Element

Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1 Consult with client and plan the treatment.

1.1 Consult in a polite and friendly manner to determine client expectations while gaining trust and maintaining confidentiality.

1.2 Encourage client to ask questions and clarify points that may arise.

1.3 Explain stone therapy massage, and treatment objectives and outcomes that would meet client’s needs.

1.4 Identify and evaluate client’s relevant medical history, contraindications, physical condition and lifestyle.

1.5 Identify relevant contraindications, discuss with client and refer to appropriateprofessional where required.

1.6 Assess and discuss options and limitations for future treatments, according to client characteristics and contraindications.

1.7 Record, explain and confirm treatment plan with client.

2 Prepare for stone therapy massage.

2.1 Prepare client for treatment, ensuring client’s modesty and privacy at all times.

2.2 Immerse hot stones in water in a temperature-adjustable stone heater placed for easy access during treatment.

2.3 Prepare bowl of iced water to lower stone temperature where required, and place for easy access during treatment.

3 Provide stone therapy massage.

3.1 Apply massage oil to selected body areas.

3.2 Select stones from heating unit and pass between hands, laying the warmed hands on client’s skin to commence skin warming.

3.3 Place one stone to check client’s temperature tolerance and lower stone temperature in iced water where required, before placing stones against client’s skin.

3.4 Use hot stones to perform a gentle effleurage massage sequence on selected body areas according to the treatment plan.

3.5 Place hot and cold stones on selected body areas for defined periods, according to agreed treatment plan.

3.6 Check client’s comfort and wellbeing at regular intervals during treatment, according to workplace procedures.

3.7 Recognise adverse reactions that occur during the treatment and take necessaryaction.

3.8 Ensure treatment stages are carried out in line with expected treatment time frames.

3.9 Confirm client satisfaction with the treatment.

4 Follow post-treatment procedures.

4.1 Monitor client in a relaxing environment according to workplace procedures.

4.2 Identify adverse effects and respond as required.

4.3 Provide post-treatment care according to client needs and workplace procedures.

5 Advise on further treatments.

5.1 Evaluate outcomes of treatment and make recommendations for furthertreatments.

5.2 Advise client of suitable home-care products and appropriate lifestyle changes.

5.3 Explain and demonstrate home-care product use as required.

5.4 Adjust client treatment plan.

5.5 Rebook client according to the plan.

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 non-verbal 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 client's 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:

manufacturer's 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 home-care 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 self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from a trainer or supervisor

third-party 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:

SIBBBOS401A Perform body massage

SIBBSPA501A Work in a spa therapies framework

SIBBSPA502A Plan spa programs

SIBBSPA503A Provide spa therapies.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Consultation may include:

questioning

visual examination

reviewing client records.

Clients may include:

new or regular clients with routine or special needs

female or male clients

people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities.

Stone therapy massage must include:

hot stones used to massage areas of the body

hot stones placed on areas of the body for defined times

cold stones placed on areas of the body for defined times

a combination of hot and cold stones according to the treatment diagnosis.

Treatment objectives may include:

general relaxation

maintaining a sense of wellbeing

therapeutic approach to conditions, such as:

back pain and aches

poor circulation

osteoarthritis and related pain

stress, anxiety and tension

depression.

Client's relevant medical history must include:

existing medical conditions

previous medical conditions

medications.

Contraindications may include:

pregnancy:

first trimester

on or around the abdominal area during later stages of pregnancy

sunburn

skin trauma or open wounds

immediately post-surgery

immediately post-chemotherapy or radiation

abdominal hernia

postherpetic neuralgia (a complication of shingles)

areas of recent fractures

people prone to blood clots

heart conditions

low blood pressure

those found more frequently in:

the elderly

children

conditions requiring consent from a medical practitioner.

Lifestyle may include:

occupation

dietary and fluid intake

hobbies, interests and means of relaxation

exercise habits

smoking habits

sleep patterns.

Appropriate professional may include:

medical practitioner

complementary therapist.

Options and limitations may include:

alternative treatment recommendations

lifestyle recommendations

contraindications

medical conditions.

Treatment plan may include:

lifestyle details

contraindications

relevant medical history and medications

outcomes of previous treatments

planned treatment:

hot and cold stone selection

stone massage routine

sequencing of stone placement

product recommendations

recommendations for future treatments.

Preparation of client may include:

disrobing

showering.

Adverse reactions may include:

dizziness

nausea

skin irritation

headache.

Necessary action may include:

adjusting treatment

discontinuing treatment

encouraging client to seek medical advice

informing relevant members of staff

facilitating first aid.

Adverse effects may include:

erythema or inflammatory reaction to treatments or products

skin blemishes due to massage stimulation

allergic reactions of the skin or body to treatments or products

reaction to changes in body temperature.

Post-treatment care may include:

hydration

thermoregulation.

Outcomes may include:

appearance of treatment area or areas

client's expressed sense of wellbeing

relaxation.

Further treatments may include:

facial treatments

body treatments

spa treatments.

Home-care products may include:

skin care

body care

pre-blended aromatic oils

nutritional supplements.

Lifestyle changes may include:

improved diet

sun protection

reduced alcohol or tobacco consumption

exercise

meditation.