MASSAGE THERAPY NC II – TESDA COURSE MODULE

TESDA TRAINING REGULATIONS FOR MASSAGE THERAPY NC II

The TESDA Course in MASSAGE THERAPY NC II consists of competencies that a person must achieve to work develop massage practice, perform client consultation, perform body massage and maintain and organize tools, equipment, supplies and work area.

This Qualification is packaged from the competency map of the Human Health/Health Care Sector.

A student who has achieved this TESDA Course in MASSAGE THERAPY NC II is competent to be:

• Massage Therapist

MASSAGE THERAPY NC II – TRAINING AND REGULATION MODULE

Course Title: MASSAGE THERAPY
Level: NC II
Nominal Training Duration : 223 Hours

(Basic Competency) 20 Hours
(Common Competency) 56 Hours
(Core Competency) 624 Hours

Total Duration: 700 Hours

This course is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and attitude of Massage Therapy workers in accordance to massage practice standards. It covers the basic, common, and core competencies in MASSAGE THERAPY NC II.

TRAINEE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Trainees or students wishing to enroll in these course qualifications should possess the following requirements:

• Must have finished 10 years of basic education or Alternative Learning System (ALS) equivalent
• Must be able to communicate both orally and in writing
• Can perform basic mathematical computations

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED IN MASSAGE THERAPY NC II

This units of competency comprising this qualification include Basic, Common, Elective and Core Competencies.

To obtain this TESDA course in MASSAGE THERAPY NC II, all units prescribed for this qualification must be achieved.

These units of competency comprising this qualification include the following:

UNIT CODE	CORE COMPETENCIES (624 Hours)
HHC322301	Develop massage practice
HHC322302	Perform client consultation
HHC322303	Perform body massage
HHC322304	Maintain and organize tools, equipment, supplies and work area
UNIT CODE	COMMON COMPETENCIES (56 Hours)
HHC323201	Maintain effective relationship with clients
HCS323202	Implement and monitor infection control policies and procedures
HCS323203	Respond effectively to difficult/challenging behavior
HCS323204	Apply basic first aid
HCS323205	Maintain high standard of client services
UNIT CODE	BASIC COMPETENCIES (20 Hours)
500311105	Participate in workplace communication
500311106	Work in a team environment
500311107	Practice career professionalism
500311108	Practice occupational health and safety procedures

This section gives the details and contents of the units of competency required in MASSAGE THERAPY NC II. These units of competency are categorized into basic, common and core competencies.

CORE COMPETENCIES

This section gives the details of the contents of the core units of competency required in MASSAGE THERAPY NC II.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : DEVELOP MASSAGE PRACTICE
UNIT CODE : HHC322301

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to establish the foundations of massage practice.

1. Apply principles of massage practice
   • Compliance to legal standards is ensured based on applicable laws and government regulations.
   • History and development of massage derived from recommended massage therapy manuals and references is discussed.
   • Practice of massage is reviewed guided by legal and ethical norms.
2. Acquire knowledge of the basic theoretical and practical foundations of massage therapy
   • Sciences relevant to massage based on recommended massage therapy manuals and references are identified.
   • Infection control, safety and sanitation practices are implemented guided by knowledge of relevant sciences and company policies.
   • Application of theoretical knowledge within the scope of massage practice is emphasized following the accepted framework of health and wellness concepts.
3. Implement fundamentals of massage practices
   • Standard massage manipulations /strokes and its application based on recommended massage therapy manuals and references are identified.
   • Appropriate massage manipulation / strokes and practices are applied to clients with disabilities and various medical and nonmedical conditions.
   • Massage modalities and complementary therapies based on recommended massage therapy manuals and references are explained.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PERFORM CLIENT CONSULTATION
UNIT CODE : HHC322302

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to gather information and make an accurate assessment to determine the appropriate application of massage for the client.

1. Obtain client information
   • Client is received cordially and made comfortable.
   • Client is advised about the assessment procedures following ethical and legal norms.
   • Client personal information is gathered and recorded using prescribed documentation forms and documentation tools.
   • Client visual assessment is casually performed in accordance with established procedure.
2. Obtain subjective information
   • Client chief complaint and self assessment are noted in accordance with established procedure.
   • Client pain level is identified, estimated, and recorded on the standard pain scale.
3. Obtain objective information
   • Client health history and current conditions that may affect the massage session is obtained and recorded
   • Client vital signs are measured using appropriate instruments and recorded.
   • Palpation of affected areas is performed and findings are recorded in accordance with established procedure.
   • Ranges of motion of affected joints are measured and recorded in accordance with established procedure.
4. Assess gathered information
   • Massage indications and/or contraindications to pathologies are identified and precautionary measures are noted.
   • Gathered information is analyzed and interpreted, guided by sciences relevant to massage.
5. Formulate massage session plan
   • Massage goals based on consultation and assessment results are set and recorded following standard procedure.
   • A massage plan is formulated and recorded following standard procedure.
6. Obtain client’s informed consent
   • Assessment results, massage goals, and session plan are presented to the client.
   • Client’s approval of massage plan is secured.
   • Clients with signs and symptoms that are beyond the scope of massage therapy are referred to appropriate allied professionals.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PERFORM BODY MASSAGE
UNIT CODE : HHC 322303

This unit of competency describes the knowledge, skills and performance outcomes required to provide whole body massage.

1. Prepare the massage work area.
   • Work area is organized according to massage plan and massage establishment policies.
   • Massage implements and supplies are prepared according to massage plan and massage establishment policies.
   • Client is guided to the massage area and prepared according to massage establishment procedures.
2. Perform body massage.
   • Massage is performed according to standard massage manipulations / strokes guided by applicable laws and government regulations, established ethical standards, and company policy.
   • Massage manipulations / strokes that will specifically address client complaints and conditions are identified and performed according to massage plan and massage goal/s.
   • Body mechanics of the practitioner and proper positioning of the client are applied during massage to minimize fatigue and risks of injury.
3. Perform post–massage activities
   • 3.1. Effects of massage and progress of the client based on massage plan and massage goals are evaluated and documented.
   • Aftercare activities are performed according to client needs.
   • Aftercare advices are provided to maximize results and promote client wellbeing.
   • Knowledge of products and services and their use are recommended to the client in compliance with manufacturer’s safety guidelines.
   • Patronage is maintained by providing quality services to meet client wellness expectations following massage establishment policies.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : MAINTAIN AND ORGANIZE TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND WORKPLACE AREA
UNIT CODE : HHC322304

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitude required to maintain and organize tools, equipment, supplies and workplace areas in massage therapy service environments.

1. Perform stock control and inventory procedures.
   • Incoming stocks are checked, validated, recorded, appropriately labeled and rotated in accordance with first in-first out (FIFO) principle, massage establishments policies and relevant government requirements.
   • Products are displayed to give a balanced and fully stocked appearance to promote sales following massage establishment policy.
   • Stocks are carefully inspected if damaged or expired, and when found damaged or expired, stocks are disposed of in accordance with applicable laws.
2. Clean and organize work area
   • Work area is cleaned and organized according to massage establishment policies and applicable laws.
   • Wastes are promptly removed and disposed of according to massage establishment policies and applicable laws.
   • Work area is set up according to the service to be provided.
   • Work area is maintained in a safe, uncluttered and organized manner according to massage establishment policies and applicable laws.
3. Handle tools and equipment.
   • Product residues from tools, equipment and supplies are removed and disposed of according to standard clinical and sanitation practices, massage establishment policies, occupational health and safety procedures.
   • Tools and equipment are checked for possible damage and referred for maintenance repair or replacement, as required.
   • Tools, equipment and supplies are properly handled and stored in their respective stock control areas according to massage establishment policies, sanitation, occupational health, and safety procedures.

COMMON COMPETENCIES

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : MAINTAIN AN EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH CLIENTS
UNIT CODE : HHC323201

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required in building and maintaining effective relationship with clients.

1. Maintain a professional image
   • Uniform and personal grooming maintained
   • Personal presence maintained according to employer standards
   • Visible work area kept tidy and uncluttered
   • Equipment stored according to assignment requirements
2. Meet client requirements
   • Client requirements identified and understood by referral to the assignment instructions
   • Client requirements met according to the assignment instructions
   • Changes to client’s needs and requirements monitored and appropriate action taken
   • All communication with the client or customer is clear and complies with assignment requirements
3. Build credibility with clients
   • Client expectations for reliability, punctuality and appearance adhered to
   • Possible causes of client dissatisfaction identified, dealt with and recorded according to employer policy
   • Client fully informed of all relevant security matters in a timely manner and according to agreed reporting procedures
4. Establish professional relationship with the client
   • Establish relationship within appropriate professional boundaries
   • Build trust and respect through use of effective communication techniques
   • Identify and respond to client special needs
   • Communicate in ways that take account of cultural considerations
   • Exercise discretion and confidentiality
5. Manage client interactions
   • Use a collaborative and person centered approach when working with clients
   • Use motivational interviewing as a basis for client interactions
   • Seek client information respectfully and sensitively, using purposeful, systematic and diplomatic questions
   • Support the client to identify and articulate key information that supports the provision of service
   • Encourage clients to voice queries or concerns and address these appropriately
   • Respond to difficult or challenging behavior using established techniques
   • Maintain professional integrity and boundaries at all times
   • Work within scope of role and identify and respond to situations where interactions suggest the need for client referral
6. Provide effective responses to client enquiries
   • Select the most appropriate mode of communication for the information being provided
   • Use language and terminology that the client will understand
   • Present information clearly and with sufficient detail to meet client needs
   • Confirm with client that the information has been understood and address any unresolved issues

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : IMPLEMENT AND MONITOR INFECTION CONTROL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
UNIT CODE : HCS323201

This unit is concerned with infection control responsibilities of employees with supervisory accountability to implement and monitor infection control policy and procedures in a specific work unit or team within an organization. This unit does not apply to a role with organization-wide responsibilities for infection control policy and procedure development, implementation or monitoring

1. Provide information to the work group about the organization’s infection control policies and procedures.
   • Relevant information about the organization’s infection control policy and procedures, and applicable industry codes of practice are accurately and clearly explained to the work group
   • Information about identified hazards and the outcomes of infection risk assessments is regularly provided to the work group
   • Opportunity is provided for the work group to seek further information on workplace infection control issues and practices
2. Integrate the organization’s infection control policy and procedure into work practices
   • Infection control policy and procedures are implemented by supervisor and members of the work group.
   • Liaison is maintained with person responsible for organization-wide infection control.
   • The Supervisor’s coaching support ensures that individuals/teams are able to implement infection control practices
   • Work procedures are adopted to reflect appropriate infection control practice
   • Issues raised through consultation are dealt with and resolved promptly or referred to the appropriate personnel for resolution
   • Workplace procedures for dealing with infection control risks and hazardous events are implemented whenever necessary
   • Employees are encouraged to report infection risks and to improve infection control procedures
3. Monitor infection control performance and implement improvements in practices
   • Infection control hazardous events are investigated promptly to identify their cause in accordance with organization policy and procedures
   • Work procedures to control infection risks are monitored to ensure compliance
   • Work procedures are regularly reviewed and adjusted to ensure improvements in infection control practice
   • Supervisor provides feedback to team and individuals on compliance issues, changes in work procedures and infection control outcomes
   • Training in work procedures is provided as required to ensure maintenance of infection control standards
   • Inadequacies in work procedures and infection control measures are identified, corrected or reported to designated personnel
   • Records of infection control risks and incidents are accurately maintained as required
   • Aggregate infection control information reports are used to identify hazards, to monitor and improve risk control Method and to indicate training needs

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : RESPOND EFFECTIVELY TO DIFFICULT/ CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR
UNIT CODE : HCS323202

This unit of competency covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes to effectively respond to difficult or challenging behavior of client.

1. Plan responses
   • Responses are planned to instances of difficult or challenging behavior to maximize the availability of other appropriate staff and resources
   • Specific manifestations of difficult or challenging behavior are identified and strategies appropriate to these behaviors are planned as required.
   • Safety of self and others is given priority in responding to difficult or challenging behavior according to institutional policies and procedures.
2. Apply response
   • Difficult or challenging behavior is dealt with promptly, firmly and diplomatically in accordance with institutional policy and procedures.
   • Communication is used effectively to achieve the desired outcomes in responding to difficult or challenging behavior
   • Appropriate strategies are selected to suit particular instances of difficult or challenging behavior
3. Report and review incidents
   • Incidents are reported according to institutional policies and procedures
   • Incidents are reviewed with appropriate staff and suggestions appropriate to area of responsibility are made.
   • Debriefing mechanisms and other activities are used and participated in
   • Advice and assistance is sought from legitimate sources when appropriate.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : APPLY BASIC FIRST AID
UNIT CODE : HCS323203

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to provide an initial response where First Aid is required. In this unit it is assumed that the First Aider is working under supervision and / or according to established workplace First Aid procedures and policies

1. Assess the situation
   • Physical hazards to self and casualty’s health and safety are identified
   • Immediate risks to self and casualty’s occupational health and safety (OSH) are minimized by controlling the hazard in accordance with OSH requirements
   • Casualty’s vital signs and physical condition are assessed in accordance with workplace procedures
2. Apply basic first aid techniques
   • First Aid management is provided in accordance with established First Aid procedures
   • Casualty is reassured in a caring and calm manner and made comfortable using available resources
   • First Aid assistance is sought from others in a timely manner and as appropriate
   • Casualty’s condition is monitored and responded to in accordance with effective First Aid principles and workplace procedures
   • Details of casualty’s physical condition, changes in conditions, management and response are accurately recorded in line with organizational procedures
   • Casualty management is finalized according to his/her needs and First Aid principles
3. Communicate details of the incident
   • Appropriate medical assistance is requested using relevant communication media and equipment
   • Details of casualty’s condition and management activities are accurately conveyed to emergency services/relieving personnel
   • Reports to supervisors are prepared in a timely manner, presenting all relevant facts according to established company procedures

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : MAINTAIN HIGH STANDARDS OF CLIENT SERVICES
UNIT CODE : HCS323204

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required in the maintenance of high standards of client services.

1. Communicate appropriately with clients
   • Effective communication strategies and techniques are identified and used to achieve best patient service outcomes
   • Complaints are responded to in accordance with organizational policy to ensure best service to patients
   • Complaints are dealt with in accordance with established procedures
   • Interpreter services are accessed as required
   • Action is taken to resolve conflicts either directly, where a positive outcome can be immediately achieved, or by referral to the appropriate personnel
   • Participation in work team is constructive and collaborative and demonstrates an understanding of own role
2. Establish and maintain good interpersonal relationship with clients
   • Rapport is established to ensure the service is appropriate to and in the best interests of clients
   • Effective listening skills are used to ensure a high level of effective communication and quality of service
   • Patient concerns and needs are correctly identified and responded to responsibly and accordingly established procedures and guidelines
   • Effectiveness of interpersonal interaction is consistently monitored and evaluated to ensure best patient service outcomes
3. Act in a respectful manner at all times
   • Respect for differences is positively, actively and consistently demonstrated in all work
   • Confidentiality and privacy of patients is maintained
   • Courtesy is demonstrated in all interactions with patients, their visitors, careers and family
   • Assistance with the care of patients with challenging behaviors is provided in accordance with established procedures
   • Techniques are used to manage and minimize aggression
4. Evaluate own work to maintain a high standard of patient service
   • Advice and assistance is received or sought from appropriate sources on own performance
   • Own work is adjusted, incorporating recommendations that address performance issues, to maintain the agreed standard of patient support

BASIC COMPETENCIES

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PARTICIPATE IN WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION
UNIT CODE : 500311105

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to gather, interpret and convey information in response to workplace requirements.

1. Obtain and convey workplace information
   • Specific and relevant information is accessed from appropriate sources
   • Effective questioning, active listening and speaking skills are used together and convey information
   • Appropriate medium is used to transfer information and ideas
   • Appropriate non- verbal communication is used
   • Appropriate lines of communication with supervisors and colleagues are identified and followed
   • Defined workplace procedures for the location and storage of information are used
   • Personal interaction is carried out clearly and concisely
2. Participate in workplace meetings and discussions
   • Team meetings are at ended on time
   • Own opinions are clear expressed and those of others are listened to without interruption
   • Meeting inputs are consistent with the meeting purpose and established protocols
   • Workplace interactions are conducted in a courteous manner
   • Questions about simple routine workplace procedures and matters concerning working conditions of employment are asked and responded to.
   • Meetings outcomes are interpreted and implemented
3. Complete relevant work related documents
   • Range of forms relating to conditions of employment are completed accurately and legibly
   • Workplace data is recorded on standard workplace forms and documents
   • Basic mathematical processes are used for routine calculations
   • Errors in recording information on forms/documents are identified and properly acted upon
   • Reporting requirements to supervisor are completed according to organizational guidelines

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : WORK IN TEAM ENVIRONMENT
UNIT CODE : 500311106

This unit covers the skills, knowledge and attitudes to identify role and responsibility as a member of a team.

1. Describe team role and scope
   • The role and objective of the team is identified from available sources of information
   • Team parameters, reporting relationships and responsibilities are identified from team discussions and appropriate external sources.
2. Identify own role and responsibility within team
   • Individual role and responsibilities within the team environment are identified.
   • Roles and responsibility of other team members are identified and recognized.
   • Reporting relationships within team and external to team are identified.
3. Work as a team member
   • Effective and appropriate forms of communications used and interactions undertaken with team members who contribute to known team activities and objectives.
   • Effective and appropriate contributions made to complement team activities and objectives, based on individual skills and competencies and workplace context.
   • Observed protocols in reporting using standard operating procedures.
   • Contribute to the development of team work plans based on an understanding of team’s role and objectives and individual competencies of the members.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRACTICE CAREER PROFESSIONALISM
UNIT CODE : 500311107

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes in promoting career growth and advancement.

1. Integrate personal objectives with organizational goals
   • Personal growth and work plans are pursued towards improving the qualifications set for the profession
   • Intra- and interpersonal relationships is are maintained in the course of managing oneself based on performance evaluation
   • Commitment to the organization and its goal is demonstrated in the performance of duties
2. Set and meet work priorities
   • Competing demands are prioritized to achieve personal, team and organizational goals and objectives.
   • Resources are utilized efficiently and effectively to manage work priorities and commitments
   • Practices along economic use and maintenance of equipment and facilities are followed as per established procedures
3. Maintain professional growth and development
   • Trainings and career opportunities are identified and availed of based on job requirements
   • Recognitions are sought/received and demonstrated as proof of career advancement
   • Licenses and/or certifications relevant to job and career are obtained and renewed

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRACTICE  OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
UNIT CODE : 500311108

This unit covers the outcomes required to comply with regulatory and organizational requirements for occupational health and safety.

1. Identify hazards and risks
   • Safety regulations and workplace safety and hazard control practices and procedures are clarified and explained based on organization procedures
   • Hazards/risks in the workplace and their corresponding indicators are identified to minimize or eliminate risk to co-workers, workplace and environment in accordance with organization procedures
   • Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire and other emergencies are recognized and established in accordance with organization procedures
2. Evaluate hazards and risks
   • Terms of maximum tolerable limits which when exceeded will result in harm or damage are identified based on threshold limit values (TLV)
   • Effects of the hazards are determined
   • OHS issues and/or concerns and identified safety hazards are reported to designated personnel in accordance with workplace requirements and relevant workplace OHS legislation
3. Control hazards and risks
   • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures for controlling hazards/risks in workplace are consistently
     followed
   • Procedures for dealing with workplace accidents, fire and emergencies are followed in accordance with organization OHS policies
   • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is correctly used in accordance with organization OHS procedures and practices
   • Appropriate assistance is provided in the event of a workplace emergency in accordance with established organization protocol
4. Maintain OHS awareness
   • Emergency-related drills and trainings are participated in as per established organization guidelines and procedures
   • OHS personal records are completed and updated in accordance with workplace requirements

DEFINITION OF TERMS

• Body Mechanics – refers to using the body in an efficient and careful way
• Hazardous waste – refers to the items contaminated with blood, body fluids or body substances that may be harmful to others
• Infection control – is the discipline concerned with preventing nosocomial or health care associated
  infection, a practical (rather than academic) sub-discipline of epidemiology. It is an essential, though often underrecognized and under supported, part of the infrastructure of health care. Infection control and hospital epidemiology are akin to public health practice, practiced within the confines of a particular health-care delivery system rather than directed at society as a whole. Anti-infective agents include antibiotics, antibacterials, antifungals, antivirals and antiprotozoals. Infection control addresses factors related to the spread of infections within the healthcare setting (whether patient-to-patient, from patients to staff and from staff to patients, or among-staff), including prevention (via hand hygiene/hand washing,  cleaning/disinfection/sterilization, vaccination, surveillance), monitoring/investigation of demonstrated or suspected spread of infection within a particular health-care setting (surveillance and outbreak investigation), and management (interruption of outbreaks). It is on this basis that the common title being adopted within health care is “infection prevention and control.”
• OSH – refers to Occupational Safety and Health
• First Aid Kit – refers to emergency tools used to administer treatment to injured or sick person
• Linen – refers to material used in draping
• Trolley – refers to device used to transport materials
• PPE – refers to Personal Protective Equipment
• Thermal blanket – refers to materials used to decrease the body temperature or keep the body warm.
• Holistic – refers to integrated wholes or complete systems (of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual).
• Framework – refers to the basic supporting idea/concept/theory.
• Theoretical Framework – refers to the synthesis of several theories and principles which serve as basis and structure to concepts and practice.
• Massage Therapy – refers to techniques designed to enhance overall body awareness, stretch and relax muscles, relieve muscle pain and spasms, improve range of motion, improve circulation and relax the body and mind.