KENDAL COLLEGE
INTERGRATED THERAPIES
VTCT BEAUTY THERAPY NVQ LEVEL 3
PROVIDE MASSAGE TREATMENTS
UNIT B20
WORKBOOK
Student name: Sardana Sanderson
Date handled in:15/12-2014
Amendments:
Tutor comments:
Signature:
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Date completed:
1. What is the definition of massage?
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A massage increases the blood circulation, brings nutrients and oxygen to the cells and all
systems of the body.
Warms all tissues and produces an erythema
Stimulates deep layers of skin increasing cellular function and regenerates body cells
The removal of dead cells acid desquamation
Sebaceous secretion increases moisturising the skin
Increases lymphatic flow the removal of toxins and waste products
Relaxes tense and contracted muscles improves a muscle tone removes physical tension in
the muscles
Stimulates the nerve endings reliving muscular pain and fatigue
Soften and break down localised fatty deposit
Promotes a since of well -being.
Improves venous and arterial circulation relieving congestion
Rejuvenating
2. What could be some of the long term benefits of having regular massage
treatments?
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Promotes sense of well being less stressed tense relaxing feelings
Encourage some client to adhere they diet healthy life style
Removes physical and emotional tension
Soften and break down fatty tissue
Improves the blood circulation brings oxygen to the cells improves the colour of skin and
gives healthy glow
Increase cellular regeneration
Improves nutrition in the tissue and removes waste product more efficiently which increases
immune system
Softens and moisturizes the skin.
3. Explain briefly the procedure for client preparation for a massage treatment:
You:
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The therapist should be wearing a uniform that does not restrict movement. Fully enclosed
low heeled comfortable shoes should be worn to prevent poor posture and backache.
Hair must be tied up if it is below chin level to prevent it falling over the therapists face
during treatment.
Sanitise hands prior to the treatments. Hand exercise should be practiced on regular basis.
The client’s record card should be collected before their arrival.
The therapist must be quiet, calm and reassuring. Prepare yourself before the client arrives.
The treatment massage room should be prepared by setting the massage bed to the right
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height, the lighting in the room should be soft and soothing and the temperature of the
room to be 18 to 21 C.
Soft music and clean towels will help t create nice atmosphere in the treatment room, this
should be prepared prior the client’s arrival.
Watch, bracelets and rings should be removed. The nails should be cut short and the hands
need to be warm.
Client:
 Ask the client to remove their clothing down to undergarments, maintaining the client’s
modesty at all time.
 Provide a private changing area for the client. Large towel or bathrobe can be provided for
the client to wear.
 Ask the client to remove all jewellery and accessories and store them in safe place –in a bowl
on the bottom of a trolley.
 Position the client for treatment. Instruct the client to lie on the couch in a spine position for
the body massage.
 Place towels over the client in a way which will allow minimal interruption to the treatment
and keep them warm.
 Cover the minor cut abrasions if needed with dressing prior to treatment.
 If client has long hair secure in a clip for neck and back treatments.
4. Explain the importance of the service time for a massage treatment:
It’s very important you finish the massage within the agreed time because:
 It prevents time wasted within the salon
 The client can calculate the time required for the treatment
 Clients are not left waiting
 Very important for cost effectiveness as well
 An effective appointment system is guaranteed
Full body massage including face and head - 1 hour 15 min
Arms - 10 minute
Neck and chest - 5-8 minutAbdomen-5-8 min
Legs - 10 minute
Back of leg and buttocks - 8 min
Back - 20 minute.
Back massage or partial body massage - 30 minutes
5. Explain what repetitive strain injury is, how it is caused and how to avoid
developing it when delivering massage treatments
A massage is a very physical treatment and therefore it is important that you prepare appropriately
to prevent repetitive strain injury and have good posture throughout the treatment. If yo u have a
bad posture you will find:
-that you suffer from aches and pains.
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-the treatment will be more difficult to perform
-you will tire more easily
-you become easily irritated
-the massage will be less effective.
To prevent all that you should use the right techniques when carrying outa massage treatment:
Stride stance - used when workings across the body keep back straight and bend u knees.
Walk stance - used when working along body. Place one foot in front of the other and use a rocking
motion from one foot to the other whilst moving along the body. Keep your back straight.
Good posture - remember to keep your back straight shoulders pushed back where possible do not
over stretch do not hyper extend the knee your weight as eventually balanced as possible.
Also performing mobilising and stretching exercises for your hands and wrists prior to massage to
prevent any repetitive strain injuries from occurring and to enable a more successful massage to be
performed. It is also important to stretch the muscles of your back shoulders and arms to avoid
muscle damage.
6.Explain the importance of the client adopting the correct posture throughout the
treatment and the impact this may have on themselves and the outcome of the
treatment
It’s important to analyse the figure and posture of clients, before beginning any course of massage
because it will ensure that the treatment recommended will be the most effective for the clients and
their particular requirements. It will insure that the treatment chosen will not cause any harm or
discomfort. The client will not feel relaxed and comforted if he/she is wrongly positioned on the
massage bed. If the position is wrong the client will feel tense and so the therapist should be aware
of seeing signs of tension or the wrong position. It will help therapists to recognize any faults which
are not to be treated by them and may need to be referred to a doctor. When using more than one
form of treatment it will influence the therapist’s decision about which treatment’s to use. It will
ensure that treatment is not given unnecessarily if there are faults caused by some postural
problems.
The initial figure assessment of clients is a visual one. This will show any problems they may have
with their range of movement and even when they are fully dressed it is easy to access figure shape.
The benefits of good posture allow the breathing to be deep and full. The chest is not contracted
and so the airflow is not limited. The organs function better when they are not compressed and the
even distribution of the body weight ensures that the body does not tire as much since certain
muscles become relaxed and don’t need to work as much. If the bones are correctly positioned there
will be no postural defects. As well as all this the figure looks better when the posture is right.
7. Why is it important to encourage clients to ask questions and record their
responses?
Before treatment you have to obtain more information from client about their expectation and
medical history, life style, contra indications, posture and exercise habits. As a therapist you must
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therefore be good at encouraging clients to give you that information. You need have good
communicational skills, good questioning techniques, good observation skills and a visual and
manual assessment. Also if required reference to other records.
It is also important because of these following reasons:
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To meet clients requirements.
To make client relax during the treatment to make client feel confident in your service.
You would feel less confident performing treatment as you do not have all the required
information.
If you don’t obtain important information such as client signature or check for contra
indications then you can put the client at risk. This can make client taken legal action against
salon
To make client satisfied and make them to come back to you.
For good reputation for salon and your professional image.
8. What is the importance of medical liaison?
It’s important that the client provides medical liaison before receiving a massage. The therapist
should ask questions and record the answers about medical history, any contra indications that
could affect the treatment and how to prevent them from re occurring. Certain conditions may
affect how the client needs to be positioned for the treatment and how long the client can lie still for
the treatment choice and or how the treatment should be performed.
When asking about medical history the following questions should be asked:
-Illnesses the client may have had
-Operations with details
-Accident and injuries sustained
-Reoccurring problem
-Muscular or skeletal problem
-Digestive problem
-Circulation(heart blood fluid cellulite kidneys bruises etc.,)
-Gynaecological problems
-Nervousness problems
-Immune system
-Others allergy asthma epilepsy diabetes etc.,
-If the client is currently undergoing any form of medical treatment
-Is the client taking any medication or drugs
-Does the client smoke?
It’s also important to analyse the figure and posture of the client before beginning any course of
body treatment for weight reduction or body shaping because:
-It will ensure that the treatment recommended will be the most effective for clients and them
rudiments.
-It will ensure that the treatment will not cause harm or discomfort
-It will help therapist recognize any faults that is not treated by them and may need to be referred to
a doctor
-When using more than one treatment it will influence the therapist’s decision about which
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treatments to use
-It will ensure that treatment is not given unnecessary if figure faults are caused by some simple
postural problem
9. Explain how to assess posture and skeletal conditions that may be present and
how to adapt and change massage routines?
Good posture exists when all parts of the body are held in state of balance. This avoids unnecessary
stress on the joints and skeletal muscles responsible for the state of the posture.
In the case of bad posture muscles are affected and have to work harder in order to correct
imbalance, which can lead to an injury.
Where muscles have become tightened and shortened apply deep effleurage and pertissage
movements slowly to relax the muscles.
Remove physical tension on the muscles such as tension nodules and stretch the muscles. Where
muscles become over straight perform stimulating petrissage and tapotement movements briskly to
help these weakened muscles improve in straight tone and shorten.
To adapt the massage routine, the therapist should be informed of any requirements the clients
seeks either by analysis or simply the client saying what he/she wants the massage to be focused on
and or any bruises, allergies, anything that could affect the massage.
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Relaxing massage- used to relive tension, avoid all stimulating movements and concentrate
on eflleurage movements. The pressure should be firmer and the rhythm slower. A preheating treatment would be beneficial before massage.
Tight or contracted muscles - tapotement movement should be avoided and slow rhythmical
movements should be used to help stretch the muscle. Concentrate your massage
application on key sites or tension e.g. trapezius muscle.
Postural condition - At the consultation assessment of the client’s postural condition is
important. This will aid in knowing how to change the massage to benefit the client.
10. How do you select the appropriate massage medium suitable for skin types and
conditions?
Massage mediums
Oils - is the most popular medium used for body massage as it gives the most slip. Oil can be used on
all types of skin however it’s most suitable for normal skin. If client quite hairy additional oil will be
needed.
Cream - gives moderate amount of slip and its most beneficial on dry skin type as it Reacher in
consistency.
Emulsion - is an oil and water based medium that is easily absorbed into skin and may often require
subsequent application during the treatment
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Gel - is water based product suitable for normal to oily skins. It’s light in formulation and is good for
a client who does not like skin feeling greasy.
Powder - used for deeper massage as it provides less slip. Good to use on greasy skin type or on
clients with perspiration problem.
11. Explain the types and benefits of pre-heat treatments which can be used
prior massage
The application of heat before a body massage will improve the effectiveness of the treatment.
There are several different forms of heath treatment which may be used either for their own
beneficial effects or to increase the benefits of other forms of body therapy.
Heat therapy can have the following effects:
 The circulation is increased warming the body
 An erythema Is produced which improves the overall skin colour
 The surface capillaries dilate helping to control body temperature.
 The sweat glands are stimulated to produce sweat which also helps in controlling body
temperature, and waste products are removed.
 The lactic acid accumulated in the muscles through exercise is dispersed with the increase in
circulation.
 The body temperature rises slowly causing the heartbeat to quicken in the same way as in
taking exercise.
 Tense muscles are relaxed.
 It promotes a sense of well-being in the client.
 The tissues are softened preparing them for treatment like the body massage, vacuum
suction, faradic, audio sonic, infra red and G5.
Infra red treatment
Infrared is divided into near infrared which is nearest to the visible part of the electromagnetic
spectrum and far infrared which is further away from the visible light.
It produces infrared radiation and produces heat in the part of the body being treated. Infrared rays
penetrate into the superficial epidermis only and heat is produced, warming and soothing the skin.
Heat lamps which emit the infrared provide no visible light but produces heat. It can be used for a
long time since it is less irritating than other forms of light. The infrared lamp has to be switched on
at least ten to fifteen minutes before it required reaching its maximum intensity.
Benefits:
 An increase in circulation due to the applied heat. The blood vessels dilute and the increased
blow flow brings nourishment to the area being heated. Also increasing the lymph flow
which removes waste products.
 Mild heating reliefs pain by creating an analgesic effect on the superficial sensory nerve
endings in the skin. It is helpful to ease the pain caused by an accumulation of waste
products in the tissues. The increased flow of lymph helps in the speedier removal of these
waste products.
 The increase in temperature stimulates the sweat glands to produce more sweat, aiding the
elimination of waste products and deep cleansing the skin. The warmth also allows creams
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to be absorbed better into the skin.
Muscles relax making them more responsive to further treatment. The soothing effect on
the nerve endings relieves pain, so relieving tension in the body, helping the muscles to
relax.
The infrared heat lamp treatment is used as a way of:
 As a starting treatment it prepares the client by relaxing the muscles before a body massage,
or electrical muscle stimulation. It allows easier creams and oils to be applied easier into the
epidermis.
 To relax a nervous or tense client.
 To relieve muscular pain or tension.
 To relieve pain in the joints.
 To replace other forms of heat treatment such as sauna or steam.
 To promote healing.
Vibratory treatment
Audio sonic- is an electrical massage treatment which is applied to certain areas of the face and
body. The device is hand held and works by producing sound waves of 100-10,000 Hertz. The
humming vibrating sound reaches through to cells and tissue of the skin, the distance the vibration
reaches is 5cm and does not cause any damage to the skin. The treatment is particularly useful to
those who have sensitive skin and or hypersensitive skin since there is no direct contact to the
surface of the skin with any friction as there is with other massage treatments.
Benefits of treatment:
 Increased blood circulation, improves the colour of the skin and moves the nutrients and
oxygen to the cells and muscles.
 Increases venous and lymph circulation improving the removal of waste and toxins.
 The skin texture is enhanced by removing the surface skin cells.
 Relaxing muscles that were once tense.
 Softens tissue areas (adipose tissue)
 Increases the sebaceous gland activity by stimulating the skin.
On the body the treatment is used:
 On the cellulite especially the soft fat which holds less resistance than hard fat.
 Deep relaxation of contracted muscle treatment
 Fibrositis nodules in the trapezius muscle
For the facial use:
 Hypersensitive or vascular skin conditions
 Mature skin
G5- Gyratory vibrator was designed by M. Henry Cuinier and is mostly referred to as G5. The
machine has several different applicator heads, made from sponge or rubber, which come in various
shapes and sizes.
They are all used during treatment to create a similar effect to a manual massage:
 The sponge heads are used for effleurage
 The rubber heads are used for petrissage
 The spiky brush heads are used to stimulate similar effects to those produced by tapotement
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The option to select the applicator head allows to it be changed to suit different areas being treated
and the depth can be controlled by the pressure applied and type of applicator used.
Benefits:
 Stimulates the circulatory system, increasing blood flow to the area being treated and in
doing so nourishing the skin and muscles. Improving skin colour.
 Improves lymphatic flow and aids the removal of waste products.
 It improves the texture of the skin.
 Relaxes tense muscles.
 Eases muscular pain.
 Penetrates deep into the subcutaneous layer helping the separation of fatty tissues.
 It could motivate the client be helping them achieve the desired results in weight reduction
and body shaping.
It also has several advantages over manual massage:
 It is far less personal and is therefore ideal in treating anyone who feels uncomfortable with
manual massage.
 It can produce greater depth of massage.
 It is far less tiring particularly for weight reducing purposes.
12. Explain how to adapt the massage sequence, depth and pressure to suit
different client physical characteristics and areas of the body for manual massage
To suit the client’s purpose for the massage the therapist must be able to modify techniques, the
most common reason a client will want a massage are the following:
 1) Relaxation
 2) Loosen stiff joints
 3) Remove aches and pains
 4) Tone slack flabby muscles
 5) Relax contracted or tight muscles
1. Relaxation
More time should be spent on the back, working especially on the areas of tension normally found in
the trapezius muscle and down the sides of the spine. Soothing stroking could be incorporated into
the massage interspersed with effleurage.
2. Joint stiffness
The massage should be applied to all muscles which act on the particular joint in question. Friction
and finger kneading may be applied to the joint itself. Plenty of effleurage movements should be
interspersed during the massage.
3. Muscular aches and pains
Before performing massage the muscles may be warmed by applying heat in the form of a sauna
or steam. More time should be spent on the areas which are particularly affected, and these
areas must be pointed out by the client.
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4. Slack muscles
This can occur for several reasons:
 After pregnancy
 Rapid weight loss
 Natural ageing process
The massage should be more stimulating using deep kneading and tapotement. As the muscles tone
improves some of the petrisssage movements may be incorporated.
5. Tight or contracted muscles
The movement performed must be slow and rhythmical, in particular kneading and efflerurage, to
help in stretching the muscles. Tapotement must be eliminated as this could prove painful.
13. Explain how to adapt the massage sequence, depth and pressure to suit
different client physical characteristics and areas of the body for mechanical
massage
There’s different levels of speed and intensity you can use for mechanical treatments, for example
the gyratory machine, it has the following settings:
Speed 10-30  restores tone in weak muscles
 good for working over sensitive areas of the skin
 effective for directional stroking
 works well with an ice or heat massage
 lymphatic drainage
Speed 30 – 50
 well suited for a deep drainage massage
 general relaxation
 reduces tension
 improves the metabolism
 for deep lymphatic drainage
 deeper effects ate more pronounced at this speed
 works well with treating scar tissue adhesions
Speed 50 – 60
 analgetic effect
 when treating the trigger points it aids in desquamation
 for a more stimulating effect
 improves the metabolism
 produces more erythema
 has a warming effect on the tissues
The audio sonic machine can be changed for different needs by adapting the applicator head, the
one suited best for the treatment. After checking the intensity according to the client’s preference
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the treatment can then be applied using different techniques of movement circular, vertical lines
and horizontal lines. When working in areas of the skin the movement should follow the contours of
that area with strokes directed towards the heart, it’s important to remember to lower the intensity
when going over bones.
For the infra red treatment as well as following the safety precautions it’s vital to carry out a skin
sensitivity test. The test checks the client’s ability to distinguish sensations. It’s important that the
client does not feel discomfort and wears googles if needed to. The lamp should be positioned
correctly; a safe distance to keep it at is 18-36 inches. The skin reaction should be monitored closely
and the feedback from the client should be regularly asked.
14. Explain the areas of the body and body characteristics needing particular care
when undertaking mechanical massage
High frequency machine treatments:
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Ensure dials are at zero before applying the electrode onto the client.
Test the machine on yourself prior to application.
Always remove all jewellery to prevent shocks.
Ensure that both you and the client are not in contact with anything metal otherwise you
may feel a shock.
Explain about the buzzing noise, ozone smell and glow produced by the electrode.
Always keep the electrode in contact with the skin to prevent shocks when applying the
direct method.
Always keep one hand in contact with the skin when applying the indirect method to
prevent any shocks from occurring.
Remember to reduce the intensity when working over bony areas.
Do not spark further than 7mm away from the skin as this can cause tissue destruction or
shock the client.
Do not use any products containing alcohol on the skin as it has flammable properties.
Check client comfort throughout.
Audio sonic treatments:
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Ensure dials are at zero before applying the electrode onto the client.
Test the machine on yourself prior to application.
Always remove all jewellery to prevent shocks.
Ensure that both you and the client are not in contact with anything metal otherwise you
may feel a shock.
Explain about the buzzing noise, ozone smell and glow produced by the electrode.
Always keep the electrode in contact with the skin to prevent shocks when applying the
direct method.
Always keep one hand in contact with the skin when applying the indirect method to
prevent any shocks from occurring.
Remember to reduce the intensity when working over bony areas.
Do not spark further than 7mm away from the skin as this can cause tissue destruction or
shock the client.
Do not use any products containing alcohol on the skin as it has flammable properties.
Check client comfort throughout.
Infra red treatments:
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Do not place flammable liquids near the lamp.
Monitor the client closely throughout the treatment.
Never exceed recommended treatment times.
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Never use infra-red to treat a sprain as it would worsen the condition.
Protect the working area with a screen so that others do not walk into the lamp accidentally
when it is switched on.
Allow the lamp to cool down in a safe place.
Ensure that the skin is fully cleansed of any products prior to treatment otherwise a reaction
may occur.
Do not place flammable liquids near the lamp.
Monitor the client closely throughout the treatment.
Never exceed recommended treatment times.
Never use infra-red to treat a sprain as it would worsen the condition.
Protect the working area with a screen so that others do not walk into the lamp accidentally
when it is switched on.
Allow the lamp to cool down in a safe place.
Ensure that the skin is fully cleansed of any products prior to treatment otherwise a reaction
may occur.
The gyratory treatment: the following will restrict treatment in the area:
 Sunburn
 Infected acne conditions
 Loose, scraped skin
 Sensitive and fine skin
 Over bony areas
 Over excessively hairy areas
 Over warts, skin tags or moles
 Treatment of the abdomen during pregnancy or menstruation
 Highly vascular conditions
15. Explain the advantages of using mechanical and manual massage together
Applying a mechanical and manual massage together saves time for the client and the therapist. It
could serve particularly useful on a busy day at the salon and or if the client has a restricted time
schedule. As well as this it has the following benefits:
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Increases blood circulation at a faster rate
Helps with removal of excess fluids
Helps improve cellulite condition by removing excess fluids and waste products.
Warms the tissue
Prepare clients for manual massage
Eases aches and pain
Relaxing and soothing
Increases lymphatic flow faster
Detoxification leads to better toned skin
Cellular activity is increased and metabolism is improved
Tensions nodules are relaxed
Heat treatments for example relax muscles before electrical muscles stimulation, or body
massage allows easier penetration of cream and oils into the epidermis
Saves energy for a manual massage
Better results in quicker time
16. List 3 conditions that would prevent a massage treatment:
Contagious skin conditions
Impetigo – A very contagious inflammatory infection that at first appears in red, itchy patches/spots
and then as small blisters that leak serum and form honey coloured crusts. Commonly effects the
nose, mouth and ears.
Tinea – A fungal infection of the skin commonly referred to as a body ringworm. It comes in small
scaly red patches, which spread outward and heal from the centre, leaving a ring like effect on the
skin.
Scabies – An infestation condition in which itch mites dig themselves into the skin and invade the
hair follicles. At the beginning, tiny papules and wavy greyish lines appear, a secondary infection
could occur due to scratching.
Cancer
If a client has cancer, massage could be dangerous to perform because it could stimulate the
cancerous cells to spread due to the stimulation of the lymphatic system. If the client is terminally ill,
the massage can be performed as a way of relaxing and relieving pain, but this should only be done
whist’s liaising closely with the client’s physicians.
Deep vein thrombosis
In this condition a blood clot is formed in the deep veins, usually located in the leg. The symptoms
include warmth, redness, a swelled up leg and a pain or ache when standing/walking. A massage is
not advisable because it could encourage the blood clot to dislodge and potentially travel and block
a vital organ like the heart or lungs. This could be fatal.
17. List 3 conditions that would restrict a massage treatment:
Epilepsy
A disorder of the brain caused by an abnormal discharge of electrical impulses. Causing a short
attention span and in severe cases seizures that may result in unconsciousness. The client needs to
inform you that they are epileptic.
Diabetes
A diabetic has a reduced rate of healing and suffers with problems of the lower leg/foot. Problems
include bruising and bleeding of the blood vessels. Massage treatments that cause perspiration or
dilated blood vessels would disturb the blood sugar balance in the body. This could cause the client
to be dizzy and even fall into a coma if their blood sugar changes from too high or low. The client
would inform you of their condition.
High or low blood pressure
This could be identified by noting high colouring in the face, but the client is most likely to inform
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you in the consultation. The client could feel faint and palpitate during the treatment. To shrink the
risk the massage bed/couch should be elevated slightly. A client with high or low blood pressure
should be checked up on regularly.
18. How are skin sensitivity test carried out in Swedish massage?
A skin sensitivity test is important to carry out in order to test if the client’s sensory nerve endings
are responsive to stimuli such as heat and touch.
Skin sensitivity tests
Using a sharp and smooth object lightly stroke this over the skin (usually the limb). This is called a
tactile skin sensitive test.
Holding a test tube containing warm water followed by cold water next to the skin. This is a thermal
skin sensitivity test.
Ask the client to differentiate between the different sensations. Record all the details of test
accurately and let the client sign their record card. This enables continuity of treatment and up –todate tracking of the treatments received.
20. List the three classifications of massage movements and their effects:
Massage is the manipulations of body tissues either manually or mechanically to produce
beneficial effects on the muscular vascular and nervous system of the body.
Effleurage and stroking
 Petrissage
 Tapotement
 Vibrations
Effleurage and stroking are soothing smooth stroking movements which are divided into:
Deep and superficial effleurage.
1.Deep and superficial stroking
Effleurage tarts and concludes any massage sequence and is interspersed with other
movements during the massage to provide continuity and ensure that the massage is as
relaxing as possible keeping the hands constantly in touch with the clients.
Effleurage is performed with the whole palmar surface of hand following the direction of the
blood flow back to the heart and the lymphatic flow ending in a group of lymph glands
The movement should be slow smooth and rhythmical with the hands to the area being
treated ending in slight pressure and returning to the point of origin without breaking
contact but exerting no pressure. The hands may perform the movement alternately or
together
Effects:
 Improves general circulation
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Increases the flow of lymph removing waste product s more efficiently
Soothes the sensory nerve endings what lead to relaxation
Provides continuity of movement which promotes relaxation and allows the client to
become accustomed to massage
Aids desquamation.
Stroking
Soothing stroking is a slow rhythmical movement performed I any direction very gently with
hand moulded lightly to the part. One hand may follow alternatively from the other or both
hands may be used together. It stimulates the superficial nerve endings in the skin and
revitalizing lethargic clients.
Effects:
 Soothes the superficial nerve endings in the skin
 Relives the tension
 Cools down a hot area of skin.
 Promotes relaxation
 Stimulating stroking is performed much more vigorously and again in any direction.
2.Petrissage
These are pressure manipulations and include the following movement.
 Kneading
 Picking up
 Wringing
 Rolling
 Friction
Effects of Kneading
 Increased blood supply to nourish and remove waste products.
 To promote relaxation and remove tension from the muscles.
 Prevents fatigue by removing lactic acid from the muscles.
 Relieves aches and pains.
 Aids joint mobility.
3.Picking Up
Double-handed picking up is when the muscle is lifted, squeezed and relaxed with both hands
working alternately along the length of the muscle. Singled handed picking up is done with one
hand on a small muscle area, for example deltoid and in this case the muscle is lifted and
squeezed with the thumb on one side and the fingers on the other.
Effects on Picking Up
 A deep movement effective on stubborn areas of fatty tissue.
 Increase the circulation and lymphatic flow.
21. Explain how support and cushioning would be used during the treatment
A comfortable position avoids and reduces the act of straining the muscles in order to make the
client relaxed. It must support the joints in the legs and not place too much pressure and tension in
any other areas.
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To make sure the client is enjoying the treatments and feels relaxed, comfortable and not tense the
therapist should use special cushioning like towels rolled into tight rolls or cushions placed in areas
to support limbs. These can be adjusted to suit the client.
22. How do you adapt the treatment for male or female clients?
 Creating a unisex environment moving away from pastel pink etc.
 Including the list of treatments for men in the treatments menu
 Purchasing a male skincare and body care range
 Promotion a male retail range of products
Male clients should be received in a polite and equal manner as female clients. The difference for
male clients in the actual application of body massage should be varied in the following ways:
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Specific instruction should be given when asking the client to prepare for the treatment.
Place one towel widthways across the chest area, a towel folded into double layers
across the chest area, a towel folded into a double layer across the lower abdomen and
finally a towel lengthways over legs.
Usually larger and denser strokes will be required.
Avoid femoral triangle working only up to few inches above knee. The abdomen and
buttock area also avoided if the female therapist is massaging a male client.
Product choice depending on the amount of hair growth in the area being treated.
Most men prefer products that feel light on the skin so select gel or lotion based
products
Avoid highly perfumed products
Always take a distance giving personal space to the client do not lean over unnecessarily
etc.
Always be professional and respectful both to a male and female clients and no suggestive
comments or innuendo should be used.
Note: If a male therapist is massaging a female client the chest abdomen and buttock area should
be omitted from the routine to prevent any discomfort or embarrassment.
23. How and when would you evaluate a massage treatment and why is it
important?
The massage treatment should be evaluated by the therapist as it is taking place to adapt the
massage in order to meet the aims of the agreed treatment plan. The therapist should keep an eye
on the depth of pressure and ask the client during the treatment if it is the right pressure being
applied. If not ask for feed back and change your pressure according to the client.
Here are further points:
 Observing the facial visual signs from the client help to identify if they are enjoying
themselves or feeling uncomfortable. Watching the body language and monitoring it will
help also.
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Watch for signs of contra-action or any negative reaction from the client and act
accordingly if any of them occur
Watch for right positioning on the massage couch, if the client moves and is lying
incorrectly ask the client to correct their positioning
Always ask which products as massage medium clients prefer for you to use because not
everybody wants greasy skin, it’s important you and the client agreed to the right product
Monitor client satisfaction during and after treatment
Record any contra action or any of the client’s comments after massage in a record card
25. Give 3 examples of contra actions that can occur during or after massage:
1. Excessive erythema - due to stimulation of the circulation during the-heat treatment or body
treatment. The warmth created in the capillaries dilates, bringing blood closer to skin surface.
2. Allergic reaction - would appear as erythema accompanied by irritation, itching or hives and
would take a few days to disappear. The erythema is due to a histamine reaction that occurs as the
body tries to protect itself. If you notice that the client has developed an allergic reaction you
should immediately remove the products from their skin with cold water or damp cotton wool.
3. Bruising - occurs if blood capillaries are damaged during the treatment. Bruising occurs as a
result of over vigorous application of massage techniques.
26. What can be some of the beneficial effects of improving lifestyle.
Improving your life style by doing regular exercises will:
 Improve the balance of fats in the blood
 Strengthens the heart muscles
 Increases blood circulation
 It increases the oxygen intake
 Firms, tones and strengthens the muscles
 Increases the mobility of the joints
 Increases flexibility and suppleness
 Helps with relaxation
 The posture is improved
 Higher level of energy
 Lowers your resting blood pressure levels
 Uses up calories to help with weight control
 Make you feel and look good
 Helps to relieve stress
 Helps to enjoy the process of exercising
Exercise therefore is important and choosing the right type to suit age, health and lifestyle will
ensure success. As well as exercise if the fat in the diet is reduced and replaced by a healthy well
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balanced diet and a regular amount of exercise is taken then weight loss will result.
27. How can healthy eating and exercise improve the effectiveness of the
treatment?
The shape of the figure can be improved by diet which will then help in removing fatty deposits
stored in the subcutaneous layer of the skin. It can also help to use forms of electrical treatment to
tone and firm muscles and or improve a cellulite condition. Exercise helps to reshape the body by
building up, strengthening and toning muscle as well as having other benefits which contribute to
overall health and well being of the client.
Benefits of exercise:
 It increases the circulation because of the pumping action in the blood vessels
 It increase oxygen intake
 he heart is a muscle and exercise makes it stronger and work more efficiently
 It firms tones and strengthens the muscles
 It increase joint elasticity
 It increase flexibility and suppleness
 It aids in relaxation
 It improves posture.
 Energy level is increased
 Burns of excess fat
 Creates adrenaline
 Builds up stamina and overall strength
 The lymphatic system improved by removing waste productions more efficiently
 The heart is a muscle and exercise makes it stronger and work more efficiently
 Bones are nourished and fed through exercise and mobility in the joint is increased
 Metabolism is increased which helps those clients who wish to loose weight
 Tension is relieved promoting general relaxation and improving the ability to sleep
28. What aftercare could you advise for your client?
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Before the client gets up from the massage couch gently remove any remaining massage
medium using a towel or strong tissues.
Advice the client to take time when they getting up from the couch in order to allow the
blood circulation to return to normal. At least a few minute rest before standing up.
Advice not to use the strong exercises or use of gym.
Advice a client to have some rest time for few hours and not to eat heavy food or drink
alcohol.
To drink plenty of fluids preferably water to replace fluids lost.
Take some time to take a relaxing bath with suitable products like a suitable bath product to
moisturise the skin.
To use anti-cellulite products like skin exfoliates, body brush, and bath and shower
products, to relive muscular pain.
Drink plenty of water and follow a healthy life style. Give encouragements and guidance
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Dietary advice. How to improve current diet, eating healthy and drinking habits.
Future treatments. Explain the benefits of continuous treatments- the frequency depends
on the client’s needs, free time and budget. A general recommendation is once a week for a
specific problem.
I’ve sourced the literature from the Kendal College Moodle site, Kendal College Student
Workbook: NVQ Level 3 Beauty Therapy Student Copy (Body Massage), Beauty Therapy: 3rd
Edition - Lorraine Nordmann and The Beauty Therapy: Fact File – Susan Cressy.
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