Proposals for a European standard for Sports Massage to decide final draft
APPLY THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE TO SPORTS PARTICIPANTS
WHAT DOES THE CANDIDATE HAVE TO DO?
The unit has five elements, these are:
Prepare self and resources for therapeutic massage
The candidate has to present themselves at all times in the dress appropriate to the professional and sports context and observe all the standards of personal hygiene. They must prepare the area to carry out massage treatment and ensure that the area and equipment is safe, clean and hygienic to provide a suitable environment for the comfort and relaxation of the participant. They must prepare adequate materials to carry out the number of massage treatments required and observe the guidelines of the requirement of a chaperon especially when treating members of the opposite sex, children or juveniles.
Prepare participant for therapeutic massage
The candidate must always present a clean and professional appearance. They must develop suitable interview skills to obtain information from the participant regarding their physical condition, family and medical background to find out if there are any possible dangers and contraindications to the proposed massage treatment. They must inform the participant of what clothing to remove and to be aware of the need to observe their modesty and dignity at all times. They must position the participant in a suitable manner to ensure the comfort and support for the proposed massage treatment, and to inform them of the procedures that may be carried out. The participant should be covered using the required materials listed under (e) in the range statement, and only expose the area to be treated. The candidate is required to link the information received from the participant with what is gathered from observation and palpation to develop a treatment plan.
Apply massage technique
The candidate must ensure that the participant is suitably positioned throughout the massage, using body supports where required. They must carry out the treatment plan checking that its application and duration is suitable to the participants condition. They must take care to observe all body and skin reactions to avoid any possible adverse effects. On completion of the treatment plan the candidate must thoroughly clean the area treated to remove any oil, lotion or creams that may have been used during the massage treatment. The candidate must evaluate the need for possible follow-up treatments and make appointments as necessary.
Evaluate the effectiveness of techniques applied.
At follow-up appointments the candidate must evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment applied by asking questions concerning the degree of pain or discomfort and any abnormal sensations, range of movement etc. They must carry out further palpatory and physical examination to ascertain the participants current condition, noting any progress or adverse reactions. The candidate must develop a new treatment plan taking into consideration the information obtained. They must clearly record this information and inform any other personnel involved in the treatment as required.
Provide aftercare
The candidate must be able to give appropriate advice and guidelines on the treatment provided and the compatible self-treatments safe for the participant to apply. They must ensure that all information and advice is communicated clearly and accurately and in a manner that is appropriate to the participant. They must be able to identify any possible sport specific intrinsic/extrinsic causes of injury and the appropriate personnel that the participant may be referred to if required. They must be able to recognize when further appointments are required, or if referral to other personnel would be more appropriate. Candidates must develop an administrative system to clearly record all treatment and self help advice given to the participant and inform any other personnel involved in the treatment as required.
Last updated on 8.6.2001
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