Elements and Performance Criteria

Therapeutic principles refers to:
Principles and practices of the remedial massage therapy framework
Relevant code of ethics or code of conduct documents/policies, regulations and guidelines from state/territory or local massage therapy organisations and/or associations
Relevant national, state/territory or local government regulations and guidelines
Accepted preventative practices adopted by self or peers to minimise safety hazards and risks in the same or similar situations
Current and past good practice demonstrated by self or peers in the same or similar situation

Contra-indications to treatment and possible complicating factors may include:
Massage therapists are not expected to diagnose any conditions but must be able to recognise the indications and contra-indications of conditions
Massage is contraindicated in all infectious diseases suggested by fever, nausea and lethargy until a diagnosis is received and recommended by a medical practitioner
Always refer for diagnosis when symptoms do not have a logical explanation. Indications for referral include
Pain local, sharp, dull, achy, deep, surface
Fatigue
Inflammation
Lumps and tissue changes
Rashes and changes in the skin
Oedema
Mood alterations, eg depression, anxiety
Infection
Changes in habits such as appetite elimination or sleep
Bleeding and bruising
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
Temperature-hot or cold
Endangerment sites are areas where nerves and blood vessels lie close to the skin and are not well protected
Anterior triangle of the neck
Posterior triangle of the neck
Axillary area
Medial epicondyle
Lateral epicondyle
Area of the sternal notch and anterior throat
Umbilicus area
Twelfth rib dorsal body
Sciatic notch
Inguinal triangle
Popliteal fossa

Treatment refers to:
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 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
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
Percussion: cupping, tapping, hacking, pummelling and flicking are applied rhythmically using the hands
Pestrissage
Temperature therapy
Conduction, eg heat packs and immersion baths
Radiation, eg ray lamps
Friction
Topical applications
Stretching techniques

Client/patient compliance refers to:
Ability to follow instruction or suggestions
Willingness/motivation to follow instructions or suggestions

Perceived risks may include:
Discussion
Illustration using resources

Practitioner responsibilities may include:
Appropriate hygienic or sexual behaviour
Commitment to providing the agreed treatment
Discussing relevant contra-indications or potential complications to treatment
Reviewing of treatment

Client/patient responsibilities may include:
Following instruction/advice during and post massage
Advising practitioner of any relevant contra-indications or potential complications to treatment
Advising practitioner of compliance issues
Commitment to the treatment agreed upon

Critical aspects of assessment:
Knowledge of basic surface anatomy
Ability to identify contra-indications to massage
Demonstrated ability to identify treatment options
Knowledge of possible obstacles to treatment
Demonstrated communication and negotiation skills

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
Communicate effectively with clients

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Knowledge of the organisation of the body
Knowledge of the systems and regions of the body
Knowledge of skeletal musculature
Knowledge of functions of major muscle groups.
Knowledge of the articular system, classification of joints and types and ranges of motion
Knowledge of fundamental human physiology
Knowledge of the organisation of the nervous system
Knowledge of reproduction as it relates to massage
Knowledge of pathology and symptomology
Knowledge of indications and contra-indications for massage
Knowledge of basic assessment procedures and options
Skills in applying basic assessment techniques
Demonstrated ability to comprehend common medical terminology
Ability to identify prominent bones, structures and muscle groups through palpation
Ability to transcribe assessment findings and treatment in a patient history
Knowledge of the ethical and legal implications of the practice of massage
Knowledge of environmental physiology and the effects of drugs on the individual
Ability to manage time throughout consultation and treatment
Knowledge of indications for massage
Demonstrated communication skills to gain and convey required information
Knowledge of ethical and legal implications of enquiry and treatment

Resource implications:
Resource requirements may include:
An appropriately stocked and equipped clinic or simulated clinic environment
Relevant texts or medical manuals
Relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments
Appropriate assessment environment

Method of assessment:
Assessment may include:
Practical demonstration
Simulations
Explanations for plan preparations
Oral questioning and discussion
Case studies and scenarios

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of work conditions. Assessment may contain both theoretical and practical components and examples covering a range of clinical situations.