Body Treatments and Body Massage
What this domain tests
Body treatment questions test massage theory, movement selection, contraindication screening, draping, hygiene, pressure control and safe use of heat, cold and body devices.
Core rules and concepts
- Classic massage movements: effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), friction and vibration.
- Start and finish with effleurage; work proximally toward the heart on limbs for general massage, but use specific directions for lymphatic drainage.
- Lymphatic drainage is light, rhythmic and directional; it is not deep tissue work.
- Contraindications: fever, active infection, DVT, undiagnosed swelling, recent surgery, uncontrolled hypertension, severe varicose veins, pregnancy complications, cancer under treatment where oncology advice is needed, and anticoagulant-related bruising risk.
- Draping protects privacy and warmth; only expose the area being treated.
- Body wraps and heat treatments require consent, temperature checks, hydration advice and contraindication screening.
Worked example
A client with a history of DVT requests leg massage. Reasoning: DVT history raises clot risk and massage could dislodge a clot. Do not treat; refer to the GP and offer a non-leg treatment only with medical clearance. Document the decision.
Traps that cost marks
- Massaging over varicose veins or unexplained swelling.
- Using deep pressure for lymphatic drainage.
- Leaving a client uncovered.
- Applying heat to numb or inflamed areas.
- Treating a client with fever because they want relaxation.