31537346Therapeutic Massage Clinic and Business Practices
Course Information
Description
This course provides students with opportunities for synthesis and refinement of their massage techniques and treatment planning skills applied to a diverse clientele, within a professional clinic setting. The clinic provides students with valuable hands-on training in the following massage business practices: appointment scheduling, record keeping, customer service and professional communication. Most importantly, students learn to create a restful, relaxing atmosphere for clients. In the business portion of the class, students explore career opportunities, examine Wisconsin’s requirements for licensure and prepare for the national and state exams. Students must provide proof of certification CPR before beginning clinic.
Total Credits
4

Course Competencies
  1. Develop a plan for self care
    Assessment Strategies
    by submitting and following a personal plan for self care
    Criteria
    you practice various exercises to assist in maintaining a state of relaxation
    you use various breathing techniques to increase energy and endurance
    you practice warming and stretching exercises to relax and prepare the body to work
    you develop a philosophy of life conducive to maintaining the body in good health
    you separate his/her own needs and clients needs by maintaining boundaries during a session

  2. Exhibit effective social interaction
    Assessment Strategies
    in clinical setting
    when dealing with peers
    while dealing with clients
    Criteria
    you recognize individual differences in personal boundaries
    you respect clients' boundaries, whether physical or psychological at all times
    you clear away own personal thoughts and focuses on client
    you show mature attitude in interpersonal interactions
    you appreciate differences in human physicality, background, and experiences
    you show they respect the inherent worth of all persons
    you participate in group discussions

  3. Adheres to professional code of ethics
    Assessment Strategies
    in clinical setting
    when dealing with clients
    Criteria
    you dress in appropriate attire for a health care provider
    you maintain high standards of personal hygiene
    you exhibit professional conduct when dealing with clients
    you provide high quality of care to clients
    you inform clients of the scope of their discipline
    you inform clients of the limits of their discipline
    you recognize contraindications that may be present
    you recognize when to refer clients to appropriate health professionals
    you provide treatment only where there is reasonable expectation that it will benefit the client
    you maintain the confidentiality of all client information, unless disclosure is required by law, or client gives written consent
    you obtain informed consent before providing treatment
    you respect the client's right to modify or terminate treatment at any time
    you refrain from engaging in any sexualizing behavior involving a client

  4. Prepare to begin the massage
    Assessment Strategies
    in demonstrating the preparations for a massage in a clinical setting
    Criteria
    you adjust table to proper height for optimum performance
    you arrange linens, blanket, and bolsters on massage table for client's comfort
    you assemble needed supplies
    you create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere

  5. Prepare self for giving a massage
    Assessment Strategies
    in demonstrating the preparations for a massage in a clinical setting
    Criteria
    you practice centering and focusing before beginning the massage
    you warm and stretch muscles before beginning the massage
    you follow proper handwashing guidelines

  6. Determine clients needs and expectations
    Assessment Strategies
    in demonstrating the preparations for a massage in a clinical setting
    Criteria
    you greet client in a friendly manner.
    you conduct interview with client.
    you listen carefully to clients comments.
    you assess clients physical condition.
    you ascertain clients expectations.
    you determine goals of the massage session.
    you develop a plan for the massage session.

  7. Prepare client for massage
    Assessment Strategies
    in demonstrating the preparations for a massage in a clinical setting
    Criteria
    you explain massage procedures and massage plan to client.
    you arrange client on the table for optimal comfort and relaxation.
    you demonstrate proper draping procedures.
    you use proper technique for applying lubricant.

  8. Demonstrate proper body mechanics
    Assessment Strategies
    in clinical setting
    by giving massage treatments
    Criteria
    you keep his/her body in proper alignment with head, shoulders, and hips level
    you position his/her body appropriately for the direction of massage movements
    you keep his/her back straight and maintains correct spinal curvature
    you keep hands and arms relaxed and close to body
    you keep his/her knees bent
    you shift his/her weight regularly

  9. Adapt massage procedure to meet client needs and expectations
    Assessment Strategies
    in clinical setting
    by giving massage treatments
    Criteria
    you apply stationery touch to begin massage
    you apply gliding strokes
    you apply kneading strokes
    you apply frictioning strokes
    you apply compression when appropriate
    you apply percussion when appropriate
    you apply stretching and ROM when appropriate
    you apply feather strokes
    you apply trigger point therapy when appropriate
    you use caution around endangerment sites
    you adjust routine to meet client needs
    you adjust to working with people with a variety of needs

  10. Determine if client needs and expectations were met
    Assessment Strategies
    by submitting client's evaluation sheets
    Criteria
    you examine clients comments from evaluation sheets
    you assess instructor's comments

  11. Complete SOAP chart
    Assessment Strategies
    by submitting a completed SOAP chart
    Criteria
    you document Subjective information obtained during interview
    you document Objective assessment obtained from asking further questions
    you document Assessment/application
    you complete Plan of Action for future sessions

  12. Explore career opportunities in the field of Therapeutic Massage
    Assessment Strategies
    through participation in group activity
    Criteria
    you compare self-employment and "independent contractor" status as determined by the Internal Revenue Service
    you explore employment opportunities in health clubs, salons, massage and medical clinics, etc
    you visualize a "perfect day" scenario

  13. Create a resume
    Assessment Strategies
    by submitting an out of class written assignment
    Criteria
    you gather personal information
    you compile listing of educational training
    you compile list of previous work experience
    you use computer template to create a resume

  14. Explore various aspects of starting a business
    Assessment Strategies
    by submitting this part of the business plan
    through participation in group activity
    Criteria
    you write a professional mission statement
    you write five business goals
    you determine business and personal insurance coverage necessary
    you list supplies and equipment required for new business
    you calculate start-up expenses for beginning a business

  15. Examine various aspects of business management
    Assessment Strategies
    in class discussion
    Criteria
    you articulate the importance of keeping accurate client records
    you practice simple method of bookkeeping
    you explore the information on the procedures of insurance billing

  16. Construct a piece of promotional material
    Assessment Strategies
    out of class written assignment
    Criteria
    you describe five ways to market a business
    you create a piece of promotional material