Masseur/masseuse
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Other denominations
Massage therapist
Description
Massage therapists design, develop and implement therapeutic interventions for curative purposes based on massage and chiropractic techniques. They aim to improve the physical recovery processes of individuals who suffer from manifest conditions, whether as specific activities or as complementary activities, as a part of an overall care programme. Chiromassage is a massage method based on a series of manual manipulations and hand movements (mobilisation, pressure, percussion, etc.) on soft structures and joints of the body. Patients visit massage therapists particularly to prevent muscle pain.
Tasks
- Take a patient's medical history or interpret his or her diagnosis in order to establish the programme and specifically direct chiromassage sessions.
Examine a patient and diagnose, if doctor, his or her condition based on the principles of massage therapy.
Interpret other diagnoses provided by the patient.
Conduct an in-depth interview of the patient to determine all internal and external factors relating to the causes of the dysfunctions, injuries or manifest conditions.
Compile and interpret information provided by biological and radiological examinations and other types of paraclinical examinations.
Conduct manual tests by probing affected areas: feels micromovements of tissues and muscles and assess restrictions.
If doctor, evaluate the effectiveness of other treatments performed on the patient to treat the dysfunctions or manifest conditions.
Identify and determine, for all symptoms discussed, the causal factors involved in the onset of the disorder, according to the principles of massage therapy. - Design individually, or with other professionals, a personalised treatment and therapy for the patient's problems or condition in an attempt to improve the patient's physical recovery processes, based on treatment choices of chiromassage.
Recommend a chiromassage treatment according to the technique to be used (circulatory, relaxing, anticellulite, sport, restoring massage, massage for recovery, etc.).
Provide information on the principles of therapeutic massage and on the chosen technique and other tools to be used during sessions. - Develop therapy sessions applying chiromassage methods.
When necessary, select instruments to aid manipulations and manoeuvres: oils, creams and other similar substances.
Perform manipulations and manoeuvres (kneading, draining, percussions, mobilisations and pressures) on the area of the body to be treated, directing and measuring the effect, intensity and duration of the manipulations.
Provide information on the characteristics of the therapy session and on the purpose of each manipulation and manoeuvre for the patient's body.
Guide patients on postural and hygiene habits and recommend exercises for maintenance in order to prevent subsequent pain or disorders. - Clinically monitor the progress of patients.
- Care for and ensure that therapy tools and instruments used in work sessions and the equipment in the work area are maintained in perfect conditions of maintenance, hygiene and cleanliness.
Perform disinfection and hygiene tasks specifically for work instruments and material equipment. - Undergo specialisation and enhancement courses on innovations in the particular area of work.
