Science Content Diploma of Massage

Diploma of Remedial Massage [HLT50307]

Subject Outlines

Remedial Massage Essentials

What is Remedial Massage: definition, different techniques, principles of application.

What is dysfunction: causes, definitions, stress relationship, muscle imbalance.

When things go wrong: diseases, conditions, definitions, causes, tests, symptoms, treatments.

Client History: 22 golden questions, Health History forms, record keeping, communication.

Postural Analysis: static and dynamic, muscle imbalances, spinal curves. Normal posture with anterior, posterior and lateral views.

Postural abnormalities.

The General Musculoskeletal Screen: motion testing (hips, pelvis, knees, ankles, spine, shoulder, neck, ribs).

The Local Examination: end feel, capsular patterns, inert tissue, joint range of movement.

Managing the recovery process - injury management (acute, sub acute, chronic phases).

Remedial Massage Practice

Introduction to Remedial Massage Techniques: Myofacial Release (MFR), Positional Release Technique (PRT), Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), Mobilising techniques (MOBs), Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT). Active, Passive, Resisted Isometric Range of Movement, contraindications, barrier concepts. Effects of treatment on connective tissue, cells, myofascia and muscles.

Functional Anatomy - covering the bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments of the vertebral column, pelvis, hips, knees, ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow, and wrist.

Remedial Massage Practice of the Neck (Cervical Spine)

Active, Passive, Resisted Isometric Range of Movement.

5 Orthopaedic Tests: maximal cervical compression, cervical distraction, shoulder abduction, upper limb tension test, vertebral artery test.

Soft tissue kneading, cervical traction and release, translations.

MFRs: infrahyoid, suprahyoid, longus colli, deep posterior myofasciae, cranial base and suboccipital myofasciae.

METs: trapezius, scalenes, levator scapula, sternocleidomastoid.

26 dysfunctions of the neck (cervical spine): definitions, causes, tests, symptoms, and treatments.

Remedial Massage Practice of the Back (Thorax), Low Back, Pelvis and Hip

Thoracic Spine:

Active, Passive, Resisted Isometric Range of Movement.

3 Orthopaedic Tests: Adsons, Wrights, Costoclavicular.

MFR: upper-mid trapezius and levator scapulae, prone back upper, deeper back muscles, latissimus dorsi, thoracolumbar fascia, external and internal obliques, lateral aspect of trunk, diaphragm, respiration.

MOBS and METS: upper thoracic side bend, mid thoracic side bend, thoracic rotation, rib springing, cross-hand springing of ribs, prone rotation, seated flexion, seated extension, seated side bend, seated rotation.

17 Dysfunctions of the thoracic spine: definition, cause, tests, symptoms and treatments.

Lumbar Spine & Pelvis:

Active, Passive, Resisted Isometric Range of Movement.

4 Orthopaedic tests: slump test, straight leg raise, prone knee bend (Nachlas), Quadrant test. MFR: prone back lower, deep back muscles, psoas, gluteus maximus, piriformis, iliacus, rectus abdominis.

MOBs and METs: lumbar flexion, lumbar extension, lumbar side bending, lumbar rotation.

17 dysfunctions of the lumbar spine: definitions, causes, tests, symptoms, and treatments.

Hip:

Active, Passive, Resisted Isometric Range of Movement.

9 Orthopaedic tests: slump test, straight leg raise, Nachlas, Thomas, Obers, short quadriceps test, hamstring length test, long vs short adductors, piriformis stretch test.

MFR: iliac crest, tensor fascia latae, iliotibial band, medial hamstrings, bicep femoris, adductors, quadriceps.

MET: anterior ilial rotation, posterior ilial rotation, piriformis, long adductors, short adductors, rectus femoris, iliopsoas, upper and lower hamstrings , TFL.

MOBS: flexion, abduction, extension, medial and lateral rotation.

17 dysfunctions of the hip: definitions, causes, tests, symptoms, and treatments.

Remedial Massage Practice of the Leg and Foot

Active, Passive, Resisted Isometric Range of Movement.

6 Orthopaedic knee tests: valgus-varus stress test, anteroposterior drawer test, McMurray's click test, Apley's grind and distraction test, patellar femoral grinding test (Fouchet's sign), patella apprehension test.

3 orthopaedic ankle tests: Thomson's test, anterior foot drawer, ankle lateral and medial stability test.

MFR: anterior compartment, gastrocnemius, soleus, plantarfasciae, shin, antero-lateral compartment, peroneals.

METs and MOBs of the knee: flexion supine and prone, flexion with traction, extension, internal rotation supine and prone, external rotation supine and prone, medial and lateral gapping, antero-posterior shift, superior tibio-fibular joint, patello-femoral joint.

MOBs of the ankle: distal tibiofibular joint, talocrural and subtalar- dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion/eversion, traction; talonavicular, cuboid, tarsals, metatarso-phalangeal joint flexion and extension.

MET of the plantar flexors.

Neuromuscular techniques: deep posterior compartments, popliteus.

58 dysfunctions of the hip, leg and foot: definitions, causes, tests, symptoms, and treatments.

Remedial Massage Practice of the Shoulder, Arm and Hand

Shoulder

Active, Passive, Resisted Isometric Range of Movement.

Specific range of movement tests: pectoralis major vs latissimus dorsi, latissimus dorsi trunk flexion, subscapularis-pectoralis minor, Apley's scratch test, shoulder abduction test, lift-off test.

6 orthopaedic shoulder tests: nerve impingement test, Hawkins-Kennedy impingement test, posterior internal impingement test, Jobe's (empty can) test, Acromioclavicular shear test, load and shift test.

PRTs and METs: pectoralis major- 3 techniques, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior, latissimus dorsi, subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres minor).

MFR: pectoralis major, coracoid process, pectoralis minor, subscapularis, latissimus dorsi, brachial fascia, deep fascia of pectoralis major, conoid and trapezoid ligaments, fibrous restrictions at the shoulder.

MET: Spencer shoulder sequence, long head of the bicep tendon, scapulothoracic articulation, clavicular articulation.

32 dysfunctions of the shoulder: definitions, causes, tests, symptoms and treatments.

Arm and Hand

Active, Passive, Resisted Isometric Range of Movement.

9 orthopaedic arm and hand tests: Cozens's test, Mill's test, lateral epicondyle extension test, flexor-pronator tendinopathy test, Tinel's sign at the elbow, Phalen's test, Tinel's sign, carpal compression test, Finkelstein's test.

MFR: elbow, flexors of the forearm, palmer aspect of the hands, triceps brachii, forearm extensors, dorsum of hand).

MOBs: elbow flexion humero-ulnar joint, supination, pronation, medial and lateral gapping, radial dead, posterior shift of radial head, wrist flexion-extension, radial and ulnar deviation of the wrist, sheering radio-ulnar joint.

MET: restricted elbow extension-flexion, supination and pronation.

25 dysfunctions of the wrist and hand: definitions, causes, tests, symptoms, and treatments.

Remedial Massage Clinic

This is the capstone experience of the diploma of massage course. Students plan, market and run a 2 week public clinic within the college's established facility. Our Diploma of Massage Clinic provides the opportunity to practice remedial massage techniques and implement the skills learned throughout the business module to build a personal client base and start earning income straight away. Students in the Diploma of Massage clinic gain invaluable real-world experience with regards to treating clients, customer service, marketing, record keeping, and reception duties.

Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice [HLT40307]

Subject Outlines

Massage Essentials

Goal Setting.

Learning Techniques and Styles.

Communication - clients & other health professionals.

Massage Therapy Defined - philosophy, principles & history.

Indications for Massage Therapy.

Contraindications for Massage Therapy.

Legal Considerations - scope of practice, law, liability, insurance, consent.

Client Screening - health history & records.

Case Studies - medications, mental health, soft tissue complaints.

Establishing a Clinic.

Managing the Treatment.

Workplace Health and Safety - OHS, infection control, regulations, risk control.

Managing Stress - mental & physical.

Clients with Special Needs - physical disabilities, mental impairment, age, pregnancy.

Structure and Function
(Anatomy & Physiology 1 & 2)

Organisation of the human body - planes of movement, anatomical directions, homeostasis, cells, tissues & systems overview.

Integumentary System - structure, function, sensation, pathology & injury.

Physiology of the Skeletal System - function, long bones, growth, repair, cartilage, articulations (ball and socket, hinge, pivot, saddle, gliding, condyloid), ligaments, pathology and injury.

Anatomy of the Skeletal System - divisions of the skeleton (axial and appendicular), bony landmarks, identification and palpation of 20 major bones, pathology and injury.

Physiology of the Muscular System - function, characteristics, types (smooth, cardiac, skeletal), structure, composition, contraction (cross bridge hypothesis), fibre types (fast and slow twitch), motor unit recruitment, muscle spindles, golgi tendon organs, types of muscle contractions.

Nutrition and Energy - physiology of muscle contraction, energy sources (carbohydrates, proteins, fats), energy pathways (aerobic, anaerobic), metabolism (ATP generation and use), metabolic rate, pathology & injury.

Muscle Anatomy - location, origin, insertion & action of 63 major muscles.

Kinesiology and Biomechanics - levers (class 1, 2 and 3), multi joint muscles, active and passive insufficiency, joint range of motion, axis of movement, joint stability, analysis of movement.

Nervous System - CNS, PNS, motor responses (somatic, autonomic, enteric), sympathetic, parasympathetic, neurons (sensory, motor, interneurons), neuroglia, reflex arcs, sense organs, special sense organs, endocrine system, hormone secretion, 24 specific hormones and their functions and pathology.

Circulatory System - blood composition, plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, blot clotting, heart anatomy, blood flow, circulation, cardiac cycle, blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries), blood pressure, pulse & pathology.

Respiratory System - respiratory tracts, respiratory mucosa, anatomy and function of nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, lungs & pleura, mechanics of breathing (inspiration and expiration), gas exchange in lungs, pulmonary ventilation curve, respiration regulation and pathology.

Lymphatic System - anatomy and function of lymph, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, thymus, tonsils, spleen and pathology.

Immune System - non-specific immunity, specific immunity (inherited, acquired), antibodies, complement proteins, phagocytes, lymphocytes and pathology.

Digestive System - anatomy and function of mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, large intestine, appendix, digestion (mechanical, chemical), carbohydrate digestion, protein digestion, fat digestion and pathology.

Urinary System - anatomy and function of kidneys, formation of urine (filtration, reabsorption, secretion), anatomy and function of ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, micturition, body fluids, fluid balance maintenance and pathology.

Reproductive System - male reproductive organs (essential, accessory), external genitals, sperm function and formation, female reproductive organs (essential, accessory), ova function and formation and pathology.

Diploma of Massage Science teacher

Massage Practice
(Swedish Relaxation Massage)

Massage Equipment - massage tables, accessories, equipment care and longevity.

Lubricants for Massage - oils (mineral, vegetable, water soluble), talcum powder, lotions and creams.

Endangerment Sites.

Effleurage - definition, effects, definition, techniques (rowing stroke, half rowing stroke, forearm, fist, hand after hand, side pulls, nerve strokes), contraindications and precautions.

Petrissage - definition, effects, description, techniques (kneading, squeezing, wringing, skin rolling, compression), contraindications and precautions.

Tapotement - definition, effects, description, techniques (hacking, pummeling, cupping, plucking, tapping), contraindications and precautions.

Frictions - definition, effects, description, techniques (linear, circular, cross-fibre), contraindications and precautions.

Vibrations - definition, effects, description, techniques (static, dynamic, shaking, rocking), contraindications and precautions.

Prinicples of massage application - direction, depth, maintaining flow, pain threshold.

Draping - considering client comfort, for the back, posterior lower limb, posterior foot, turning the client from prone to supine, anterior lower limb, anterior foot, abdomen, chest, arm, forearm, hand, neck, scalp and face.

Full Body Massage - sequence for the back, posterior lower limb, posterior foot, anterior lower limb, anterior foot, abdomen, chest, arm, forearm, hand, neck, scalp and face.

Timing of the full body massage.

Adapting the Massage Treatment for special needs clients.

Seated Massage Sequence.

Neuromuscular Techniques

Introduction to Myofascial Trigger Points (TrP) - definition of Myofascial pain synfromes (active, latent, central, attachment, satellite, key, primary, secondary, spasm, contracture), management of syndromes, trigger point pathophysiology, clinical features.

Treating myofascial trigger points with neuromuscular techniques, positional release (PRT), muscle energy techniques (MET), myofascial release (MFR), cool and stretch, procaine injections, myofascial acupuncture.

Application of manual techniques - stripping, compressions (flat, pincer), pressure release.

Referral Patterns and treatment for 48 major muscles.

Sports Massage

Defining Sports Massage and Uses - restorative, training, event (pre, inter, post).

Optimising performance - the athlete, the therapist, decreasing injury, soft tissue healing.

Adapting the Massage Treatment - pre-event, inter-event, post-event.

Common Injuries - direct, indirect, secondary, overuse.

Acute Injuries - cause and treatment of fractures, joint dislocation, joint subluxation, ligament sprains, ligament tears, articular cartilage disruption, muscle sprains, muscle tears, contusions, cramps, tendon rupture, overuse (stress fractures, osteitis, periostitis, inflammation, chronic compartment syndrome, tendonosis, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, bursitis).

Injury Prevention - warm-up, stretching, taping/bracing, protective equipment, correct biomechanics, surfaces, recovery, nutrition.

Case Studies.

Flexibility - static, ballistic, dynamic, passive, active.

Physiology of Stretching - muscle spindle, golgi tendon organ, stretch reflex, inverse stretch reflex, muscle changes.

Stretching Techniques - static, ballistic, dynamic, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (contract-relax, reciprocal inhibition), muscle energy technique.

Active and Passive Stretches for 12 major muscle groups.

Massage Business

Career and Business Goal Setting.

Successful Business Defined.

SWOT analysis - personal and business strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

Business Startup - feasibility study, premises, finance, equipment, employees.

Insurance - different coverage, choosing and applying.

Association Membership - different offerings, choosing and applying.

ABN - website and application.

Formulating a Business Plan description of business, operating procedures, management, personnel, insurance, marketing, competition, advertising, promotion, location, financial projections, legal documentation.

Running Your Practice - record keeping, policies (late, cancellation), procedures, OHS, appointment schedules, discounts, promotions, marketing (start-up, on-going), customer service, growing your business.

Massage Clinic

This is the capstone experience of the course. Students plan, market and run a 2 week public clinic within the college's established facility. Clinic provides the opportunity to practice massage techniques and implement the skills learned throughout the business module to build a personal client base and start earning income straight away. Students gain invaluable real-world experience with regards to treating clients, customer service, marketing, record keeping, and reception duties.