Course Title: Perform remedial massage musculoskeletal assessments

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: REHA5010C

Course Title: Perform remedial massage musculoskeletal assessments

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5426 - Diploma of Remedial Massage

Course Contact: Toby Glennon

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 0320

Course Contact Email: toby.glennon@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Toby Glennon

toby.glennon@rmit.edu.au

Bianca Alivizatos

bianca.alivizatos@rmit.edu.au

Christine O'Connor

christine.oconnor@rmit.edu.au

Lambert Cheung

lambert.cheung@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 210

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

There are no pre-requisites for this unit

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assess clients presenting with symptoms, musculoskeletal conditions or restriction in range of motion. It requires the ability to gather client information, conduct specific tests and bring information together to develop a remedial massage treatment plan. There is a strong focus on functional anatomy.

This unit applies to remedial massage therapists.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	HLTMSG013 Perform remedial massage musculoskeletal assessments
Element:	1. Determine scope of client needs.
Performance Criteria:	1.1. Clarify client expectations and identify client motivation for wanting to receive remedial treatment. 1.2. Provide clear information about scope and limits of services to be provided, in accordance with legal and ethical considerations. 1.3. Collect an accurate, relevant and organised health record and document in a form which can be interpreted readily by other professionals. 1.4. Recognise needs that are beyond scope of own practice and make referrals to other health care professionals as required. 1.5. Identify and respond to any barriers to information gathering and assessment. 1.6. Seek client information respectfully and sensitively, using purposeful, systematic and diplomatic questions. 1.7. Manage information in a confidential and secure way.
Element:	2. Conduct client assessment.
Performance Criteria:	2.1. Determine appropriate assessment process. 2.2. Provide information about the assessment process and obtain informed client consent to proceed. 2.3. Follow clinical and therapist hygiene protocols and work health and safety (WHS) standards. 2.4. Respect client dignity and anticipate potential sensitivities. 2.5. Seek client feedback on comfort levels throughout assessment process. 2.6. Assess client through palpation, observation, range of motion (ROM) testing and client's reported outcomes. 2.7. Observe and note any client concerns about pain or health. 2.8. Identify variations of posture or structural function in relation to presenting symptoms. 2.9. Analyse variables of presenting condition through use of functional and special testing. 2.10. Use ongoing discussions with client to gain subjective information as required for assessment. 2.11. Document information from the assessment according to organisational policies and procedures.
Element:	3. Develop treatment plan.
Performance Criteria:	3.1. Correlate results of assessment with case history. 3.2. Consider available medical information and incorporate into analysis within scope of own practice. 3.3. Identify condition according to stage and related implications. 3.4. Identify and respond to cautions or contraindications for remedial treatments. 3.5. Determine optimum techniques to be used for treatments. 3.6. Use outcomes of assessment and analysis to determine and discuss treatment plan and expected client outcomes. 3.7. Document all proposed treatment plan.
Element:	4. Confirm assessment and treatment plan with client.
Performance Criteria:	4.1. Discuss assessment, its implications and rationale for treatment with the client. 4.2. Assign and agree treatment priorities and expectations in consultation with the client. 4.3. Respond to client questions and concerns using language the client understands. 4.4. Obtain informed consent for remedial treatment.

Learning Outcomes

Please refer to the Elements of Competency above

Details of Learning Activities

This course is a practical unit where students will observe and then perform assessment processes and treatment techniques on their peers

Teaching Schedule

AxRx REHA5010C_HLTMSH013 - Provide remedial massage musculoskeletal assessments REHA5012C_HLTMSG014 - Provide remedial massage treatments SEMESTER 1 Topics Assessments Week 1 • Introduction to AxRx • Legal and ethical considerations • Scope of practice and referral templates •Responses to treatment • Anatomical recap •Endangerment sites • Subjective Examination (s/e) - LOOTRADIOPs • 9 point flexibility test (o/e) Week 2 Objective Examination (o/e) • Global postural observation • Principles & Performing Active ROM (AROM) Week 3 • Principles & Performing Passive ROM (PROM) • Principles & Peforming Resisted ROM (RROM) Week 4 • Formulating a Clinical Impression • Review ROMs + Clinical Impression (Putting it together) Week 5 • Modalities and practical application Week 6 • Modalities and practical application • Review all Modalities Week 7 Online Quiz - In Class Online Quiz - Task 2a (Wednesday) Cervical (Cx) Region • Anatomy • Palpation - bony/muscles • Endangerment Sites • Conditions • Subjective examination (LOOTRADIOPS) 3 & 4 Sept Mid Semester Break Week 8 • Postural examination • Active ROM (AROM) • Passive ROM (PROM) • Special Tests Week 9 • Treatment • Stretches and correctives • Putting it all together Week 10 Online Quiz - In Class Online Quiz - Task 2b (Wednesday) Practical Assessment - Cx Practical assessment - Task 1a AxRx Practical Cervical Week 11 Thoracic & Lumbar (Tx & Lx) Region • Anatomy • Palpation - bony/muscles • Endangerment Sites • Conditions • Subjective examination (LOOTRADIOPS) Week 12 • Postural examination • Active ROM (AROM) • Passive ROM (PROM) • Special Tests Week 13 • Treatment • Stretches and correctives • Putting it all together Week 14 Practical Assessment - Tx & Lx Practical Assessment - Tx & Lx Week 15 Nervous system • Spinal cord and peripheral nerves • Dermatomes and sensory testing • Myotomes and motor testing • Conditions Week 16 Online Quiz - In Class Online Quiz - Task 2c (Wednesday) • Neural Assessment • Treatment Week 17 Assessment Weeks Week 18 Assessment Weeks SEMESTER 2 Topics Assessments Week 1 Shoulder (GHJ) Region • Anatomy • Palpation - bony/muscles • Conditions • Subjective examination (LOOTRADIOPS) Week 2 • Postural examination • Active ROM (AROM) • Passive ROM (PROM) • Special Tests Week 3 • Treatment • Stretches and correctives • Putting it all together Week 4 Online Quiz - In Class Online Quiz - Task 2d Practical Assessment - Shoulder Practical assessment - Task 1c AxRx - Practical Shoulder Week 5 Elbow & Wrist Region • Anatomy • Palpation - bony/muscles • Conditions • Subjective examination (LOOTRADIOPS) Week 6 • Postural examination • Active ROM (AROM) • Passive ROM (PROM) • Special Tests Week 7 • Treatment • Stretches and correctives • Putting it all together Week 8 Online Quiz - In Class Online Quiz - Task 2e Practical Assessment - Elbow & Wrist Practical assessment - Task 1d AxRx - Practical Elbow Wrist Week 9 Hip Region • Anatomy • Palpation - bony/muscles • Conditions • Subjective examination (LOOTRADIOPS) Week 10 • Postural examination • Active ROM (AROM) • Passive ROM (PROM) • Special Tests Week 11 • Treatment • Stretches and correctives • Putting it all together Week 12 Online Quiz - In Class Online Quiz - Task 2e Practical Assessment - Hip Practical assessment - Task 1e AxRx - Practical Hip Week 13 Knee & Ankle Region • Anatomy • Palpation - bony/muscles • Conditions • Subjective examination (LOOTRADIOPS) Week 14 • Postural examination • Active ROM (AROM) • Passive ROM (PROM) • Special Tests Week 15 • Treatment • Stretches and correctives • Putting it all together Week 16 Online Quiz - In Class Online Quiz - Task 2f Practical Assessment - Knee & Ankle Practical assessment - Task 1f AxRx - Practical Knee Ankle Week 17 Assessment Weeks Week 18 Assessment Weeks Student support Your first point of contact for any support needs with your assessments should be your teacher and assessor. If you require further support, you should consider contacting the following support services at RMIT. Assessment adjustments Students requiring support or adjustments for their formal assessments task or exams should contact Equitable Learning Services (ELS), for more information on the types of adjustments provided, access RMIT adjustments to assessment. Special consideration If unexpected circumstances affect your ability to complete an assessment you can apply for special consideration. For more information access RMIT special consideration. Appeals As an RMIT student you are entitled to seek a review of decisions that impact on your studies. For more information access RMIT appeals.	AxRx
HLTMSH013 - Provide remedial massage musculoskeletal assessments (2445)
HLTMSG014 - Provide remedial massage treatments (2445)
	SEMESTER 1
	Topics	Assessments
Week 1	AM Introduction to AxRx
	AM Legal and ethical considerations
	AM Scope of practice and referal templates
	PM Subjective examination (LOOTRADIOPS)
	PM 9 point flexibility test
Week 2	AM Global postural observation
	PM Principles & Performing Active ROM (AROM)
Week 3	AM Principles & Performing Passive ROM (PROM)
	PM Principles & Peforming Resisted ROM (RROM)
Week 4	AM Formulating a Clinical Impression
	PM Review ROMs + Clinical Impression
Week 5	AM Modalities and practical application
	PM Modalities and practical application
Week 6	AM Modalieis and practical application
	PM Review Modalities
	Online Quiz - In Class	Online Quiz - Task 2a (Wednesday)
Week 7	Cervical (Cx) region
	AM Anatomy
	AM Palpation - bony/muscles
	PM Conditions
	PM Subjective examination (LOOTRADIOPS)
Week 8	AM Postural examination
	AM Active ROM (AROM)
	PM Passive ROM (PROM)
	PM Special Tests
Week 9	AM Treatment
	AM Treatment
	PM Stretches and correctives
	PM Putting it all together
	Online Quiz - In Class	Online Quiz - Task 2b (Wednesday)
Week 10		Practical assessment - Task 1a AxRx Practical Cervical
	Practical Assessment - Cx
Week 11	Thoracic & Lumbar (Tx & Lx) regions
	AM Anatomy
	AM Palpation - bony/muscles
	PM Conditions
	PM Subjective examination (LOOTRADIOPS)
Week 12	AM Postural examination
	AM Active ROM (AROM)
	AM Passive ROM (PROM)
	PM Resisted ROM (RROM)
	PM Special Tests
Week 13	AM Treatment
	AM Treatment
	PM Stretches and correctives
	PM Putting it all together
Week 14		Practical assessment - Task 1b AxRx - Practical Thoracic & Lumbar
	Practical Assessment - Tx & Lx
Week 15	Nervous system
	AM Spinal cord and peripheral nerves
	AM Dermatomes and sensory testing
	PM Myotomes and motor testing
	PM Conditions
	Online Quiz - In Class	Online Quiz - Task 2c (Wednesday)
Week 16	AM Neural tension tests
	PM Treatment
Week 17	Assessment Weeks
Week 18	Assessment Weeks
	SEMESTER 2
	Topics	Assessments
Week 1	Shoulder Region
	AM Anatomy
	AM Palpation & bony landmarks
	PM Conditions
	PM Subjective examination (LOOTRADIOPS)
Week 2	AM Postural examination
	AM Active ROM (AROM)
	AM Passive ROM (PROM)
	PM Resisted ROM (RROM)
Week 3	AM Treatment
	AM Treatment
	PM Stretches and correctives
	PM Putting it all together
Week 4	Online Quiz - In Class	Online Quiz - Task 2d
		Practical assessment - Task 1c AxRx - Practical Shoulder
	Practical Assessment - Shoulder
Week 5	Elbow & Wrist Region
	AM Anatomy
	AM Palpation & bony landmarks
	PM Conditions
	PM Subjective examination (LOOTRADIOPS)
Week 6	AM Postural examination
	AM Active ROM (AROM)
	AM Passive ROM (PROM)
	PM Resisted ROM (RROM)
Week 7	AM Treatment
	AM Treatment
	PM Stretches and correctives
	PM Putting it all together
Week 8	Online Quiz - In Class	Online Quiz - Task 2e
		Practical assessment - Task 1d AxRx - Practical Elbow Wrist
	Practical Assessment - Elbow & Wrist
Week 9	Hip Region
	AM Anatomy
	AM Palpation & bony landmarks
	PM Conditions
	PM Subjective examination (LOOTRADIOPS)
Week 10	AM Postural examination
	AM Active ROM (AROM)
	AM Passive ROM (PROM)
	PM Resisted ROM (RROM)
Week 11	AM Treatment
	AM Treatment
	PM Stretches and correctives
	PM Putting it all together
Week 12	Online Quiz - In Class	Online Quiz - Task 2e
		Practical assessment - Task 1e AxRx - Practical Hip
	Practical Assessment - Hip
Week 13	Knee & Ankle Region
	AM Anatomy
	AM Palpation & bony landmarks
	PM Conditions
	PM Subjective examination (LOOTRADIOPS)
Week 14	AM Postural examination
	AM Active ROM (AROM)
	AM Passive ROM (PROM)
	PM Resisted ROM (RROM)
Week 15	AM Treatment
	AM Treatment
	PM Stretches and correctives
	PM Putting it all together
Week 16	Online Quiz - In Class	Online Quiz - Task 2f
		Practical assessment - Task 1f AxRx - Practical Knee Ankle
	Practical Assessment - Knee & Ankle
Week 17	Assessment Weeks
Week 18	Assessment Weeks

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

Biel, A, 2019, "Trail Guide to the Body", 2019, Dorn, Robbin Illustrator

Brukner, P & Khan, K, 2017, "Brukner & Khan’s Clinical Sports Medicine", 5th edn, McGraw Hill Education, North Ryde, NSW

Magee, David J., author.; Manske, Robert C., 2021, "Orthopedic Physical Assessment", Elsevier

Travell, Simons & Simons, 2019, Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: the trigger point manual", Freeman, Jennifer L. editor.; Simons, David G

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:

The Learning Lab
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab

The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub

English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops

You are advised to look on Canvas for ongoing updated information

Overview of Assessment

Assessments may include any of the below :

• Case studies
• Quizzes
• Knowledge assessment
• Portfolio assessment
• Role play
• Clinical logbook
• Practical assessments

Assessment Tasks

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, and through the application of learned skills, knowledge and insights.

Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS. There are thirteen (13) summative assessments for this unit, listed below. Feedback will be provided via CANVAS

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.

To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

Every task must be completed satisfactorily for competence to be achieved. Unless otherwise advised you must submit all work via the RMIT issued assessment tool which is located in Canvas for you to populate.

Resubmissions are at the discretion of the PM and/or coordinator. Please see below statement under Resubmission

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria and due dates

Assessment Task 1 - Practical regional assessment (6)

Task 1a - Cervical region

Task 1b - Thoracic and Lumbar

Task 1c - Shoulder region

Task 1d - Elbow region

Task 1e - Hip region

Task 1f - Knee and Ankle region

Assessment Task 2 - Online quizzes (7)

There are 7 online knowledge and theory quizzes (a-g)

Results

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment

Resubmissions

Students are allowed two (2) attempts for each assessment to demonstrate competency for the required skills. If an assessment is not submitted by the due date, or you do not attend a practical assessment, regardless of whether it is a first or second attempt, you must apply for special consideration within five (5) working days. If your application is approved, you will be permitted to complete the assessment task at a later date. Without approval for special consideration, you will receive a 'Not Yet Competent' (NYC) grade for that assessment.

A Supplementary Assessment may be granted at the discretion of the Program Coordinator or Program Manager, following discussions with the teacher and/or Course Advisory Committee. Factors such as class attendance (80-100% requirement), class participation and communication with the teacher will be considered.

Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.

Other Information

Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises.

It is strongly advised and expected that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
Class attendance of less than 80% of the class exercise sessions may negatively impact any possibility of additional submissions (see also above in “Assessment Tasks: Re-submissions”).

If you attend late to a lab/clinic/practical teaching session you must wait to be allowed entrance to the lab/clinic as this can pose a WHS issue, especially if specialised equipment is being used and demonstrated. Teachers are permitted to not allow you to use equipment if formal training has been missed, if this happens you must request a meeting with the teacher and program coordinator to discuss moving forward.

If you miss an assessment or assessable practical class you need to apply for special consideration. The special consideration department will ask you to provide a medical certificate or give other evidence to support your request. Once Special consideration has been applied for the students will wait for the result and then contact their teacher on the outcome.

Information about your studies:
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

Extensions of time for submission of assessable work:
If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time by circumstances outside your control you may apply for an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days to your Program Coordinator through your Canvas Course Shell one working day BEFORE the due date. Please provide evidence and /or valid reasonings why you were unable to complete the submission on time within this email. Extensions cannot be guaranteed if evidence or valid reasons are not given. Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work
Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration.

Special consideration:
If due to illness or other unforeseen circumstance, you are unable to attend on the due date of an assessment (e.g. test, examination, oral, etc.), you may submit an application for special consideration within 5 working days of the due date. If special consideration is granted, you will be given the opportunity to complete/repeat the assessment task at a later date. For advice on this application please visit www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration or speak to your Program Coordinator.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview