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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Perform a relaxing back and neck massage 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
377487  Perform a relaxing back and neck massage 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Beauty and Skin Care 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Personal Care 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The person credited with this unit standard is able to prepare their workstation and client for a back and neck massage. They are able to record required information and assess the skin and underlying structures in order to perform the message. Learners will be able to perform and manage the massage on the back and neck according set standards.

The qualifying learner is able to:
  • Prepare the workstation for a relaxing back and neck massage according to organisational and hygienic requirements.
  • Assess client requirements.
  • Prepare the area to be treated.
  • Perform and manage a relaxing massage on the back and neck.
  • Provide after care service. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners assessing this qualification will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Communication Skills at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Client confirmation can be verbal or written.
  • A basic hygiene procedure includes the personal cleanliness, sanitation of tools, equipment, plinth/chair, area and trolley.
  • Appropriate positioning of client includes raising/lower the head and bolstering knees.
  • Client comfort includes positioning, temperature, relaxation, lighting and noise levels.
  • Contra-indications include sunburn, cuts and abrasions, swelling, inflamed or infected areas, pregnant women, injury and unknown abnormality in underlying structures.
  • Precautions include bruises and recent operations.
  • Receiving the client will include supply with appropriate protective clothing and positioning them comfortably.
  • Lifestyle includes occupation, exercise, stress levels and leisure activities. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare workstation and client for a relaxing back and neck massage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The client's treatment area is prepared for back and neck massage according to health and hygiene requirements and organisational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Room temperature, lighting and ventilation are adjusted according to client and treatment needs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The plinth/couch/bed/massage table is protected according to organisational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The trolley/work surface is prepared according to safety and hygiene requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Safety and hygienic practices are adhered to throughout the process according to Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and organisational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Assess clients requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The client is received and consulted in accordance with organisational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Client information is elicited and recorded in accordance with organisational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Skin is assessed to determine contra-indications for referral to a professional health practitioner where required. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Contra-indications refer to infectious and non infectious skin diseases/disorders.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Massage movements and routine are applied according to client's needs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The client's lifestyle habits are recorded in accordance with organisational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Client privacy and confidentiality are maintained according to organisational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare the area to be treated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The client is positioned and prepared according to treatment requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The client's modesty, privacy, confidentiality and comfort are maintained according to organisational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The area to be massaged is cleansed and prepared according to treatment requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Massage products are selected according to individual product specifications and treatment plan and agreed with client. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Effects and benefits of selected oils are explained to client in relation to the treatment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform and manage a relaxing massage of the back and neck. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Length of massage routine is explained according to treatment plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of ensuring that the operator's hands are warm is explained in order to relax the client throughout the treatment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A relaxing neck and back massage sequence, movements, and transitions are performed to meet the clients' needs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The massage is conducted with frequency using the correct speed, posture, rhythm, repetition and variation suited to clients needs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Client's response is monitored throughout the treatment in order to adapt massage techniques. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The product residue is removed according to organisational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Consumption of products/materials is used in a economic and cost effective manner according to organisational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Provide after care service. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Questioning and listening techniques are used to obtain client feedback in order to record the outcomes of the treatment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Future treatment plan is recommended according to client needs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Aftercare advice and homecare product are recommended according to client needs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Sales opportunities are identified throughout the treatment and products are recommended that are suitable with the client's needs. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • A basic understanding of the structure and functions of the systems of the face and neck with specific referent to; structure and functions of the skin, muscular system of the face and neck, bones of the cranium and facial areas, the exocrine system, the lymphatic system.
  • A basic understanding of the skin and its appendages as well as skin types.
  • A basic understanding of the various layers, structures and supporting structures found within the skin.
  • A basic understanding of the function and composition of each structure found in the skin.
  • A basic understanding of the direct influence the various systems have on the structure and effective functioning of the skin.
  • A basic understanding of the mechanisms that control the functioning of the skin.
  • A basic understanding of the terms; blood, lymph, muscles and bones. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in order to plan and perform successful back and neck massage services on a range of clients. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community by booking, preparing and completing any of the massage services within a commercial work environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by booking, preparing and completing any of the massage services in a professional, organised and cost effective manner. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information in order to perform the most suitable massage service. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively in order to give appropriate homecare advice to clients, completing client record cards and recommending related services and products. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically by completing any of the massage services and using products in a safe and professional manner. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  80646   Further Education and Training Certificate: Beauty and Nail Technology  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.