Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:52 AM AWST
22/07/2026 9:52 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Provide stone therapy massage
Provide stone therapy massage
Unit of competency
National Code
SIBBSPA504A
SIBBSPA504A
State Code
D4795
D4795
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
27/05/2011
Field of Education
061711 - Massage Therapy
Original Release Date
27/05/2011
Nominal Hours
12
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide stone therapy massage as part of a spa program.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVG58 | SHBBSPA003 | Provide stone therapy massages | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S781 | SIB50110 | Diploma of Beauty Therapy | Qualification |