Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to perform a range of body treatments using various combinations of manual massage with electrical currents, exfoliation or body wraps according to a treatment plan.

Body treatments are performed in response to a client consultation and assessment, conducted and recorded on a treatment plan. They involve the application of a combination of manual and other selected techniques which may include electrical currents, exfoliation and body wraps. This may involve a single treatment or a series of body treatments that have been designed to meet client requirements.

The therapist performing the body treatment may or may not have designed the treatment, but is expected to access and interpret a treatment plan, explain the administration of the treatment to the client and adapt as required during the service in response to client reaction.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to beauty therapy salon or spa environments and to beauty therapists exercising judgement in planning and selecting appropriate products, services, equipment and techniques.

Prerequisite units 

• SIBBBOS401A Perform body massage

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1

Prepare for body treatments.

1.1

Access and review client treatment plan .

1.2

Review and note contraindications  resulting from changes to body condition  and subsequent variations to treatment plan.

1.3

Offer advice to client  regarding medical follow-up of contraindications tactfully and without reference to specific medical conditions.

1.4

Confirm treatment objectives  and revised treatment plan with client and ensure consent.

1.5

Set up and monitor service area to meet workplace requirements.

1.6

Clean and maintain tools and equipment according to manufacturer instructions, workplace practice and health regulations.

1.7

Use energy, water and other resources efficiently during preparation and subsequent treatment process to reduce negative environmental impacts.

1.8

Explain factors that may prevent or restrict the treatment .

2

Manage body treatments.

2.1

Explain mode of administration  and management of treatment to client where required.

2.2

Request client to monitor reactions and inform the operator as required.

2.3

Drape client to sequentially expose the treatment area  while ensuring client comfort and modesty at all times.

2.4

Select body treatment products  and electrical equipment  according to treatment plan and treatment area.

2.5

Recognise reactions  to treatment and respond  if necessary.

2.6

Safely dispose of treatment waste to minimise negative environmental impacts.

3

Provide body treatments.

3.1

Ensure client is in a comfortable and relaxed position suitable for the treatment.

3.2

Apply body treatment products according to agreed treatment plan and following manufacturer instructions.

3.3

Apply brush treatments to perform desquamation of the epidermis where indicated by treatment plan.

3.4

Use direct current to perform iontophoresis of appropriate cellulite product to body parts according to manufacturer instructions and where indicated by treatment plan.

3.5

Use low frequency current to assist dispersal of mild oedema and cellulite according to manufacturer instructions and where indicated by treatment plan.

3.6

Select and apply equipment to stimulate circulation  on the body or parts of the body according to manufacturer instructions and where indicated by treatment plan.

4

Review treatment and provide post-treatment advice.

4.1

Evaluate progress with client.

4.2

Explain potential post -treatment adverse effects  to client.

4.3

Revise previous treatment and evaluate the need for ongoing or additional treatment.

4.4

Negotiate future treatment program  with client to ensure optimal outcomes.

4.5

Provide home -care advice  according to client needs.

4.6

Rebook client according to agreed treatment plan.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit:

• technical skills to:

• recognise and respond to contraindications and adverse effects
• interpret treatment plan and identify and adjust to changes in client's condition
• prepare client for treatment according to treatment plan and workplace procedures
• ensure treatment is provided, according to the individual, the condition and the presence of complicating factors
• identify major bones and muscle groups through palpation
• safely apply a defined range of electrical equipment and current levels according to agreed treatment plan

• communication skills to:

• seek feedback and respond to questions
• provide information and reassurance to client throughout the service

• literacy skills to:

• read and apply relevant workplace documents and manufacturers' safety data sheets on electrical equipment
• read, interpret and adjust treatment plans as appropriate

• time-management skills to manage time throughout the body treatment.

Required knowledge 

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit:

• relevant health and hygiene regulations and requirements
• relevant occupational health and safety regulations and requirements
• infection control procedures and application of universal precautions as they apply to the provision of a body treatment service
• correct and environmentally sound disposal methods for all types of waste and in particular for hazardous substances
• workplace policies and procedures in regard to manual and electrical body treatments
• appearance of contraindications and adverse effects
• factors likely to affect the suitability of each technique to client needs and the effects and benefits of each step in body treatments
• skeletal and muscular system, including:

• awareness of postural and skeletal abnormalities
• muscle contractility and motor points
• position and action of superficial muscles of the body in relation to body massage, including deltoid, biceps, triceps, brachialis, trapezius, latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior, pectorals, rectus abdominous, obliques, gluteals, hamstrings, quadriceps, sartorius, adductors, gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior

• nervous system and its relationship to skin sensations
• lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems and their relationship to skin function, including thermoregulation and homeostasis
• categories of massage, motor points and reflex points
• causes of skin reactions and allergies in regard to body treatments
• principles and properties of electricity as they relate to body treatments
• ethical and legal implications of the practice of massage.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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:

• interpreting a treatment plan and making any adjustments required by variations in client's condition
• preparing the service area and clients for body treatments
• safely and effectively sequencing and applying body treatments, products and electrical equipment listed in range statement applied across a range of body treatment services
• using time effectively
• evaluating outcomes of body treatments and advising clients on future treatments
• accurately and legibly recording relevant data on client treatment plans.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• that competency is consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by assessor or technical expert working in partnership with the assessor as described in the Assessment Guidelines
• that the candidate demonstrates competency in the workplace or 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 access to:

• individual client workstations
• adjustable massage couch with safe working access for operator and equipment
• electricity supply to each workstation
• apprppriate supply of towels
• client gown
• client cover
• trolley
• magnifying lamp
• direct and indirect current high frequency equipment
• brush machine
• steamer or vapourzone
• a professional body treatments product range

• appropriate cleaning and disinfection products and equipment
• relevant workplace documentation including:

• manufacturer's equipment instructions
• product instructions
• manufacturer safety data sheets
• workplace policies and procedures manuals

• a range of clients with different body treatment requirements.

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 learner performing a range of tasks in the workplace or a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:

• preparing clients for body treatments
• applying a range of manual massage techniques according to the treatment plan
• using body treatment products
• applying a range of electrical equipment and current levels according to the treatment plan and client feedback
• providing post-treatment advice and making treatment recommendations to the client

• written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess knowledge and understanding of:

• appearance of contraindications and adverse effects
• factors likely to affect the suitability of each technique to client needs, and effects and benefits of each step in body treatment
• anatomy and physiology of the body as they relate to the provision of body treatments
• categories of massage, motor points and reflex points
• classifications, benefits and application of range of massage movements described in range statement
• causes of skin reactions and allergies in regard to body treatments
• principles and properties of electricity as they relate to body treatments
• ethical and legal implications of the practice of body treatments

• completion of workplace documentation relevant to providing body treatments
• third-party reports from technical experts
• completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from a trainer, workplace coach or supervisor.

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

• SIBBCCS301A Apply the principles of skin biology to beauty treatments
• SIBBCCS404AWork in a skin therapies framework
• SIBBCCS405A Develop treatment plans
• SIBBCCS406A Use electricity in beauty therapy treatments.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Treatment plan  must include:

• outcomes of previous treatments
• relevant medical history
• medications being used
• contraindications
• massage techniques, including types, frequency and duration of movements
• electrical treatments
• tools and equipment selected.

Contraindications  may include:

• those which prevent body electrical treatment:

• contagious skin diseases
• dysfunction of nervous system
• heart diseases and disorders
• pacemakers
• cancer-related treatments
• recent scar tissue
• undiagnosed lumps
• inflammations and swellings
• medications that cause thinning or inflammation of skin

• those which restrict body electrical treatment:

• diabetes
• epilepsy
• high or low blood pressure
• history of thrombosis or embolism
• metal pins or plates
• pregnancy
• piercings
• anxiety
• varicose veins
• cuts
• abrasions and bruises
• recent dermabrasion or chemical peels
• intense pulsed light (IPL) or laser and epilation.

Body condition  may include:

• cellulite
• poor muscle tone
• sluggish circulation
• uneven skin texture.

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.

Treatment objectives  may include:

• improved skin and body condition
• improved contour and muscle condition.

Factors that may prevent or restrict the treatment  may include:

• other medical treatment being undertaken
• pregnancy
• client's physical and psychological readiness or wellness
• cultural factors
• contraindications to treatment
• planned post-massage activity.

Mode of administration  may include:

• exposure of sections of the body
• rotating of exposure around the body
• use of oils and treatments
• requirement for feedback and interaction
• massage technique
• variations in application intensity
• requirements of specific positioning of client.

Treatment area  must include:

• torso
• back
• neck
• décolletage
• arms
• legs.

Body treatment products  may include:

• exfoliants
• nourishing creams.

Electrical equipment  must include:

• high frequency - direct and indirect
• brush machines
• steamer or vapourzone
• galvanic.

Electrical equipment  may include:

• micro current
• low level intensity laser
• low frequency neuromuscular electronic stimulator
• heat blanket
• infra-red lamp
• ultraviolet light
• mechanical massager.

Reactions  may include:

• pain or discomfort
• verbal, tactile or visual feedback
• muscular spasms
• allergy or reactions to body oils or treatments
• skin blemishes due to massage stimulation
• bruising
• temperature discomfort
• joint sounds
• client relaxation
• emotional release.

Responses  to reactions may include:

• adjusting treatment accordingly
• seeking appropriate expertise
• discussing reaction with client
• adhering to workplace guidelines for dealing with emergencies
• accessing local emergency services.

Equipment to stimulate circulation  may include:

• vapourzone
• high frequency
• infra-red light therapy
• hydrotherapy
• vibratory apparatus
• gyratory apparatus.

Post -treatment adverse effects  may include:

• erythema resulting from treatment, massage medium or skin care product
• skin blemishes due to massage stimulation
• bruising
• allergic reactions of the skin or body to treatment or products
• psychological reactions of client to the electrical current, treatment or product.

Future treatment program  may include:

• further body treatments
• complementary treatments.

Home -care advice  may include:

• dietary habits
• lifestyle advice.

Sector 

Beauty

Competency field 

Body Services