2014

A REFERENCE GUIDE
FOR MASSAGE

THERAPISTS

AN EXCERPT of
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF MASSAGE THERAPY

CONTENTS

FOREWORD
MODULE 1 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
A. Basic Terminologies pg. 1
B. Body Regions pg.1
1. Head and Neck
2. Trunk
3. Upper Extremities
4. Lower Extremities
C. Body Positions pg. 4
1. Supine
2. Prone
3. Side-Lying
D. Major Organ Systems pg. 6
1. Skeletal pg. 6
2. Muscular pg. 10
3. Integumentary pg. 14
4. Circulatory pg. 17
5. Lymphatic pg. 22
6. Nervous pg. 25
7. Respiratory pg. 27
8. Digestive pg. 31
9. Urinary pg. 36
10. Endocrine pg. 40
MODULE 2 MICROBIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY
A. Basic Terminologies pg. 43
B. Microbiology pg. 44
1. Common Microorganisms pg. 44
C. Pathology, Infection, and Disease pg. 46
1. Symbiosis of microorganisms pg. 47
D. The Etiology of Infectious Diseases pg. 48
E. Classifying Infectious Diseases pg. 49
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1. Occurrence of a disease pg. 49

2. Severity or Duration of a Disease pg. 50
3. Extent of Host Involvement pg. 50
F. Patterns of Disease pg. 51
1. Predisposing factors pg. 51
2. Development of disease pg. 52
G. The Chain of Infection pg. 53
1. Reservoirs of Infection pg. 54
2. Transmission of disease pg. 55
H. How Microorganisms Enter a Host pg. 58
1. Portals of Entry pg. 58
2. Portals of exit pg. 59
3. Signs and Symptoms of Inflammation pg. 59
I. Pathology Relevant to Massage Therapy Practice pg. 60
1. Musculoskeletal System
2. Integumentary System
3. Circulatory System
4. Nervous System
5. Endocrine System
6. Excretory System
J. Component of Massage Therapy Infection Control Program pg. 78
1. Education and Training pg. 78
2. Exposure Prevention pg. 78
3. Disposable Client Care Items pg. 83
4. Records Management pg. 83
MODULE 3 MASSAGE THERAPY I
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF MASSAGE THERAPY
A. Basic Terminologies pg. 89
B. History of Massage pg. 90
1. Ancient Era pg. 90
2. Modern Era pg. 91
3. Latest Developments pg. 92
C. Effects of Massage pg. 92
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1. Physiological pg. 93
2. Psychological pg. 98
D. Indications and Contraindications of Massage pg. 98
1. Indications pg. 98
2. Local and Absolute Contraindications pg. 99
E. wellness Massage vs. Therapeutic Massage pg. 101
MODULE 4 MASSAGE THERAPY II
MASSAGE THERAPY APPLICATION
A. Basic Terminologies pg. 104
B. Massage Therapy Process pg. 105
1. Pre-Massage pg. 105
2. Massage Proper pg. 105
Effleurage pg. 106
Petrissage pg. 107
Friction pg. 108
Tapotement pg. 109
Vibration pg. 110
3. Post-Massage pg. 105
C. Assessment and Documentation pg. 111
Vital Signs pg. 111
Visual Assessment pg. 115
Palpation pg. 115
Sensory Assessment pg. 115
Range of Motion Assessment pg. 116
MODULE 5 MASSAGE THERAPY III
PRACTICE OF MASSAGE THERAPY
A. Code of Ethics for Massage Therapist pg. 123
B. Legal Mandate of Massage Therapy Practice pg. 127
PD 856 pg. 127
Administrative Order No. 2010-0034 pg. 129
APPENDICES
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FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF MASSAGE THERAPY

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FOREWORD
Traditional medicine throughout the world recognizes the significance of
therapeutic massage in managing stress, illness and chronic ailments. Massage
therapy is considered the oldest method of healing that applies various
techniques like fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction,
kneading and compression using primarily the hands and other areas of the body
such as the forearms, elbows or feet to the muscular structure and soft tissues of
the body. Hence, it contributes to a higher sense of general well-being.
Recognizing this, many healthcare professionals have begun to integrate
massage therapy into their routine healthcare.
The Department of Health (DOH), through the Committee of Examiners for
Massage Therapy (CEMT) is mandated to regulate the practice of the profession
in accordance to the provisions of the Administrative Order (AO) No. 2010-0034
Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations Governing Massage Clinics and
Sauna Establishments of the Code on Sanitations of the Philippines (PD 856) and
Executive Order No. 102 s.1999. Likewise, to assist in enforcing its regulatory
policies, the CEMT created the Continuing Massage Therapy Education Council
(CMTEC) which will ensure that the profession maintains the high standards of
practice.
In response to the newly approved AO, the CEMT and CMTEC developed
the Department of Health Reference Manual for Massage Therapy Licensure
Examination to help the Licensed Massage Therapists be equipped with
knowledge and skills that will enable them to perform their roles and functions
competently and effectively. Hence, shall serve as their reference and guide in
handling cases in their respective areas.
To the Health Human Resource Development Bureau (HHRDB). The CEMT
and CMTEC, I commend you for facilitating the development of the Reference
Manual. The department of Health supports you in its full implementation.

Enrique T. Ona, MD, FACS, FPCS

Secretary of Health

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FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF MASSAGE THERAPY