SPMA402 – Fundamentals of Massage
Module code
SPMA402
Module title
Fundamentals of Massage
Prescription
The aim of this module is to provide students with a strong theoretical and practical basis in basic massage practice.
Programmes
- SP1005
NZQA Level
Level 4
NZQA Credits
15
Delivery method
- Web-Based
Learning hours
- Directed hours
- 90
- Self directed hours
- 60
- Total learning hours
- 150
Resources required
- Learning Outcomes
- Upon successful completion of this module, it is expected that students will be able to:
1.0 Understand the theory of massage
-Develop definitions for therapeutic massage therapy.
-Discuss the historical development of massage practice.
-Establish the characteristics of relaxation massage as a holistic therapy.
-Outline the scope of relaxation massage therapy practice within New Zealand.
2.0 Identify selected muscles of the human body for massage practice
-Identify and palpate selected muscles in the human body.
-Identify origins and insertions of selected muscles in the human body.
-Identify muscle fibre direction and/or line of action for selected muscles in the human body.
3.0 Relate the effects of massage on anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology.
-Relate the effects (mechanical, reflexive, and chemical) of massage on the various systems of the body.
-Relate the psychological and emotional effects of massage.
-Identify indications and contra-indications for massage.
-Identify endangerment sites for massage.
4.0 Prepare for massage practice.
-Demonstrate preparation of the client - assessment, informed consent, cultural considerations, and gender concerns.
-Demonstrate preparation of the environment - safety, comfort, cleanliness, privacy, equipment, lubricants.
-Demonstrate therapist preparation - personal hygiene, physical preparation, mental preparation, and posture.
5.0 Select and apply massage techniques in a massage practice setting.
-Demonstrate knowledge of basic massage techniques.
-Select massage techniques in accordance with client and massage practice requirements.
-Apply massage techniques in a whole body sequence according to client's requirements and expectations.
-Apply techniques that ensure client and practitioner comfort and safety.
-Modify techniques during application of techniques. - Content
- -Introduction to massage
-Historical development of massage
-Scope of massage practice within New Zealand
-Principles of massage
-Indications and contraindications for massage
-Endangerment sites
-Potential benefits obtained from massage
-Client history taking and informed consent
-Basic massage techniques - Teaching and Learning Strategy
- Teaching strategies and learning methods will include:
Flexible delivery
Workbooks
Study guides
Web based technology - Assessment Criteria
- Test
Practical
To pass this module student must complete all assignments and accumulate an overall module mark of no less than 50 percent - Learning and Teaching Resource
- Texts and readings will be determined by the lecturer and will be provided to the student in the individual module handbook
