Program Overview

Unit of Study HLT10115 - Relaxation and Therapeutic Massage (2015)

Unit Snapshot

• Unit type: UG Coursework Unit
• Credit points: 12
• AQF level: 7
• Level of learning: Introductory
• Former School/College: Former School of Health and Human Sciences
• Enrolment information: Assumed anatomy and physiology knowledge of the following systems: Musculoskeletal, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Integumentary, Nervous, and Respiratory. It is strongly recommended that you have completed the following unit prior to enrolling in this unit: BIO01302 - Human Anatomy OR BIO10662 - Systemic Anatomy AND BIO00307 - Human Physiology

Unit Description

Provides a comprehensive introduction to the history, principles, physiological basis, and professional practice of western tactile therapy. Muscular-skeletal anatomy is continually reviewed throughout the session. Includes experiential learning of western massage techniques, with the emphasis on students achieving competence in assessing a patient and delivering a full-body relaxation massage with specific therapeutic massage techniques when indicated.

Unit Content

• Topic 1: Principles and practice of Western massage
• Topic 2: Professionalism, ethics, and informed consent
• Topic 3: Self-care; working posture, body mechanics, physical and mental preparation, and injury prevention
• Topic 4: Research and scientific evidence base for Western massage
• Topic 5: Case taking and interview techniques
• Topic 6: Physical examination: postural analysis and general musculoskeletal screening tests
• Topic 7: Safety and risk assessment; care, caution, and contraindications for massage
• Topic 8: Massage techniques; Swedish relaxation and therapeutic massage techniques
• Topic 9: Physiological and therapeutic effects of Western massage
• Topic 10: Rationale for treatment approaches: holistic and integrative
• Topic 11: Common clinical presentations; treatment, management, advice, and referrals

Availabilities

Learning Outcomes and Graduate Attributes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand, and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

On Completion of This Unit, Students Should Be Able To:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practice of Western massage including the scientific evidence base of Western massage
   • GA1: Intellectual rigour
   • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
2. Implement the principles of professional practice for both the patient and personal self-care and demonstrate an understanding of the issues of safety and referrals
   • GA1: Intellectual rigour
   • GA3: Ethical practice
   • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
   • GA6: Communication and social skills
3. Apply the skills of case taking and postural assessment to inform massage treatment and perform a whole body relaxation massage, applying therapeutic massage techniques when indicated
   • GA1: Intellectual rigour
   • GA3: Ethical practice
   • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
   • GA6: Communication and social skills

Prescribed Learning Resources

Session 1

• Prescribed Texts: No prescribed texts.
• Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.

Graduate Attributes

• GA1: Intellectual rigour - A commitment to excellence in all scholarly and intellectual activities, including critical judgement.
• GA2: Creativity - An ability to develop creative and effective responses to intellectual, professional, and social challenges.
• GA3: Ethical practice - A commitment to sustainability and high ethical standards in social and professional practices.
• GA4: Knowledge of a discipline - Command of a discipline to enable a smooth transition and contribution to professional and community settings.
• GA5: Lifelong learning - The ability to be responsive to change, to be inquiring and reflective in practice, through information literacy and autonomous, self-managed learning.
• GA6: Communication and social skills - The ability to communicate and collaborate with individuals, and within teams, in professional and community settings.
• GA7: Cultural competence - An ability to engage with diverse cultural and Indigenous perspectives in both global and local settings.