Professional knowledge
At the concept level:
1. Human body structure, constitutional types.
2. History of massage, characteristics of classical massage.
3. History of reflexology, brief introduction to the basic principles of Chinese traditional medicine: meridians, primal elements, yin/yang theories, etc.
4. Types of massage used in paediatrics.
5. Ergonomics: relevance of the concept, contemporary issues.
At the level of understanding:
1. Structure and function of the human body.
2. Human vital signs, their interpretation.
3. Method of medical history collection.
4. Medical records.
5. Medical terms.
6. Body structure, skeleton, internal organs, their systems and functions.
7. Normal and abnormal states of the functioning of the human body.
8. General patterns of human morphology and functioning.
9. General and specific contraindications to massage for various pathologies.
10. Types of body types, their characteristics.
11. Structure and functional characteristics of the human musculoskeletal system.
12. Normal posture.
13. Types and causes of postural disorders.
14. Skin structure and function.
15. Pathological skin changes.
16. Muscle structure and function, types of contraction.
17. Pathological changes in muscle tissue.
18. Effects of therapeutic massage on the body: commonalities and differences, indications and contraindications.
19. Massage equipment: its characteristics and uses.
20. Materials and aids needed for massage, their characteristics and advantages.
21. Massage service market: service and professional activity certification.
22. Legislation on epidemiological safety, structure of the epidemic process.
23. Types, composition, use and effects of disinfectants and antibacterials.
24. Infection process, risks, routes and prevention.
25. Mechanisms of action of therapeutic massage and effects on human organ systems and tissues.
26. Basic principles of positioning.
27. Classification of massage, its characteristics.
28. Background, indications and contraindications of segmental massage.
29. Mechanism of action of segmental massage.
30. Anatomy of the foot, foot vault, pressure distribution on the plantar surface.
31. Topography of the acupressure zones of the foot.
32. Effects of foot massage on the body.
33. Contraindications to foot massage.
34. Types of sports massage, its effects on the body.
35. Anatomy of the lymphatic system.
36. Lymph formation and lymph flow.
37. Physiological lymphatic drainage.
38. Lymphatic system failure.
39. Effects of massage on lymph production and lymphatic motility.
40. Anatomical and physiological characteristics of a child.
41. Effect of massage on a child’s body.
42. Factors of the working day regime that affect the quality of work and human health.
43. Recommended mass of the object to be moved.
44. Psychosocial factors at work and their consequences.
45. Mental and physical overload and its consequences.
46. Characteristics, types, applications and conditions of use of massage equipment.
47. Medical devices used in massage, their effects on tissues, possibilities of use.
48. Benefits of using oils and herbs.
49. Effects of therapeutic massage on the body’s systems and tissues.
50. Therapeutic effect of massage on a patient’s pathological condition.
51. Therapeutic effects of different types of massage on a patient.
52. Compatibility between different types of massage.
53. Compatibility and therapeutic effects of different massage modalities on a patient.
54. Place and role of massage treatments in rehabilitation.
At the level of use:
1. Structure and content of a patient’s medical history.
2. Assessment of a patient’s social and family history.
3. Protection of sensitive patient data.
4. Methods of assessing general and specific contraindications to different types of massage.
5. Most characteristic features of body types.
6. Objective assessment methods of posture.
7. Effects of abnormal posture on human organ systems.
8. Methods of skin and subcutaneous examination.
9. Skin and subcutaneous changes in various diseases.
10. Methods of objective examination of muscles, peculiarities of muscles in various diseases.
11. Patient information provided by a doctor.
12. Types of therapeutic massage and their applications.
13. Relationship between the choice of massage method, type and technique and a patient’s overall state of health.
14. Choice of massage method and technique for specific conditions.
15. Medical records, record-keeping procedures.
16. Medical terminology.
17. Regulatory requirements for massage rooms.
18. Organisation and planning of a masseur’s work: epidemiological safety, infection control, hygiene standards.
19. Personal protective equipment, disinfection methods, products to be used, hand hygiene.
20. Workload and patient flow planning.
21. Selection of massage products, aids and disinfectants.
22. Supplies, consumables according to the massage to be performed.
23. Effect of therapeutic massage on human health, achieving positive effects in various diseases.
24. Positioning a patient for a massage.
25. Structure of the human body, skeleton, organ systems and their interrelationships.
26. Functional characteristics of human organ systems.
27. Basic principles of rehabilitation, teamwork.
28. Effects of classical massage techniques on the human organ systems: the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, endocrine and nervous systems.
29. Aetiology, pathogenesis, clinic and principles of treatment of pathologies of the circulation, musculoskeletal system, nervous system and internal organs.
30. Indications and contraindications for classical massage.
31. Basic techniques of classical massage: stroking, rubbing, kneading and vibration.
32. Specific auxiliary techniques of classical massage, their peculiarities, application and technique.
33. Compatibility of classical massage with other massage modalities and therapeutic manipulations.
34. Features and techniques of massaging parts of the human body.
35. Classical massage techniques for cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, nervous, sensory, musculoskeletal and musculoskeletal conditions.
36. Pathological segmental changes in tissues and their detection.
37. Segmental massage techniques.
38. Segmental massage techniques for massaging different parts of the body.
39. Segmental massage for different pathologies.
40. Foot massage techniques.
41. Foot massage aids for reflexogenic foot massage.
42. Techniques of sports massage according to the specific nature and objectives of the physical activity or sport.
43. Basic principles of manual lymphatic drainage, technique.
44. Compression therapy for lymphoedema.
45. Psychomotor development of a child.
46. Techniques of children’s massage, active, passive and reflex movements, their application according to a child’s psychomotor development.
47. Effects of children’s massage on illnesses, the use of massage in treatment, prevention and rehabilitation.
48. Handling elements in child massage practice.
49. Correct body posture during rest, exercise and exertion.
50. Ergonomic principles and methodology of patient positioning and handling.
51. Using massage equipment for different types of massage treatments.
52. Medical devices and their compatibility with massage techniques.
53. Massage techniques using medical devices: vibration massage, vacuum massage, etc.
54. Oils and herbs used in massage treatments: composition, properties and effects on a patient.
55. Use of oils and herbs in massage treatments: indications and contraindications.
56. Patient vital signs and their assessment.
57. Early and late reactions of human organ systems and tissues to massage treatments.
58. Evaluating the results of therapeutic massage procedures.
59. Principles for documenting the work of a masseur.
60. Choice of massage modalities and treatment courses for patients with different pathologies.
General knowledge
At the concept level:
1. Development of the field of professional activity in Europe and Latvia.
At the level of understanding:
1. Strategic management.
2. Management and work coordination.
3. Business organisation.
4. Company’s accounting and financial reporting system.
5. Public health strategy, including violence assessment, gender equality.
6. Rights, duties and responsibilities of an employee.
7. Environment protection.
8. Fire safety measures.
9. Civil protection.
10. Levels of social dialogue and basic principles of formation thereof.
11. Positive communication techniques.
12. Psychological types of people.
13. Emergency and pre-emergency situations.
14. Burns, their types and degrees.
15. Information and communication systems security.
16. Antivirus software.
17. Principles of computer and office technology.
18. Patterns of facts, theories and professional processes.
19. Information technology opportunities and potential risks.
20. Information systems security.
21. Evidence-based achievements in the field of professional activity.
22. Opportunities to participate in research projects.
At the level of use:
1. Professional terminology in the national language.
2. Scientific etc. language styles.
3. Verbal, non-verbal communication and communication culture.
4. Written language culture.
5. Culture of professional communication.
6. Prerequisites, process and methods for effective communication
7. Literary form of a foreign language.
8. Linguistic styles and intonation features.
9. Intercultural communication in a multicultural environment.
10. Professional terminology in foreign languages.
11. Professional and general ethics.
12. Work environment organisation process and management.
13. Self-organisation at work.
14. Time management techniques.
15. Working in a team.
16. Principles of project design and management.
17. Conflicts, their causes and solutions.
18. Document execution requirements.
19. Legal relationship between employer and employee.
20. Public health strategy, including violence assessment, compliance with the principles of gender equality.
21. Regulatory enactments on labour law and labour protection, fire safety, environmental protection and civil protection.
22. Evacuation plans.
23. Personal data protection.
24. Culture of interaction.
25. Service standards.
26. Types of complaints and resolution thereof.
27. Electrical safety regulations.
28. Action in case of burns.
29. Electrocution and action in the event of an electrocution.
30. Emergency medical care.
31. Basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation algorithm.
32. Crisis management.
33. Software for drafting documents in accordance with the task.
34. Work with office equipment and information systems.
35. Information security and data protection.
36. Computer skills and office equipment.
37. Motivation and learning strategies.
38. Self-assessment mechanisms.
39. Planning one’s studies, career and work.
40. Searching for medical information in electronic resources.
41. Research methods, tools and resources.

Professional skills and attitudes
1. Find out a patient’s complaints about their general health.
2. Find out about a patient’s working and living conditions, physical activity and lifestyle.
3. Familiarise oneself with a patient’s medical records.
4. Fill in a patient’s health record and other documents.
5. Respect confidentiality and personal data protection requirements.
6. Use subjective and objective methods of investigation in patient care.
7. Explain the basic principles of massage to a patient.
8. Identify possible contraindications to massage for a patient.
9. Inform the patient about possible contraindications to massage.
10. Recommend the most appropriate type of massage for a patient.
11. Assess the desired outcome and potential risks of the massage prescribed for a patient.
12. Take responsibility for one’s professional actions.
13. Assess a patient’s body type.
14. Assess a body’s structural and functional characteristics.
15. Assess a patient’s posture.
16. Identify normal and abnormal posture.
17. Identify the type of postural impairment and its effects on human organ systems.
18. Determine a patient’s skin type, assess the subcutaneous condition.
19. Recognise pathological changes in skin and subcutaneous tissue.
20. Assess a patient’s muscular condition.
21. Recognise pathological changes in muscle tissue.
22. Follow the doctor’s instructions about a patient’s health condition.
23. Choose the type of massage appropriate to a patient’s condition, location and stage of the illness.
24. Use an evidence-based approach to patient care within one’s professional competence.
25. Set goals for massage treatments to achieve positive results.
26. Complete medical records in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory enactments.
27. Plan and organise own work and workplace.
28. Set up a massage room.
29. Choose the equipment, apparatus, materials and aids needed for the massage.
30. Arrange the massage table and couch needed for the massage.
31. Comply with infection control and containment requirements.
32. Practice systematic hand hygiene.
33. Apply aseptic and antiseptic principles in different practice situations.
34. Ensure that the massage room, couches, massage equipment, apparatus, materials and aids are maintained in a condition that meets epidemiological safety requirements.
35. Keep the massage room clean, warm, well lit and ventilated.
36. Prepare the massage couch, massage chair according to the massage to be performed.
37. Prepare the work trolley / surface for the massage.
38. Inform the patient about the possible reactions of the body during the massage.
39. Answer the patient’s questions about the massage.
40. Inform the patient of the desired result of the massage.
41. Provide recommendations to maintain a long-lasting massage result.
42. Encourage active patient participation in the recovery process.
43. Inform the patient of the need to see a doctor if their health deteriorates.
44. Evaluate the results of the previous massage.
45. Position the patient according to the specific massage chosen.
46. Use aids for patient positioning.
47. Prepare the massage equipment for the treatments.
48. Use classical massage techniques and auxiliary techniques.
49. Follow the correct sequence, direction and rhythm of classical massage techniques.
50. Use correct classical massage techniques.
51. Perform the classical massage at a time and pace appropriate to the treatment.
52. Note the compatibility of massage with other treatments.
53. Assess the patient’s subjective sensations and objective state during the massage.
54. Perform a classic massage of the collar area.
55. Perform a classical back massage.
56. Perform a classical chest massage.
57. Perform a classical massage of the upper limb.
58. Perform a classical massage of the lower limb.
59. Perform a classical abdominal massage.
60. Perform a general classical massage.
61. Monitor the patient’s well-being during a classical massage.
62. Determine the indications and contraindications for the segmental massage planned for the patient.
63. Identify pathological segmental changes in tissue.
64. Perform segmental massage on different parts of the body.
65. Apply segmental massage techniques.
66. Apply segmental massage to various pathologies.
67. Monitor the patient’s well-being during segmental massage.
68. Assess the health of a patient’s feet.
69. Identify indications and contraindications for foot massage.
70. Apply specific foot massage techniques and techniques.
71. Monitor the patient’s well-being during the foot massage.
72. Use aids for foot massage.
73. Identify indications and contraindications for performing sports massage on a patient.
74. Choose the most appropriate sports massage technique and techniques for a patient.
75. Apply sports massage techniques and techniques to massage different parts of the body.
76. Monitor the patient’s well-being during the sports massage.
77. Determine the indications and contraindications for manual lymphatic drainage massage in a patient.
78. Apply manual lymphatic drainage techniques as indicated.
79. Monitor the patient’s well-being during manual lymphatic drainage massage.
80. Identify indications and contraindications for massage on a patient.
81. Choose the most appropriate massage techniques for a child’s age, development and state of health.
82. Use passive, active and reflexive movements appropriate to a child’s psychomotor development.
83. Apply massage techniques specific to a child’s age, psychomotor development and possible pathology.
84. Apply handling elements.
85. Monitor the child’s well-being during the massage.
86. Maintain correct posture and ergonomic working position when performing massage.
87. Position and move the patient according to ergonomic principles.
88. Choose the right equipment for the type of massage.
89. Correctly use the equipment necessary for massage therapy.
90. Inform the patient of the need to use the equipment used during the massage to achieve the expected result.
91. Choose the most appropriate medical device for the massage procedure.
92. Assess the compatibility of the medical device with the massage techniques.
93. Use appropriate mechanical, electrical, etc. medical devices in massage procedures.
94. Inform the patient about the need for medical devices to achieve the expected outcome.
95. Choose the most appropriate oil and medicine for a patient’s massage.
96. Use oils and herbs in massage treatments.
97. Explore how a patient’s feelings correspond to their general state of health.
98. Ask tactful, targeted questions about a patient’s feelings after the massage.
99. Determine the patient’s overall health condition and compliance of vital signs with the norm.
100. Explain the overall massage regimen to a patient.
101. Agree the next massage time with the patient.
102. Analyse early and late patient reactions to the massage procedure.
103. Determine the result of the massage.
104. Promote active and informed patient participation in the recovery process.
105. Complete a patient’s medical records.
106. Inform the patient about the different types of massage and their compatibility.
107. Recommend an optimal course of massage treatments appropriate to a patient’s state of health.
108. Inform about the importance of massage procedures in the rehabilitation process.
General skills and attitudes
1. Use the national language in communication and in a professional environment.
2. Adhere to the norms of the Latvian literary language in business and formal style.
3. Use professional terminology.
4. Articulate a reasoned opinion.
5. Discuss practical issues and solutions in the field of professional activity with colleagues and management in a businesslike manner.
6. Comply with the culture of communication.
7. Use a foreign language in spoken and written communication.
8. Use professional terminology in a foreign language.
9. Respect the cultural values and differences of national and non-national cultures.
10. Comply with a company’s rules of procedure and regulations.
11. Respect the employee’s responsibilities and rights in achieving the overall objectives of the company.
12. Take responsibility for the quality of own work and that of the team.
13. Carry out delegated tasks with integrity.
14. Adhere to professional and general ethical standards.
15. Treat colleagues and patients adequately.
16. Resolve conflicts and other non-standard situations correctly.
17. Be loyal to one’s employer, colleagues, cooperation partners and patients.
18. Act in accordance with the requirements of laws and regulations.
19. Adhere to public health strategies.
20. Comply with a company’s internal rules of procedure.
21. Comply with labour law, labour protection, environmental protection and civil protection requirements.
22. Act responsibly in compliance with fire, electrical and civil protection regulations.
23. Promote social dialogue at company level.
24. Dealing with non-standard work situations.
25. Recognise emergencies.
26. Adequately assess a patient’s condition.
27. Provide emergency medical care until the ambulance arrives.
28. Process the information necessary for the performance of the duties of the position in a targeted manner.
29. Choose the best solution for a task.
30. Check the security configuration and devices and/or software used in the system workflow.
31. Independently prepare documents, organise document flow in a document management system.
32. Independently find the information needed to do the job on the internet, on media.
33. Comply with the requirements for the protection of personal data and information on the internet.
34. Critically assess the reliability of information.
35. Assess one’s professional experience and level of professional competence.
36. Plan own professional development and career opportunities.
37. Systematically acquire new knowledge and experience.
38. Keep up to date with developments in theory and practice.
39. Use research methods in professional activities.
40. Participate in research projects of the field of professional activity.
41. Introduce evidence-based advances that are accepted as good practice in healthcare.

Professional competences
1. Ability to engage in a professional dialogue with a patient about their complaints, general state of health, working conditions, physical activity and lifestyle in order to collect a structured medical history.
2. Ability to understand and explain the indications and contraindications for massage in various conditions.
3. Ability to assess, recognise and understand body type, shape, proportions and inter-positioning of the body.
4. Ability to assess a patient’s posture based on the basic principles of postural assessment and recognise the nature of postural impairment.
5. Ability to examine and assess a patient’s skin and muscles, their features and recognise pathological changes.
6. Ability to perform massage procedures in accordance with a doctor’s instructions on a patient’s general state of health and illness, and complete medical records in accordance with basic record-keeping principles.
7. Ability to provide massage services that are safe for the health of a patient in a working environment that complies with the requirements of the regulatory enactments, providing appropriate equipment, materials and aids for the performance of massage.
8. Ability to prepare the work area for the massage treatment to be given.
9. Ability to motivate a patient to take ownership of a successful recovery process by providing recommendations and explaining the body’s possible response to massage.
10. Ability to prepare a patient for the massage procedure, providing a high quality therapeutic massage.
11. Ability to perform classical massage of various intensities in a technically correct manner, using classical massage techniques appropriate to a patient’s state of health, taking into account the indications and contraindications for massage.
12. Ability to perform massage of individual body parts and general classical massage in accordance with the classical massage methodology and its application to patients with various illnesses.
13. Ability to apply segmental massage techniques to patients with various pathologies, assessing indications and contraindications for segmental massage.
14. Ability to perform foot massage appropriate to a patient’s health.
15. Ability to perform sports massage, choosing the most appropriate technique for a patient.
16. Ability to apply manual lymphatic drainage massage techniques as indicated.
17. Ability to use massage techniques and movements appropriate to the age and psychomotor development of a child for various conditions, assessing indications and contraindications for massage.
18. Ability to comply with ergonomic requirements when performing different types of massage.
19. Ability to use the necessary equipment according to the aims and objectives of the massage.
20. Ability to use appropriate medical devices in massage procedures.
21. Ability to select and use the most appropriate oils and herbs for a patient and the type of massage in massage treatments.
22. Ability to assess a patient’s condition after the massage and explain the overall massage regimen.
23. Ability to assess the results of massage and reflect them in the medical record.
24. Ability to advise a patient on the choice of further massage treatments to improve health.
General competences
1. Ability to argue logically, debate, present own position, express own opinion and obtain necessary information in communication with clients and colleagues, both orally and in writing, ensuring that information is correct, relevant to the target audience, comprehensible and in accordance with the literary norms of the national language.
2. Ability to use foreign languages in a variety of situations, according to the communication partner and the purpose of the communication.
3. Ability to develop organisational and managerial professional competences, in line with the ability to perform the work task in compliance with statutory requirements on labour, environment, public health and civil protection.
4. Ability to engage in social dialogue at company level, respecting general and professional ethical standards.
5. Ability to handle emergencies responsibly and provide the necessary emergency medical care until the arrival of the ambulance.
6. Ability to confidently and safely select and use information and communication technologies to carry out the job.
7. Ability to assess adequately, develop one’s professional qualifications throughout one’s life in a focused manner and take an analytical approach to one’s professional activities and to the development of the professional field.
8. Ability to contribute to the creation of new knowledge through focused research.
9. Ability to use evidence-based and accepted good practice developments in the field of healthcare in one’s professional activities.