Course Title: Provide massage treatments

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 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 1 2025

 

 WkDateTopicAssessment / Learning activities

Week 1	Monday 10/02/25	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  14/02/25	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  17/02/25	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  21/02/25	Subjective (Lootrapdiops) and Objective Examination of your client Clinic forms; documentation requirements; confidentiality; record keeping Terminology	Massage Techniques: • Efflourage, LG, Petrissage • Compression Friction; Rocking/Shaking; Tapotement
Week 3	Monday 24/02/25	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  28/02/25	Methods of monitoring treatment and progress; adapting Rx plans - review  Timing for treatments Endangerment sites – head, anterior throat, triangles of the neck	Massage Sequence: • Cx/Tx Prone
Week 4	Monday 03/03/25	Endangerment sites –breast/pectoralis tissue Review AT2	Massage Sequence: • Cx & pectoralis anterior supine; Cx lateral
	Friday 07/03/25	Client Rx Plan -  Treatment/client goals; management plan Home advice; information and resources for clients following treatment	Massage Sequence: • Cx, Tx, shoulders, pecs - Prone, lateral, supine   AT2 Knowledge Task due Sun 9 March
Week 5	Monday 10/03/25	Public Holiday	Labour Day
	Friday 14/03/25	Clinic client/treatment follow up Stretching; thermotherapies Endangerment sites - axilla; cubital fossa	Massage Sequence: • Shoulder/GHJ; Arms
Week 6	Monday  17/03/24	Self Massage  Review Procedures/forms for Clinic Clients  Treatment timing Endangerment sites -  popliteal fossa; femoral triangle	Massage Sequence: • Upper body - prone, lateral, supine
	Friday 21/03/25	Review AT 1 Knowledge Quiz (In Class)   • Endangerment Sites - 12th rib dorsal; abdominal - All	Massage Sequence: • Upper body - prone, lateral, supine
Week 7	Monday 24/03/25	• AT1 Knowledge Quiz  (In Class)	All end sites swap above?? or go through upper body seq? • Palpation all endangerment sites
	Friday 28/03/25	Clinic client/treatment follow up Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Lx, gluteals	Massage Sequence • Lx, gluteals
Week 8	Monday  31/03/25	Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Lx, gluteals - 12th rib dorsal	Massage Sequence • Lx, gluteals • Lateral
	Friday 04/03/25	Clinic client/treatment follow up Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Legs - anterior/posterior	Massage Sequence • Posterior & anterior legs - prone, supine
Week 9	Monday 07/04/25	Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Legs - anterior/posterior/lateral - femoral traingle; popliteal fossa	Massage Sequnce • Posterior & anterior legs - prone, lateral, supine
	Friday 11/04/25	Clinic client/treatment follow up 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 14/04/24	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 18/04/24	Public Holiday	Good Friday
	Monday 21/04/25 Friday 25/04/25	Mid Semester Break	Easter Monday Anzac Day
Week 11	Monday 28/04/25	Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Lower Body - Lx, Gluteals, leg • Timing - 25 mins	Massage Sequnce • Lower Body - Lx, gluts, ant/post legs - prone, lateral, supine
	Friday 02/05/25	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
Week 12	Monday  05/05/25	Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Full Body • Timing 60 mins + 15 mins - D25F timing	Massage Sequence: • Full Body Rx
	Friday  08/05/25	Clinic client/treatment follow up Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Full Body	Massage Sequence: • Full Body Rx
Week 13	Monday 12/05/25	Review AT3 Clinic Practical Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Full Body	Massage Sequence: • Full Body Rx
	Friday 16/05/25	Clinic client/treatment follow up Review -  Full Body Let's get ready!  Yay!	Massage Sequence: • Full Body Rx
Week 14	Monday 19/05/25	Assessment	AT3 Clinic Practical  1/2 1 x FBM 60/75 mins
	Friday 23/05/25	Assessment	AT3 Clinic Practical  1/2 1 x FBM 60/75 mins
Week 15	Monday  26/05/25	Assessment feedback/review Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Full Body	Massage Sequence • Full Body Rx
	Friday 30/05/25	Clinic client/treatment follow up Review - Endangerment sites/Draping/Anatomy • Full Body	Massage Sequence: • Full Body Rx
Week 16	Monday 02/06/25	Assessment	AT3 Clinic Practical 2/2 1 x FBM 60/75 min
	Friday 06/06/25	Assessment	AT3 Clinic Practical 2/2 1 x FBM 60/75 min
Week 17  (Ax Wk1)	Monday 11/11/24 Friday 15/11/24	Assessment Week 1	Clinic
Week 18 (Ax Wk 2)	Monday  18/11/24 Friday 22/11/24	Assessment Week 2	Clinic

 

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 teacher 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;     You will be given two (2) attempts for each assessment to demonstrate the required skills. If a student does not submit an assessment on the first date provided however submits on the resubmission date this submission will be the only attempt allowed. 

A supplementary assessment can only be offered after discussions between teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic.  Supplementary assessments are at the discretion of the Program Coordinator and Program Manager after a conversation is had by the teacher, Program Coordinator and Program Manager. A supplementary assessment will take into account class attendance( 80-100% requirement), interaction within class and communication with the class teacher.

    

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.  

  

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 results and then contact their teacher on the outcome of the result    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 in writing (email) to your teacher and Program Coordinator 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