropriate supply of towels
client gown
client cover
relevant workplace documentation including:
manufacturer's equipment instructions
product instructions
manufacturer safety data sheets
workplace policies and procedures manuals
a range of clients with different requirements.
For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.
Methods of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct observation of learner performing a range of tasks in the workplace or a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:
preparing clients for body massage
applying a range of manual massage techniques according to agreed treatment plans
providing post-treatment advice and making treatment recommendations to clients
written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess knowledge and understanding of:
appearance of contraindications and adverse effects
factors likely to affect the suitability of each technique to client needs and the effects and benefits of each step in body massage
categories of massage, motor points and reflex points
classifications, benefits and application of range of massage movements described in range statement
ethical and legal implications of the practice of massage
completion of workplace documentation relevant to providing body treatments
third-party reports from technical experts
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from a trainer, workplace coach or supervisor.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SIBBCCS403A Recognise body structures and systems in a beauty therapy context
SIBBCCS405A Develop treatment plans.