contraindications
The condition under which a normally beneficial treatment can be harmful and have a counterproductive effect on a person's health.
Massage therapists provide therapeutic massage treatments to improve the well-being of their clients. They perform a variety of massage types such as shiatsu and swedish massage, according to their client's needs and preferences.
Competences and skills
66 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 6 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
1 competenceCross-sector
5 competenceshuman anatomy
The dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human lifespan.
massage theory
Principles of holistic therapeutic body massage, the application of massage techniques and the appropriate body posture, massage sequences and different mediums, massage benefits and contraindications.
massage types
Techniques used and types of massage therapies such as shiatsu, deep tissue massage, Swedish, hot stone and Thai massage.
musculoskeletal anatomy
The human musculoskeletal system, comprising of the skeleton, muscles, cartilage, tendons, joints and other connective tissue that supports and binds tissues and organs together. The human musculoskeletal system's primary functions, such as supporting the body, allowing motion, and protecting vital organs.
skin types
The different skin types, such as dry, normal, oily, and sensitive.
Essential skills and competences 15 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
2 competencesaccept own accountability
Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
identify customer's needs
Use appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.
Cross-sector
13 competencesapply massage therapy
Apply massage therapy to relieve patient's pain by using various specialised techniques.
communicate with customers
Respond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.
develop personalised massage plan
Determine the massage treatment to be applied based on the medical diagnosis, the prescription plan, and according to the condition of the patient.
discuss the medical history of the healthcare user
Ask the healthcare user about his medical condition and physical well-being and the desired results to be achieved through the suggested therapy and follow the prescribed treatment.
empathise with the healthcare user
Understand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence. Demonstrate a concern for their welfare and handle according to the personal boundaries, sensitivities, cultural differences and preferences of the client and patient in mind.
give massages
Provide clients with head, hand, neck, facial or full body massages.
maintain customer service
Keep the highest possible customer service and make sure that the customer service is at all times performed in a professional way. Help customers or participants feel at ease and support special requirements.
- Scope note
- Might include keeping the customers informed about the current status of their orders or waiting times.
maintain personal hygiene standards
Preserve impeccable personal hygiene standards and have a tidy appearance.
maintain privacy of service users
Respect and maintain the dignity and privacy of the client, protecting his or her confidential information and clearly explaining policies about confidentiality to the client and other parties involved.
maintain work area cleanliness
Keep the working area and equipment clean and orderly.
manage healthcare users' data
Keep accurate client records which also satisfy legal and professional standards and ethical obligations in order to facilitate client management, ensuring that all clients' data (including verbal, written and electronic) are treated confidentially.
provide health education
Provide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.
work ergonomically
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
Optional knowledge 23 competences
Occupation specific
1 competencemanual lymphatic drainage massage
Light techniques and strokes applied to sooth the lymphatic and circulatory systems. The structure and function of the lymphatic system, of the blood vessels of head and neck and contraindications of this type of massage.
Sector-specific
9 competencesadministrative tasks in a medical environment
The medical administrative tasks such as registration of patients, appointment systems, record keeping of patients information and repeated precribing.
balneotherapy
The use of therapeutic baths to treat a variety of conditions, through relaxation, massage or stimulation techniques. This includes the beneficial properties of mineral waters and mud-wrapping techniques.
cosmetics
The various types of substances used to enhance the appearance of the human body.
electrotherapy
The type of medical treatment using electrical stimulation.
hydrotherapy
The practice used to treat diseases or maintain overall health using water.
phytotherapy
The characteristics, the effects and the use of herbal medicines.
reiki
The alternative medicine technique based on the belief that universal energy is transmitted to the patient through the palms of the practitioner.
shiatsu
The complementary medicine massage therapy which is based on the theoretical framework of traditional Chinese medicine and it is performed by finger massages on clients to reduce their stress and pain according to the shiatsu principles.
tai chi
The traditional medicine practice, originally conceived as a martial art, which is based on Chinese philosophical principles and is known for its defense training and health benefits.
Cross-sector
13 competencescosmetic manicure
Various elements of a manicure, such as the cutting and shaping of toe- or fingernails, removing excess callouses and cuticle around nails, and applying a protective or decorative coat of nail polish.
cosmetic pedicure
Treatment of the feet and toenails for cosmetic and embellishment purposes. It includes the cleaning of dead skin and the appliance of nail polish and other cosmetic techniques.
energy therapy
Alternative medicine therapy which assumes that healers use the channel healing energy to get positive effects on the patients` well-being.
etiopathy
Alternative medicine therapy which has as its basis the idea that the practitioner uses only his hands to treat the patients' symptoms on longer term by diagnosing the deeper cause of the illness.
fasciatherapy
A manual therapy applied on the fascia (the connective tissue woven through the entire body) which is used for the treatment of physical or psychological disorders such as pain and movement disorders.
health care legislation
The patients` rights and responsibilities of health practitioners and the possible repercussions and prosecutions in relation to medical treatment negligence or malpractice.
health care system
The structure and function of health care services.
human physiology
The science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.
kinetics
The study of movement and its causes.
pathology
The components of a disease, the cause, mechanisms of development, morphologic changes, and the clinical consequences of those changes.
- Scope note
- Excludes .
reflexology
The application of pressure to plantar, palmar, facial, cranial, dorsal, atrial and reflex points of the body with a specific finger or hand gestures and techniques, such as acupressure and the massage of reflex points located on the body.
rehabilitation
The methods and procedures used to help an ill or injured person restore lost skills and regain self-sufficiency and control.
sport and exercise medicine
Prevention and treatement of injuries or conditions resulted from a physical activity or sport.
Optional skills and competences 22 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
10 competencesadminister hydrotherapy
Formulate treatment plans and provide hydrotherapy treatment.
apply acupuncture
Use procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques, such as penetrating the skin with thin, metallic needles manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation in order to relieve pain or achieve other therapeutic benefits.
apply aromatherapy
Use the therapeutic benefits of essential oils to produce massage blends, cream or lotions and help improve the physical and emotional health and well-being.
apply thermotherapy
Use heating and cooling techniques to treat musculoskeletal injuries and soft tissue injuries.
carry out preventative internal medicine interventions
Recommend to patients, depending on their condition, preventive and therapeutic treatments such as the use of medications, lifestyle changes, modification of addictive behaviours, physical therapies, nutrition or complementary medicine.
manage a small-to-medium business
Manage the organisational, financial and day-to-day operation of a small-to-medium enterprise.
perform facial treatment
Perform all kinds of treatments to improve the health and attractiveness of the facial skin, such as facial masks, scrubs, eyebrow tinting, peels, hair removal and make-up.
pluck hair
Use tweezers or electric devices to remove hair by mechanically grasping them and pulling them out of the roots.
provide individual exercise programmes
Provide a range of exercise programmes in accordance with the needs of the clients by applying principles of exercise programming, and modifying and moderating as necessary to support effective and safe exercising.
use hair removal lasers
Use lasers that remove hair by exposing the hair to pulses of laser light that destroy hair follicles.
Cross-sector
12 competencesadminister appointments
Accept, schedule and cancel appointments.
apply deep tissue massage
Apply precise techniques and pressures to bring changes to specific tissue layers in the body.
apply sports massage
Perform massage techniques meant to address and help recover sports injuries such as sprains, torn ligaments and broken limbs.
comply with legislation related to health care
Comply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.
conduct pregnancy massages
Perform massages for pregnant women to sooth the discomfort as well as making the labour process easier.
develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship
Develop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.
liaise with industry experts
Consult and cooperate with industry experts who handle matter that is relevant to you and your business.
maintain equipment
Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.
maintain professional administration
File and organise professional administration documents comprehensively, keep customer records, fill in forms or log books and prepare documents about company-related matter.
order supplies
Command products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.
process medical insurance claims
Contact the patient`s health insurance company and submit the appropriate forms with information on the patient and treatment.
process payments
Accept payments such as cash, credit cards and debit cards. Handle reimbursement in case of returns or administer vouchers and marketing instruments such as bonus cards or membership cards. Pay attention to safety and the protection of personal data.