FOUNDATION OF MASSAGE

Definition of Terms:

A procedure that involves manipulating soft parts of the body for therapeutic or relaxation purposes.

Massage Therapist

A person trained and licensed to perform massage therapy. A massage therapist should have the
proper training given the complexity of the practice.

Therapeutic Massage

A remedial and rehabilitative type of massage used for physical injury recovery, as a supplementary
medical treatment, or for relieving muscle soreness and pain from minor injury.

Relaxation Massage

A preventive, hygienic and rejuvenating type of massage which is used for general health wellness. It
provides a sensual, pleasurable indulgence to remove the results of stress of daily life.

Massage spa or massage clinic

A licensed and equipped establishment where massage therapy is offered.

Contraindication

Condition which makes massage potentially inadvisable due to the harm that it would cause.

®Local Contraindication – massage can be performed but not over the affected or contraindicated
area.

®Absolute or Total Contraindication – massage should not be performed at all.

Physician’s Clearance

Conditions which requires a medical clearance from a licensed physician to determine whether
massage is indicated or contra indicated.

Indication

Condition when a massage maybe able to influence in the client effectively.

Endangerment sites

Parts of the body that can be massage with minimal pressure or with precaution.

Directional Terms

Terminologies used to indicate the location of the body parts. Directional terms includes: Superior,
Interior, Anterior, Posterior, Medial, Lateral, Proximal and Distal

Superior - situated above another and especially a corresponding parts

Interior - situated below another and especially another similar parts of an upright body.

Anterior- pertaining to the front side or towards the front of the body.

Posterior- situated near or towards the back of a part.

Medial- being situated in or extending towards the middle.

Lateral – situated on, directed towards, coming from or relating to the side.

Proximal- situated next to or nearest to the central point in the body.

Distal- situated away from the central point in the body.

HISTORY and GOVERNING LAWS on MASSAGE THERAPY

The following list highlights the key legislation pertaining to the practice ogf massage Therapy in the
Philippines.

 Presidential Decree No. 856 Chapter XIII-Sanitation Code of the Philippines – Chapter 13 of the
Presidential Decree No.856 serves as guidelines for massage establishment and therapist as
well. It governs the Massage Therapy profession.
 Republic Act NO.7796 -Technical Education and skills Development Authority Act of 1994 – is
the act that created TESDA. TESDA provides the Filipino people with relevant, accessible, high
quality and efficient technical education and skills development training. TESDA also has the
authority to assess and give certification to the trainees. for the massage Therapy national
Certification (NC)II level II.
 Republic Act No. 8423-and Alternative Medicine Act( TAMA)of 1997 – it is created to improved
the quality and delivery of health care services to the Filipino people through the development
of traditional and alternative health care and its integration into the national health care
delivery system. It also seeks to legalize the indigenous societies knowledge of the traditional
medicine.
 Republic Act No. 9003- Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 mandates the citizen
to practice a systematic, comprehensive, and ecological solid waste management program.
 Department of Labor and employment (DOLE) Occupational safety and Health Standards (OSH) –
OSH Standards is created to ensure the workers social and economical well being as well as
his/her physical safety and health.
 DOLE Rule 1070- Occupational Health and Environment Control- this rule establishes the
Threshold Limit Value (TVL) for toxic and carcinogenic substances and physical agents, which
may be presents in the atmosphere of the work environment. TVL Mis the acceptable airborne
concentration of substances that will not create adverse effect on workers.
 DOLE Rule 1040 – Health and Safety Committee – this rule requires all place of employment to
have a health and safety committee that serves as the planning and policy making group in all
matters pertaining to safety and health.
 DOLE Rule 1090 Hazardous Materials – is intended for workplaces manufacturing, using, or
generating hazardous substances in solid, liquid, or gaseous form. It requires the workplaces to
regulate the use and ensure the safety of the worker.
 association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Spa Services Standards 2016- it is a unified spa
industry agreement across ASEAN members states. The standard tackles the certification
process which will increase the quality of human resources, services, and facilities in the ASEAN
spa industry.
 Republic Act No. 9262 – Anti-violence against women and their children Act of 2004 – a law
established to protect the right of women and their children against all forms of abuse. This law
defines the forms of abused women and their children are vulnerable to, the sanctions and
penalties that might be faced by the abusers and protection orders to ensure the protection of
the well-being and the right of the women and their children.
 Presidential Decree No.442 – Labor Code of the Philippines – Promulgated in 1974 and
renumbered in 2015, the Labor Code of the Philippines serves as the Supreme Law when it
comes to labor and employment. This code consists seven books encompassing all aspects in the
field of employment from pre-employment to post-employment. The last book in the document
includes transitory and final revisions.
 Republic Act No. 3720 -Food, Drugs and Devices and Cosmetics Act – it is enacted to ensure
the safety of products being subjected to the consumption of the Filipino people. This law
includes the establishment of the Food and Drug Administration, the government body
mandated ensure that all products being sold are safe for consumption depending on the
standards of the FDA.
 DOH Administrative Order 2010-0034- Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations Governing
Massage Clinics and Sauna Establishments – enacted by the DOH aims to institutionalize and
professionalize massage practice in the Philippines. This body of law imposes that only qualified
practitioner’s who have undergone training and were licensed under the programs of the DOH
are the only ones who are authorized to perform massage procedures. DOH AO 2010-0034 also
aims to incorporate modern and traditional massage practices.
  Republic Act No. 9514- Revised Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008 intends to provide rules
and guidelines to ensure the safety of the general public from all forms of fire hazard. This law
involves provisions that mandates the Bureau of Fire Protection as the authorized entity to
conduct and evaluate the fire safety of buildings and Filipino Community in general.

LESSON 1: MASSAGE THERAPY AS A PROFESSION

A massage therapist is a person trained , certified and licensed to perform different manipulations
to a client/ costumers. A massage therapist is expected to do the following :

®Develop massage practice

® consult with the client/costumer

®perform body massage

®organize and maintain tools, equipment and supplies in the work area

A massage therapist must undergo a Competency based training and must complete a 160 on the job
training before they are required to take the National Assessment from TESDA. Those who pass shall be
issued the TESDA National Certificate for Massage therapist/ Hilot (wellness massage)

Although certified , massage therapist are not considered as medical practitioners . One should refuse
to diagnose possible medical conditions, and instead refer the client to a physician for proper
assessment.

LESSON 2: QUALITIES OF A MASSAGE THERAPIST

One of the challenges that a massage therapist face is the diversity of his/her clients /costumers.

Some might demand on more than what you can give. Others might find your littlest faults. When faced
with these kind of situations,a massage therapist must act professionally. Stay firm and know the clients
right and your right as a worker.

Keep in mind that a massage therapist should practice professionalism on the following (but not limited
to): 1. when performing a massage ,2. in business dealings, 3. when interacting with clients .

Listed are the guidelines you must follow to effectively practice professionalism:

WHEN PERFORMING A MASSAGE

>provide the highest quality massage to clients/costumers

>use only the accepted techniques and manipulations

>be punctual and well groomed

>inform the client regarding your massage plan

>perform proper client draping

>refuse to perform massage to a client with contraindicated conditions

IN BUSINESS DEALINGS:

 Perform massage to clients when they ask regardless of their ethnicity.

 Provide a safe environment for clients
 Maintain clients record
 Keep the records confidential unless when the law requires you to expose them
 Speak only the truth especially when advertising products or talking about your credentials
 Do not get involved in illegal activities
  Observe National Laws
 Refrain from telling negative things about other therapists or massage spa/clinic
 Respect employers and co-workers

WHEN INTERACTING WITH CLIENTS/COSTUMER

 Safeguard the reputation of the massage profession

 Respect a client’s privacy
 Do not engage in any sexual relations with a client/costumer
 Refuse gifts from costumers with malice.

THE MASSAGE SPA/CLINIC

It should be situated in a safe and refutable location with a clean, calm and relaxing environment. The
areas in which can be seen in the massage workplace are:

1. RECEPTION AREA- place a client will see upon entering the spa. a receiving counter, a waiting lounge.
It should be accessible with amenities for PWD’s or Person with disability.

2.WASHROOM - room with WASHING A toilet facility.

3.TREATMENT AREA- place where actual massage treatment is done. this should not be locked during
session.

ANATOMY
Anatomy is the study of the structure of the human body. As a massage therapist, your focus is
the human body. Knowing the different organ systems help you understand more which parts
should be handled with extra care.
Definition of TERMS:
 CRANIUM- part of the skull
that encloses the brain.

 MANDIBLE- lower jaw consisting of a single

bone or completely fused bone.

 CLAVICLE – a one in a pectoral girdle serving to link

the scapula and the sternum, commonly known as
collarbone.

 MANUBRIUM- the uppermost segment of the

sternum of humans and many other mammals.

 SCAPULA- either of the pair of large triangular bones lying on each

dorsolateral part of the thorax, commonly known as
shoulder blades.

 STERNUM – a compound ventral bone or cartilage that

connects the ribs or the shoulder girdle in humans
commonly known as breastbone
 RIBS- any of the paired curved bones or partly
cartilaginous rods that stiffen the walls of the body
and protect the viscera.

 CERVICAL VERTEBRAE- the superior part of the

vertebral column comprised of seven97) vertebrae.

 THORACIC VERTEBRAE- the inferior part of the

cervical vertebrae and the superior part of the
lumbar vertebrae comprised of 12 vertebrae.

 LUMBAR VERTEBRAE- the inferior part of the thoracic

vertebrae and the superior part of the sacral vertebrae
comprised of five (5) vertebrae.

 SACRUM- the five (5) bones, located below the

lumbar vertebrae that fuses into one as an individual
reaches the peak of adolescence.

 COCCYX- the small bones at the end of the spine.

 PELVIS- the wide curved bones between

the spine and the leg bones

 HUMERUS- the long bones of the upper arm

between the shoulder and the elbow

 ULNA – a long bone found in the forearm

aligned with the smallest finger and found
on the medial side of the forearm when in
anatomical position

 RADIUS – the bone on the lower part of the arm and can
be found alongside the thumb. When in anatomical position,
the radius can be found on the lateral side of the forearm.

 CARPALS- eight small bones that makes up the wrists

(or carpus) and connects the meta carpals to the forearm.

 METACARPALS – the intermediate parts of the skeletal hand

 located between the phalanges of the fingers and the carpal
bones of the wrists.

 PHALANGES(Phalanx) bones in the fingers of hands and feet.

 FEMUR- the long bone in the upper part of the leg

 PATELLA – a thick flat triangular bone that forms the anterior

point of the knee and protects the front of the joint, commonly
known as kneecap

 TIBIA- a long bone found in the medial side of the leg.

This is also known as the shin bone

 FIBULA- a long bone found in the lateral side of the leg.

the fibula is also known as the calf bone.

 TARSALS – a cluster of seven bones in each foot situated between

the lower end of the tibia and the fibula and the metatarsals

 METATARSALS- a group of five long bones in the foot, located

between the tarsal bones and the phalanges.
ACTIVITY 1:

“IGNORANCE OF THE LAW EXCUSES NO ONE ‘”

Identify which law or regulations applies in the following situations

1. A massage clinic has the necessary documents to provide massage services. However, acupuncture
and acupressure are also being offered but are not part of the registered services of the clinic. Under
which regulations is the massage clinic liable?

a. DOLE Rule 1070 Occupational Health and Environmental Control

b. Republic Act No. 8423-Trafitional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA)of 1997

c. ASEAN spa Services Standards 2016

2.Linda owns a massage clinic. In the first years of her business, Linda secured a sanitary permit for her
establishment. However, she failed to do so in the following years. Under which law is Linda
accountable?

a. DOLE Rule 1090- Hazardous Materials

b. Presidential Decree No. 856- Sanitation Code of the Philippines

c. DOLE Rule 1070-Occupational Health and Environmental Control

3.Aldrin wants to enroll in an accredited training center for massage therapy. Which law regulates such
training center?

a. Presidential Decree 856-Sanitation Code of the Philippines

b. Republic Act No.7796-Technical Education and Skills Development Authority of 1994

c. Republic Act No. 8423 – Traditional and Alternative MEDICINE Act of 1997

4. A massage clinic allows on the job trainees. One of the trainees excels in his/her tasks. The clinic
manager would like to hire the trainee who is a minor. Which regulations will the clinic violate if it hires
the minor trainee?

a. RA No.9262- Anti-violence against women and children

b. DOLE MC No.02 Series of 1998 Technical guidelines for classifying Hazardous and non-hazardous
establishments, workplace and work process.

c Presidential Decree No. 442- Labor Code of the Philippines

5.A female therapists provide home service massage sessions. In one of her service sessions, the client
attempted to force her into sexual act. The therapist reported the incident to the local police office and
was entertained by a Women and Children Desk Officer .What governing body mandates the conduct of
this procedure?

a. DOLE MC No.02 series of 1998- Technical guidelines for classifying Hazardous Establishment,
Workplace and work processes.

b. Republic Act No.9262 Anti-violence against women and their children

c. ASEAN Spa service standards 2016

ACTIVITY 2:

ALLIED FORCES VS. 17

1. During a pre massage consultation, your client says he/she has been experiencing recurring chest pain
for quite some time. You should refer your client to whom?

a. Alternative Medicine Practitioner b. Psychologist

c. Medical Doctor d. Registered Social Worker

2.At the end of the session, your client requested for an acupuncture which you do not administer. You
should refer your client to whom

a. Alternative Medicine Practitioner b. Nurse

c. Psychologist d. Registered Social Worker

3.A client walks into your spa and complaints about pain on his leg. Upon assessment, you found out
that the client had his leg casts taken off from a past injury. The right professional to handle this is?

a. Psychologist b. Registered Social Worker

c. Alternative Medicine Practitioner d. Physical Therapist

4.A client returned to your clinic to complain the itchy rashes on his/her back. The client said the rashes
only started appearing after your previous massage session. Which practitioner should you refer your
client?

a. Psychologist b. Alternative Medicine Practitioner

c. Physical Therapist d. Medical Doctor

5.You found out that a massage spa in your area employs minors. Who of the following can best deal
with this situation?

a. Alternative Medicine Practitioner b. Registered Social Worker

c. Psychologist d. Medical Doctor

FUNDAMENTALS OF MASSAGE THERAPHY
QUIZ 1:

1). Which of the following location is the most ideal place to do the client intake form?

a. reception area

b. any area with a flat surface to write on

c. same area where the massage is to be performed

d. quiet area with adequate lighting and tables and chairs for clients

2.) Which of the following shows good practice preparing oneself and the workplace? Equipment:

a. Sanitize all equipment that comes in contact with the during the session

c. Sanitize any equipment that comes in contact with the clients

d. Sanitize all equipment that comes in contact with the therapist

b. Sanitize any equipment that is not used during the session

3.) Which is not under Subjective Assessment? Select one :

a. Symptoms

b. Location

c. Intensity

d. Vital Signs

4.) Which of the following shows good practice in preparing oneself and the workplace? Massage bed:

Select one only !

a. Wipe the massage bed with antibacterial solution once a week

b. Wipe the massage bed with antibacterial solution once a day

c. Wipe the massage bed with antibacterial solution at the beginning and at the end of the day

d. Wipe the massage bed with antibacterial solution after every session

5.) Which of the following shows good practice in preparing oneself and the workplace? Taking a bath :

Select one

a. Therapist takes a bath only when there is a client

b. Therapist takes a bath when told to

c. Therapist takes a bath every other day

d. Therapist takes a bath everyday

6.) Although the number of minutes vary in completing the Client Intake Form, the number of minutes in
completing this task, regardless of the client’s current condition and age, should be limited to :

a. 10 minutes

b. 5 minutes

c. 4 minutes

d. 3 minutes

7.) The part of the Client Intake Form that may save a Therapist for possible law suits. Select one :

a. Signature of the therapist and date accomplished

b. Signature of the client and date accomplished

c. Signature of the client and therapist and date accomplished

d. None of the above

8.) Which of the following is not included iin the Client Intake Form? Select one :

a. Medical History

b. Date of Initial visit

c. agreement

d. Name of Physician

9.) Which of the following shows good practice in preparing oneself and the workplace? Hand washing:
Select one :

a. Therapist only uses alcohol or sanitizer

b. Therapist washes the hands for at least 4o seconds

c. Therapist washes hands often

d. Therapist washes hands only after handling a client

10.) Which is not under Objective Assessment? Select one :

a. Duration

b. Visual

c. Sensory

d. Palpation

QUIZ 2:

1. Which artery do you choose for checking the client’s pulse rate?

a. coronary artery

b. venial artery

c. radial artery

d. femoral artery

2. The pain assessment scale range consists of the scores. select one :

a. 0-5

b. 0-10

c. 1-10

d.0-100

3. The following are reasons why it is important to get the client’s vital signs, EXCEPT : Select one ;

a. to confirm the Physician’s recommendations, if any.

b.to prevent possible injury and complication to the client

c. To serve as guide in meeting the needs of the client

d. To observe the general condition of the clients

4. A therapist is taking a blood pressure of a client, the first clear strong dound is the systolic while the
last audible sound is _________.

a. Idiosynchric
b. Rythmic

C. Diastolic

d. Stoic

5. What is considered as the normal body temperature?

a. 37 degrees Celsius

b. 37.5 degrees Celsius

c. 36 degrees Celsius

d. 38 degrees Celsius

6. How many hours does an injury have to be to have a local contraindications to a massage?

a.24 hours

b. 72 hours

c.36 hours

d. 48 hours

7.Arrange the following steps according to the recommended order/sequence in conducting a visual
assessment of the client/costumer. i)Observe the symmetry of soft tissue ii)Look for any
differences in skin color iii) Look for marks, bruises, moles, wounds, and scars iv)Write the
finding on the SOAP Form.

a. B, C, A, D

b. A, B, C, D

c. B, A , C, D

d. C, A, B, D

8. A therapist is assessing the range of motion of client’s leg. Leg of the client can be moved normally,
without the therapist help, and without any discomfort. What type of range of motion is this?

a. Passive range of motion

b. Active range of motion

c. Static range of motion

d. Nonresistant range of motion

9. What is the equipment used in getting the blood pressure?

a. Spygmomamonitor

b. Spygmomanometer

c. Thermometer

d. Bloodmeter

10. This is measured by counting the number of breaths in one minute or the number of times the chest
rises during breath intake and may be done without disturbing the client.

a. Respiratory rate

b. Pulse rate

c. Blood pressure

d. Temperature

ACTIVITY 3 DEFINITION OF TERMS : MUSCULAR SYSTEM

DEFINITION OF TERMS:
MUSCULAR SYSTEM
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
COMMON ORGANISMS
Microorganisms can be classified into five types :
 Bacteria – small single- celled microorganisms that lived in diverse environment
which can be helpful or can cause harm to the human body. ( E. Coli, a bacterium
responsible to causing food poisoning)
The following are examples of pathogenic bacteria and the disease that they cause:
Escherichia coli and Salmonella – food poisoning
 Helicobacter pylori – Gastritis and Ulcers
 Neisseria gonorrhoeae – Gonorrhea
 Neisseria meningitis – Meningitis
 Staphylococcus aureus – Boils, wounds Infection, Pneumonia, Food
poisoning
 Streptococcal bacteria – Pneumonia, Meningitis, Ear Infection, strep
throat.
 Fungi - parasitic plants that do not have chlorophyll. Unlike the normal plants, fungi
cannot make their own food thus depend on their hosts. ( Candida Albican, a group of
fungus responsible for causing Candidiasis or yeast infection.
 The following are examples of fungi and the disease they cause:
 Candida Yeast- candida infection (mouth, gut, female genitals)
 Cryptococcus – fungal Meningitis
 Aspergillus molds- Aspergillus infection ( found in the air, beddings, plants,
dusts, etc.
 Trichophyton rubrum - Ringworm
 Parasite – Organism living in or obtaining nourishment from another organism and can
either be obligate(entirely dependent of host) or facultative (capable of living
independently).Head Louse, a common parasite on humans. Parasite in humans
include :
 Lice
 Flatworm
 Roundworm
 Schistosoma or Blood worm
 Trichomoniasis or Love Bugs
 Protozoa- Single- celled, tiny living things that are the lowest form of animal life.Only
about 30 kinds of protozoans cause disease in humans. Paramecium, a protozoan
carrying malaria. Below are examples of protozoa and the disease they cause :
 Sarcodina group of protozoa- Amoebiasis ( can be present in food
and water)
 Plasmodium – Malaria (transmitted by mosquito)
 Virus – the smallest microbes that replicate inside the cells of other organisms. The
only way to treat a viral infection is through development of resistance (E>bola, one of
the most deadly virus that has infected humans) . Below are examples of illnesses
caused by virus :
 Chickenpox
 Flu (influencia)
 Herpes
  Human Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS/HIV) and Human Papilloma
Virus (HPV)
 Mumps, measles and rubella and shingles
 Hepatitis, meningitis, pneumonia

PATHOLOGY
is the way of the Pathogen.
Chain of infection consists of the following elements:
 the infectious agent or Pathogen- is any micro organism
or parasite that causes a disease to its host. There are five types
of Pathogen any micro organism such as
 Virus
 bacteria
 fungi
 protozoa
 worms
 reservoir- are areas or organism where pathogens dwell before
being acquired by the host. According to the US Center for
Disease Control and Prevention there are three types of reservoir
 human
 animal
 environment
 portal of exit is the path by which a pathogen leaves its hosts. The
portal of exit usually corresponds to the site where the pathogen
is localized.
 mode of transmission- mode of transmission of a pathogen can be
classified as either direct or indirect.
 portal of entry – refers to the manner in which a pathogen enters
a susceptible host. Often, Infectious agents use the same portal to
enter a new host that they used to exit the source host.
 ends with the susceptible host -final link to the chain of infection.
A host can be vulnerable to disease defending on his genetic
make-up, immunity and other factors that may affect his
resistance to infection. While there are diseases which can be
prevented by having a healthy and non- risky lifestyle, there are
those that cannot be prevented entirely so it is important to have
your health checked regularly.
ACTIVITY LEFT OR RIGHT
ACTIVITY CHECK WHICH IS
7 CORRECT

situation indicati Local Total Reasons/Outco

on contraindicati contraindica me
on tion
newly-  LC is advised
acquired for as newly-
fracture acquired
fracture as
applying
massage to
affected area
might worsen
the injury.
 Should be
Slight observed. An
dislocation appropriate
with massage
tolerable procedure can
pain be applied to
ease the spasm
and joint
dislocation
Minor  Similar with
sprain slight
dislocation a
proper
massage
procedure can
be used to
ease sprain
and to calm
the tension in
the ligament,
however LC
should be
observed
strain  should be
 observed for
strain for
proper
massage
procedure
influences
production of
scar tissue.,
reduces
adhesions and
edema and re
establishes
range of
motion be
observed
Burns  Should be
observed for
damage skin
due to burns, it
should never
be massage till
the wounds
are fully
healed
Extreme  Extreme
varicose varicose veins
may burst
When applied
with sudden
pressure
Open  Massaging a
wounds damage skin
may cause
infection
And further
the damage of
the wound
 Massage
Minor induces blood
hypertensi circulation
on thus adding to
hypertension
During  Massage do
seizure not stop the
 onset of
seizure

insomnia  Administering
massage helps
a person to
relax
 Alcohol
Intoxicate impairs the
d client sensation of
the individual
and causes
fluctuation of
blood pressure
leading to
CVA(stroke)