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Lismore Session 1 Session 1

Unit Summary

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

Unit aim

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

Learning outcomes

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. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: , GA2: , GA3: , GA4: , GA5: , GA6: , GA7:
On completion of this unit, students should be able to: GA1 GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5 GA6 GA7
1 Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practice of Western massage including the scientific evidence base of Western massage
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
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

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:
    • GA4:
  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:
    • GA3:
    • GA4:
    • GA6:
  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:
    • GA3:
    • GA4:
    • GA6:

Prescribed texts

  • No prescribed texts.
Prescribed texts may change in future teaching periods.