Course Title: Provide massage treatments

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: REHA5011C

Course Title: Provide massage treatments

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

Christine O'Connor

christine.oconnor@rmit.edu.au

+61399250945

Nominal Hours: 100

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 prepare for and provide massage treatments using a range of relaxation techniques and sequences.

This unit applies to massage therapists providing relaxation massage treatments. It does not include remedial massage techniques.

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:	HLTMSG011 Provide massage treatments
Element:	1. Prepare for client treatment.
Performance Criteria:	1.1. Review available client information from intake form or records. 1.2. Prepare self, treatment area and equipment for providing treatment in accordance with organisational protocols. 1.3. Clearly outline how the treatment will be provided and managed, based on assessment and agreed treatment approach. 1.4. Discuss with the client possible physical or emotional reactions that may occur during and following treatment, and the appropriate course of action to take. 1.5. Follow work health and safety (WHS) and organisational protocols to physically prepare the client for treatment. 1.6. Confirm client informed consent for treatment in accordance with legal and ethical considerations.
Element:	2. Use massage treatment techniques.
Performance Criteria:	2.1. Determine treatment sequence, location and degree of pressure according to assessment indications and scope of practice. 2.2. Position client to optimise comfort and support while allowing for effective application of techniques. 2.3. Maintain client dignity through use of draping. 2.4. Maintain efficient and effective use of own body position and movements throughout treatment. 2.5. Maintain client-focused attention throughout treatment. 2.6. Adjust treatment techniques and pressure based on client verbal and non-verbal feedback.
Element:	3. Monitor treatment.
Performance Criteria:	3.1. Monitor the client and their response during treatment and adapt treatment accordingly. 3.2. Review and amend treatment plan during treatment to meet client needs. 3.3. Recognise reactions to treatment and respond promptly if necessary. 3.4. Seek feedback after treatment, evaluate and discuss need for ongoing or additional treatment including other health care options.
Element:	4. Provide advice and resources to the client
Performance Criteria:	4.1. Provide information to client that supports their treatment outcomes. 4.2. Respond to client enquiries using language the client understands. 4.3. Provide information about ongoing treatment including other health care options. 4.4. Document all treatment details and recommendations made.

Learning Outcomes

Please refer to the Elements of Competency above

Details of Learning Activities

In this course you will learn a range of skills such as:

• Preparing your client for treatment

• How to perform postural assessments

• Massage techniques and sequences

• Client draping and positioning techniques

• How to monitor your treatments

• How to provide client education and resources

• Self preparation and management including posture

Class activities are designed to support the learning for the skills above and include, but are not limited to -

• class/group discussion

• practical demonstrations including WHS, client interactions, massage techniques and sequences

• practical practice including WHS, client interaction, massage techniques and sequences

• peer learning

• simulated workplace activities.

Teaching Schedule

Provide Massage Treatment REHA5011C_HLTMSG011

Syllabus Semester 2 2025

WkDateTopicAssessment / Learning activities

Week 1	Monday 14/07/25	RMIT; Course overview; Defining relaxation massage treatments; Scope of Practice; targets for relaxation massage; Canvas; Assessment overview; Class charter	Tour - Building 51; Carlton Library; Bowen St; RMIT Shop
Friday 18/07/25	Duty of Care; WHS/Sanitation; Preparation of treatment area; Preparation of yourself for providing treatment; Ergonomics; Table Height; Palpation & Pressure Uploading to Canvas	Cubicle Set Up Palpation Upload - • Student Consent Form; • Clinic Entrance Agreement • Class Charter
Week 2	Monday 21/07/25	Work role - Client/Therapist boundaries; SoP - referrals; consent; privacy Protocols for client preparation - draping, positioning, bolstering, modesty and privacy Oils and balms (Mediums)	Massage Techniques: • Effleurage; Longitudinal Gliding; Petrissage
Friday 25/07/25	Subjective (Lootrapdiops) and Objective Examination of your client Clinic forms; documentation requirements; confidentiality; record keeping Terminology	Massage Techniques: • Efflourage, LG, Petrissage • Compression Friction; vibration; Rocking/Shaking; Tapotement
Week 3	Monday 28/07/25	Barriers and Adaptations to treatment; children/minors; Discrimination Client responses during and following treatment Client communication and feedback	• Client Communication Massage Skills: • Review all techniques
Friday 01/08/25	Methods of monitoring treatment and progress; adapting Rx plans - review Timing for treatments	• Client Communication Massage Skills: • Review all techniques
Week 4	Monday 04/08/25	Endangerment sites – head, anterior throat, triangles of the neck Review AT2	Massage Sequence: • Cx/Tx Prone Massage Sequence:
Friday 08/08/25	Endangerment sites –breast/pectoralis tissue	Massage Sequence - • Cx & pectoralis supine; Cx/UT lateral AT2 Knowledge Task due - Sun 10 August
Week 5	Monday 11/08/25	Clinic client/treatment follow up Client Rx Plan - Treatment/client goals; management plan Home advice; information and resources for clients following treatment Stretching; Thermotherapies	Massage Sequence • Cx, Tx, Interscapular & pectoralis anterior supine; Cx lateral
Friday 15/08/24	Self Massage Review Procedures/forms for Clinic Clients Treatment timing Endangerment sites - - 12th rib dorsal; abdominal; umbilicus	Massage Sequence: • Cx, Tx, Interscapular & pectoralis anterior supine; Cx lateral
Week 6	Monday 18/08/25	Review AT 1 Knowledge Quiz (In Class) • Endangerment Sites - axilla, cubital fossa; popliteal fossa; femoral triangle	Massage Sequence: • Shoulders/GHJ; arms - Supine
Friday 22/08/25	• AT1 Knowledge Quiz (In Class)	Massage Sequence: • Upper body - prone, lateral, supine
Week 7	Monday 25/08/25	Clinic client/treatment follow up Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy	Massage Sequence • Upper body - prone, lateral, supine
Friday 29/08/25	Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Lx, gluteals - 12th rib dorsal	Massage Sequence • Lx, gluteals - prone, lateral
	01/09/25 05/09/25	Mid Semester Break
Week 8	Monday 08/09/25	Clinic client/treatment follow up Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Lx/gluteals	Massage Sequence • Lx, gluteals - prone, lateral
Friday 12/09/25	Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Legs - anterior/posterior - femoral triangle; popliteal fossa	Massage Sequence • Legs Posterior & Anterior - prone, supine
Week 9	Monday 15/09/25	Clinic client/treatment follow up Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Legs - anterior/posterior/lateral - femoral triangle; popliteal fossa	Massage Sequence • Legs Posterior, Anterior, lateral - prone, lateral, supine
Friday 19/09/24	Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Lower Body - Lx, Gluteals, leg	Massage Sequnce • Lower Body - Lx, gluts, ant/post legs - prone, lateral, supine
Week 10	Monday 22/09/25	Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Lower Body - Lx, Gluteals, leg • Timing - 35 mins	Massage Sequnce • Lower Body - Lx, gluts, ant/post legs - prone, lateral, supine
Friday 26/09/25	Public Holiday - Friday before AFL Grand Final
Week 11	Monday 29/09/25	Clinic client/treatment follow up Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Upper Body - Cx, Tx, GHJ, pecs, arms • Timing - 35 mins	Massage Sequence: • Upper body - prone, lateral, supine
Friday 03/10/25	Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Full Body • Timing 60 mins + 15 mins - D25F timing	Massage Sequence: • Full Body Rx
Week 12	Monday 06/10/25	Clinic client/treatment follow up Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Full Body	Massage Sequence: • Full Body Rx
Friday 10/10/25	Review AT3 Clinic Practical Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Full Body	Massage Sequence: • Full Body Rx
Week 13	Monday 13/10/25	Clinic client/treatment follow up Review - Full Body	Massage Sequence: • Full Body Rx
Friday 17/10/24	Clinic client/treatment follow up Review - Full Body Let's get ready! Yay!	Massage Sequence: • Full Body Rx
Week 14	Monday 20/10/25	Assessment	AT3 Clinic Practical 1/2 1 x FBM 60/75 mins
Friday 24/10/25	Assessment	AT3 Clinic Practical 1/2 1 x FBM 60/75 mins
Week 15	Monday 27/10/25	Assessment feedback/review Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Full Body	Massage Sequence • Full Body Rx
Friday 31/10/25	Clinic client/treatment follow up Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Full Body	Massage Sequence: • Full Body Rx
Week 16	Monday 03/11/25	Assessment	AT3 Clinic Practical 2/2 1 x FBM 60/75 min
Friday 07/11/25	Assessment	AT3 Clinic Practical 2/2 1 x FBM 60/75 min
Week 17 (Ax Wk1)	Monday 10/11/25 Friday 14/11/25	Assessment Week 1	Clinic

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Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Grace, G & Graves, J, 2020, 'Textbook of Remedial Massage', Elsevier Australia
Fritz S & L, 2021, 'Mosby's Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage', Elsevier USA

Other Resources

Recommended Texts -

Fritz S & L, 2021, 'Mosby's Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage', Elsevier USA

Grace, G & Graves, J, 2020, 'Textbook of Remedial Massage', Elsevier Australia

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

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 three (3) 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 AT1 Knowledge Quiz (In Class) - Due Week 6

This online knowledge quiz is to consolidate your learning from class. When responding to questions, student will

demonstrate their knowledge-based skills that complement the practical skills for this unit.

Assessment Task 2 AT2 Knowledge Task - Due Week 4

This knowledge task is to provide additional learning, and consolidate class learning, regarding legislative and ethical considerations for client treatment. When responding to questions, student will demonstrate their knowledge-based skills that will complement the practical skills for this unit.

Assessment Task 3 AT3 Clinic Practical - Week 14 and Week 16.

This practical task assesses the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to prepare for and provide treatments

using a range of relaxation techniques and sequences.

The student will prepare and manage and carry out 2 x 60-minute full body massage treatments to be carried out on

two different clients on two separate occasions.

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