CNH20 Plan, apply and evaluate massage methods

Overview

This standard is about preparing for and applying the following massage methods to non-pathological tissue: - effleurage - petrissage - tapôtement - vibration Massage applies to all relevant areas of the body. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 1

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to the massage methods covered by the unit
2. the importance of applying the underpinning knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology to the practice of massage
3. the accepted standards of practice and recognition of clients presenting with pre-existing conditions and problems
4. the importance of accurate assessment, reassessment and record keeping
5. the physiological and neurological effects of massage methods
6. the content of massage mediums in relation to allergic reaction and contraindication
7. the importance of cleanliness and hygiene and the standards that should be applied when applying massage in a variety of situations and environments
8. the importance of maintaining the dignity and comfort of the client throughout the massage process
9. the importance of ensuring the client is correctly positioned
10. the importance of having a suitable chaperone present when working with clients and the principles to observe in relation to the protection of children and vulnerable adults and child protection legislation
11. the importance of obtaining informed consent prior to assessment and any application or course of massage – practitioners are required to tell the client anything that would substantially affect the client’s decision;  such information typically includes the nature and purpose of the massage, its risks and consequences and any alternative courses of treatment
12. the importance working within the limits of informed consent
13. the importance of obtaining information on the cautions and contraindications to massage before commencing any treatment and how to obtain this information
14. the indications for massage
15. what the cautions and contraindications to massage are, for example: acute trauma, tumour, open wounds, frostbite, acute soft tissue injury, circulatory disorders, fractures, thrombosis, bursitis, periostitis, myositis ossificans, infections, skin disorders, allergic conditions, risk of haemorrhage, areas of altered skin sensation, mental incapacity.
16. the importance of referral to relevant professionals when necessary and of working within your scope of practice
17. the agreed standards of personal hygiene, dress and appearance and why they are important
18. current safety legislation for the types of equipment used in massage
19. the importance of making sure the equipment and the area provide for the comfort and dignity of the client
20. the correct materials to use for the range of massage methods covered by the unit
21. the importance of explaining the aims and objectives of massage to the client
22. how to obtain relevant information
23. how to observe, palpate, assess and move the area before and after massage and why
24. how to prepare the body area for the range of methods listed and why
25. why the client should understand the nature and purpose of the massage and the equipment being used
26. how to apply the range of methods listed in the unit with particular reference to: contour of hands, position (stance/posture), depth of pressure, direction of movement, the medium used, speed and rhythm of movement
27. the application of the range of methods to the range of conditions/situations listed
28. situations in which you should and should not remove the massage medium
29. the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of massage
30. how to obtain feedback from the client on the effects of massage
31. the  possible adverse reactions to massage and how to identify these
32. why it is important to provide reassurance and opportunities for further feedback and how to do so
33. how to report/refer to relevant health care professionals, why it is important to follow their directions and recognise working within scope of practice
34. the details of the massage and its effects that should be recorded
35. the importance of accurate and confidential  record keeping and safely storing records
36. legal requirements for the storage of information on clients and the methods you have applied

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. ensure there is adequate public liability and professional indemnity insurance
2. apply agreed standards of personal hygiene, dress and appearance
3. make sure equipment meets current health and safety requirements
4. make sure equipment and area provide for the comfort and dignity of the client
5. make sure equipment and area are clean and hygienic
6. select materials that are appropriate for the planned massage method
7. where necessary, follow approved guidelines for the presence of a chaperone
8. prepare and store records according to legal requirements
9. obtain information relevant to the cautions and contraindications to massage and respond appropriately
10. observe, palpate, assess and move the area in a way that is appropriate to the client and their needs
11. refer when necessary to a relevant professional
12. devise a massage strategy appropriate to the client, their needs and your scope of practice
13. make sure the client understands the nature and purpose of the massage method and the equipment to be used
14. follow the correct procedures to obtain informed consent
15. where necessary, follow approved guidelines for the presence of a chaperone
16. prepare the relevant body area with due respect to the client’s dignity and their informed consent
17. make sure the client is correctly positioned, safe and comfortable throughout the massage method
18. select and apply massage methods that are within your scope of practice and the client’s informed consent
19. apply the massage method correctly and consistently to meet the client’s needs
20. observe and take account of the cautions and contraindications to massage methods
21. provide the client with appropriate materials and assistance to remove the massage medium when appropriate
22. obtain and record feedback on the effects of massage methods from the client
23. measure client feedback against the aims and objectives of your massage strategy
24. identify any adverse reactions
25. make reassessments
26. provide the client with appropriate advice and additional opportunities for feedback
27. refer when necessary to a relevant professional
28. make clear records in an acceptable format
29. store records safely and securely according to legal requirements
30. evaluate the massage strategy
31. destroy records as legally required

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills Active and was transferred to Skills for Health. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: HWB7 Interventions and treatments