Preparation of the SPMU area, client and artist

Insurance

There are several types of insurance that are potentially relevant to you as a therapist. The most important is the ‘Professional Indemnity Insurance’ and ‘Public Liability Insurance’. Both of these are necessary in the unlikely event that a client decided to sue you.

Public Liability Insurance – This covers you if a member of the public, i.e. a client or passer-by is injured on your premises or if their personal property is damaged in any way.

Professional Indemnity Insurance – This protects you should a client decide to sue you claiming personal injury or damage as a result of treatments carried out by you.

Employer’s Liability Insurance – This is only necessary if you hire others to work for you. This type of insurance would cover you should a member of your staff have an injury on your premises.

Product Liability Insurance – This insurance is important if you plan to use, manufacture or sell products as part of your business. This will protect you in the event that a client is dissatisfied with the product or experiences a reaction to using the product.

Car Insurance – If a car is used for business purposes, ensure that this is covered by the policy and that theft of equipment is included.

Insurance

Students will be able to gain insurance from the following provider listed below, upon successful completion of your training:

Insurer name: Insync

Contact Number:  01200 309516

Email Address: hello@insyncinsurance.co.uk

Website: https://insyncinsurance.co.uk/

Referral- ENHANCE1

As a VTCT qualification is OFQUAL approved it will be recognised by many insurance providers so you many options of who to gain insurance with. This is one of the, many, benefits of completing an OFQUAL qualification rather than an accreditation.

Ergonomics

Posture is important, whether you are sitting or standing up to do a treatment. Try to find a working position that is comfortable for you and reduces the need to lean over to just one side.

Using height adjustable treatment couches and chairs. Choose a height that reduces your need for bending over the client. Ideally, your back should be at a 90-degree angle. Your chair should be comfortable to avoid pressure point sores or injury.

 

Try to avoid twisting the neck, keep your head upright and keep your shoulders relaxed.

 

Never ignore pain; look at ways to alleviate the symptoms. If you cannot take a break during treatment, then you can adopt gentle stretching techniques.

 

Repetitive strain injuries can be caused by using the same movements over and over again. Try to avoid repetitive flexing of the wrist and instead alternate by bending elbows or shoulders instead. Equipment should feel comfortable in your hand and have as minimal vibration as possible.

Appearance of the Therapist

A therapist should ensure that they look well presented at all times. Therapists will be working in close contact with a client, and it is important that a professional image is observed.

A therapist should:

  • Wear clean, freshly laundered and ironed uniform each day.
  • Wear clean, flat, closed-toe shoes.
  • Have short, clean, manicured nails.
  • Have a fresh breath.
  • Wear antiperspirant.
  • Apply modest makeup for a natural look.
  • Wear hair up and away from the face.
  • Wear minimal jewellery.

Professional Ethics and Standards of Practice

Therapists should:

  • Maintain the highest possible standards of professional conduct.
  • Always be courteous and show respect for clients, colleagues and other professionals.
  • Never gossip or criticise another therapist, salon or brand.
  • Never talk across a client to another member of staff.
  • Not to engage in conversations about politics, religion or race that may cause offence.
  • Maintain a good reputation by setting an example of good conduct in all your communication with clients, team members and visitors to the business.
  • Ensure to make the treatment or service special for every client.
  • Respect client confidentiality.
  • Explain the treatment to the client and answer any questions and queries prior to carrying out the treatment.
  • Treat all clients in a professional manner at all times regardless of their race, colour, religion, sexual orientation or ability.
  • Not to treat minors or clients with limited mental capacities, such as those with Alzheimer’s or dementia without prior written consent from a parent or carer.

Practising good ethics is essential for the reputation of the therapist and the welfare of the clients. The following is an example of standards and ethics for therapists:

  • Conduct yourself in a professional, honest and ethical manner.
  • Promote professionalism
  • Establish a treatment plan with your client and evaluate the outcome at the end of every session.
  • Truthfully represent your credentials, qualifications and education, experience, training and competence relevant to practice.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of the client.
  • Take a full medical history of the client and ensure that they are suitable for treatment and the treatment is the best solution for their concerns.
  • Give full aftercare advice.

Preparation of the client 

  • clients must of had a patch test
  • checked for contra-indications
  • briefed on what will happen before, during and after the treatment. This briefing should include activities to avoid during these periods.
  • PPE for the client to wear, if possible (masks, apron, suitable clothes to avoid getting cold/too hot)
  • Full consultation completed
  • mapping of the treatment area
  • that the client is placed in a suitable position that is ergonomically comfortable

Treatment area

  • No cloth covers, EVERY surface needs to be wipable. Often clingfilm is used to cover all surfaces and then disposed of in the clinical waste.
  • Clip cord sleeves on the device being used to prevent cross contamination
  • Suitable heating, lighting and ventilation