Elements and Performance Criteria

Factors which interfere with the effectiveness of treatment may include:
Other medical treatment being undertaken
Client/patient's physical and psychological readiness and/or wellness
Cultural and/or religious factors
Contra-indications to treatment
Post treatment activity
Overeating
Intoxication

Mode of administration may include:
Requirement for feedback and interaction
Various tcrm techniques
Variations in application intensity
Requirement of specified positioning of client/patient

Reactions may include:
Pain and/or discomfort
Feedback - verbal, tactile, visual
Muscular spasms
Temperature discomfort

Responses to reactions may include:
Adjusting treatment accordingly
Seeking appropriate expertise
Discussing reaction with the client/patient
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

Consent for treatment refers to:
Informed consent according to the local and national regulations and legal guidelines
Attendance of appropriate adult for wards of State and minors as appropriate

Appropriate postures refers to:
Balanced distribution of body weight
Ability to apply direct perpendicular contact pressure to appropriate areas of the body
Comfort and safety
Relaxation of the body
Size, mobility and flexibility

TCM Remedial Massage techniques may include:
Acupressure
An mo
Tui na
Gua sha
Moxibustion
Point energetics
Cupping
A range of TCM Remedial Massage sequences and techniques

Assessment indications include:
TCM Remedial Massage meridian and point locations and indications
Emperical or experimental point locations and indications
Palpatory evidence or feedback responses
Meridian system indications
Anatomical or mobility/flexibility assessment and indications

Advice and resource the client/patient refers to:
Providing relevant literature or information materials
Referring client/patient to other information sources
Providing advice regarding self-care
Stress management resources
Environmental modifications
Counselling within the parameters of training
Advising client/patient of suggested resources
Providing of details which help to fully inform patient/client of relevant information
Providing of referrals to other health professionals
Availability of products required or suggested for treatment

Practical techniques that promote and maintain optimal health may include:
Postural improvement strategies
Discussion of causes of condition and suggestion of prevention strategies
Simple follow-up activities and/or strategies to work on between sessions
Activities and/or tasks to avoid
Self-massage techniques
Dietary suggestions
Environmental or lifestyle modifications
Stress management strategies

Critical aspects of assessment
Treatment plans are implemented to achieve optimal health, rehabilitation, or to improve quality of life which involve:
Treatment of a range of conditions/disease states
Incorporation of the philosophies and beliefs of a TCM framework
Demonstration of the application of commonly used treatment techniques listed under the range of variables
Treatment according to the individual, the condition and the presence of complicating factors. It must be the safest, most efficious method that is also cost effective to the patient
Use of counselling as a treatment method, where competence exists
A case requiring referral to another health care professional
Preparation of the patient for treatment according to TCM principles
Provision of treatment
Complete documentation of all recommendations and client/patient responses
Review of treatment plan
All treatment or care delivered is consistent with legislative and regulatory requirements

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
Communicate effectively with clients
Contribute to the control of infection
Work effectively within the health industry

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Knowledge of history, philosophy and beliefs of the TCM Remedial Massage therapy framework
Knowledge of the location of acupressure points on the 12 primary meridians, Ren Mai and Du Mai
Understanding of physiology and anatomy
Knowledge of fundamental structure and function of anatomical systems
Understanding of the fundamental principles of biomechanics
Ability to identify prominent bones/structure and major muscle groups through palpation
Ability to gather and interpret information through the tactile senses
Technical and practical knowledge of treatment
Knowledge of possible reactions and contra-indications to treatment
Ability to manage time throughout consultation and treatment
Ability to write referrals, appraisal letters for insurance companies and other documentation
Knowledge of legal and regulatory implications of treatment
Ability to use equipment and resources competently and safely
Ability to communicate effectively with client/patient

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
Anatomical models
Appropriate assessment environment
Demonstration model/client/patient

Method of assessment
Assessment may include:
Practical demonstration
Simulations
Explanations of technique
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.