Massage Therapy NC II key terms

The client's voluntary agreement to a treatment after being told its purpose, techniques, expected sensations, risks, alternatives, and right to stop at any time. It must be obtained before each session and documented.

The structured conversation at the start of care in which the therapist gathers health history, medications, lifestyle, complaints, and goals. Answers guide assessment, contraindication screening, and the choice of techniques for the session.

A written questionnaire completed by the client covering past and present illness, surgery, injury, allergies, medications, pregnancy, and prior massage experience. The therapist reviews it with the client and updates it at later visits.

Any condition, medication, or circumstance that makes a technique unsafe or inadvisable. Absolute contraindications require avoiding the technique entirely; local contraindications restrict it to an affected area only.

A condition in which massage may still be given but needs adjustment, such as lighter pressure, shorter duration, positioning changes, or medical clearance. Precautions are decided case by case and recorded in the treatment plan.

A sign or symptom suggesting serious pathology that needs medical referral rather than massage, such as unexplained weight loss, night pain, fever, sudden weakness, or chest pain. Finding one means stopping and referring.

Directing a client to a physician, physiotherapist, or other licensed professional when the complaint is outside massage scope or needs diagnosis. The therapist explains the reason, documents it, and may request written clearance before treating.

Written or verbal permission from the client's treating physician allowing massage, often with conditions such as avoiding an area or limiting pressure. It is kept on file and followed during the session.

A charting format with four parts: Subjective (client's reports), Objective (what the therapist observes and measures), Assessment (interpretation and progress), and Plan (next steps). It gives a consistent, defensible record of each session.

A written outline of goals, techniques, areas to treat or avoid, pressure level, duration, frequency, and review dates, agreed with the client. It is revised as the client's condition and feedback change.

The complete, accurate, dated, and signed record of consent, assessment, treatment given, client response, advice, and referrals. Records are confidential, stored securely, and retained for the period the regulations require.

The duty to keep client information private and share it only with the client's permission or when the law requires disclosure. It covers conversations, written records, and any scheduling or billing data.

The legally permitted range of activities for a massage therapy practitioner, including what may be assessed, treated, and advised, and what must be referred. Working outside it risks harm and legal liability.

The limits that keep the therapist-client relationship focused on treatment, such as avoiding personal or financial involvement, social contact, and inappropriate self-disclosure. Clear boundaries protect both parties and preserve trust.

The use of sheets and towels to cover the client so only the area being worked on is exposed. Correct draping protects privacy and dignity, keeps the client warm, and is explained before the session begins.

Routine infection-control measures applied to every client, including hand hygiene, gloves when contact with body fluids is likely, clean linens per client, and safe handling of sharps and waste. They assume any client may carry infection.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub before and after each client, after touching contaminated items, and after using the toilet. It is the single most effective way to prevent transmission of infection.

Items worn to protect the therapist and client from exposure, such as disposable gloves, apron, and face mask. Gloves are used for skin lesions, body fluids, or broken skin and are changed between clients.

The transfer of microorganisms from one person, surface, or object to another, for example by reusing a soiled towel or touching a bottle after treating a wound. It is prevented by clean linens, disinfection, and hand hygiene.

Cleaning and preparing the massage table between clients by removing used linens, wiping surfaces with a suitable disinfectant, and placing fresh sheets and face-cradle covers. It prevents cross-contamination and presents a professional setting.

Using posture, stance, and body weight to deliver pressure efficiently while protecting the therapist's back, wrists, and shoulders. It includes adjusting table height, bending the knees, and keeping the work close to the body.

Harm to the therapist caused by repeated strain, poor posture, or overuse, such as thumb tendinitis or lower back pain. Prevention includes correct body mechanics, varied techniques, rest breaks, and strengthening exercise.

The therapist's own practices for staying fit to work, such as stretching, strengthening, adequate sleep, hydration, and limiting consecutive heavy sessions. It protects career length and the quality of care given to clients.

A state of physical and emotional exhaustion from prolonged work stress, shown by fatigue, detachment, and reduced effectiveness. It is managed through workload limits, peer support, supervision, and time away from work.

A Swedish stroke using a smooth, gliding movement of the whole hand along the skin, usually toward the heart. It warms tissue, spreads lubricant, links other strokes, and is used at the start and end of a session.

A group of Swedish strokes that knead, lift, roll, and squeeze soft tissue to release tension and improve circulation. It includes kneading, wringing, and skin rolling and is applied after the tissue has been warmed.

A Swedish stroke of rhythmic, alternating light percussion using cupped hands, fingertips, or the edges of the hands. It stimulates circulation and is used briefly, avoiding bony areas and clients who dislike the sensation.

Slow, sustained pressure applied with fingers, knuckles, forearm, or elbow to reach deeper muscle layers and fascia. It is used for chronic tension and adhesions and often causes temporary soreness afterward.

A tender, tight knot within a muscle that refers pain to another area when pressed. Treatment uses sustained pressure, friction, and stretching, always within the client's tolerance and never over acute inflammation.

Pain felt in a location away from its source, such as shoulder pain caused by tension in the neck muscles. Mapping the pattern helps the therapist choose which muscles to treat rather than only the painful spot.

A simple agreed rating, often zero to ten, used with the client to describe how firm the touch feels. Checking it regularly keeps pressure within comfort, prevents injury, and lets the client control the session.

The extent of movement possible at a joint, assessed actively by the client or passively by the therapist. Comparing sides before and after treatment shows change and helps identify restrictions or painful limits.

Using the hands to feel tissue temperature, tone, texture, swelling, and tender points during assessment. Findings are compared side to side and confirmed with the client's reported symptoms before being recorded.

Oil, lotion, or cream applied to reduce friction between hands and skin so strokes glide smoothly. The amount is matched to the technique, since deep friction work needs less and hairy or sensitive skin may need a patch test.

Checking before a session whether the client reacts to oils, lotions, latex, adhesives, or detergents used in the workplace. It prevents skin reactions and breathing problems and is recorded with the products used.

Placing the client in a supported, comfortable posture, such as supine, prone, or side-lying, using bolsters and cushions. Good positioning protects joints, allows relaxed muscles, and is adapted for pregnancy or limited mobility.

Client groups needing adapted treatment, such as pregnant women, older adults, children, people with disability, and those with chronic disease. Adaptations cover positioning, pressure, duration, and extra communication with carers.

Advice given after a session, including drinking water, gentle movement, avoiding heavy exertion, expected soreness, and when to seek help. It supports the benefits of treatment and is recorded with the session notes.