Required skills

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit

interpersonal and communication skills to

develop rapport with clients when conveying service and product advice

ask questions to identify and confirm requirements

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

use and interpret nonverbal communication

explain the features benefits and application processes of stone therapy

technical skills to

adjust temperature of stones to suit client needs and tolerance levels

monitor clients comfort and wellbeing at regular intervals

safely use hot stones and heating equipment according to workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions

sequence stone therapy massage treatments to meet client needs

respond to contraindications and adverse effects

clean disinfect and maintain heating equipment and stones

literacy skills to read comprehend and update treatment plans relevant workplace documents equipment instructions safety data and product ingredient or treatment information

numeracy skills to comprehend and achieve workplace treatment time frames

initiative and enterprise skills to evaluate outcomes of stone therapy massage and recommend further treatments

Required knowledge

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit

history and benefits of stone therapy massage

different materials used for hot and cold stones

effects of heat and cold on blood flow to the muscles and other body tissue

effects of cooling temperatures on the nervous system

stone massage routines including sequencing stone placement

appearance and management of contraindications and adverse effects

anatomy and physiology of the

body and body structures as they relate to stone therapy massage

skin and skin structures as they relate to stone therapy massage

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential

interacting with clients in a polite and friendly manner

planning treatments to meet client needs

safely performing stone therapy massage according to the range statement and within workplace service time frames

recognising and advising clients regarding the management of contraindications and adverse effects

recommending and planning stone therapy treatments to meet client needs

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure

that competency is consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor as described in the Assessment Guidelines

that competency is demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment in a range of real work situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace

Assessment must ensure access to

an environment which includes as a minimum

shower and change facilities

individual dry treatment rooms

adjustable massage couches with safe working access for operator and equipment at head foot and each side

electricity supply access to each stone treatment workstation

thermostatically controlled stone heating unit

full thermal stone set with a range of shapes and sizes for various body areas

thermometer for checking stone temperature

client gowns

light sheets

apprppriate supply of small and medium towels

large bowl for chilled water

appropriate detergent disinfectant and cleaning materials for cleaning and sanitising stones and work area

relevant workplace documentation including

manufacturers equipment instructions

product instructions

manufacturer safety data sheets

workplace policies and procedures manuals

a range of clients seeking and experiencing stone therapy treatments including wet room and dry room therapies requiring the use of products treatments and equipment from a professional spa range

For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge The following examples are appropriate for this unit

direct observation of the learner providing stone therapy massage over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies including

consulting clients and planning treatments

performing stone therapy massage according to the range statement and within workplace service time frames

cleaning disinfecting and maintaining stones and heating equipment

recommending homecare products and future treatments from the workplace range

written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner to assess knowledge and understanding of the required skills and knowledge of this unit

completion of selfpaced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from a trainer or supervisor

thirdparty reports from experienced beauty therapists in the workplace

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended for example

SIBBBOSA Perform body massage

SIBBBOS401A Perform body massage

SIBBSPAA Work in a spa therapies framework

SIBBSPA501A Work in a spa therapies framework

SIBBSPAA Plan spa programs

SIBBSPA502A Plan spa programs

SIBBSPAA Provide spa therapies

SIBBSPA503A Provide spa therapies.

Consultation may include:

Clients may include:

Stone therapy massage must include:

Treatment objectives may include:

Client's relevant medical history must include:

Contraindications may include:

Lifestyle may include:

Appropriate professional may include:

Options and limitations may include:

Treatment plan may include:

Preparation of client may include:

Adverse reactions may include:

Necessary action may include:

Adverse effects may include:

Post-treatment care may include:

Outcomes may include:

Further treatments may include:

Home-care products may include:

Lifestyle changes may include: