Dayspa

OCT 2017

DAYSPA is the business resource for spa & wellness professionals! Each issue covers the latest in skin care, spa treatments, wellness services and management strategies.

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B e f o r e t h e A p p o i n t m e n t A c c o u n t i n g f o r D i f f e r e n c dayspamagazine.com • october 2017 • [ 59 ] Recently, Christine Clinton Cancer Care and the sound therapy specialists at Eastern Vibration (easternvibration.com) partnered to bring their Touch and Vibration for Cancer Care healing combination to spa clients with cancer. Before the Appointment The truth is, if you knew how many clients aff ected by cancer you see in a month, you might be shocked. "A client who books a spa service isn't necessarily going to share that they're going through cancer treatment or that they're a survivor," says Morag Currin, founder of Oncology Esthetics, president of Oncology Training International (OTI) and esthetic educator. "They might already be so overwhelmed by all the information they've been given and by repeating their story so many times. They may not even realize that they're supposed to divulge those details." To encourage clients to proff er pertinent medical information, Currin suggests you post a note on your website. If you have online booking, create a fi eld that enables them to share such information, provided it complies with HIPAA. When the client arrives, have them fi ll out a thorough intake form that includes current treatments, medications and reasons for taking them, plus any side eff ects they're experiencing. Obtain confi rmation from them that their doctor has approved the visit. And fi nally, make sure the therapist reviews the intake. "There mustn't be an attitude of, 'OK, you've signed the disclaimer, now you can have your treatment,'" warns Currin. Armed with the necessary facts, a therapist can properly modify the oncology client's skin or body treatment for optimal comfort and results. Accounting for Differenc "A spa or wellness facility can embrace all stages of cancer treatment and off er a range of inclusive, nurturing services to accommodate guests," says massage therapist, skincare specialist and educator Christine Clinton, who works with cancer clients in both hospital and spa settings. Beyond skin care and massage, these might include energy medicine and sound therapy, for example. The success of such services relies on how well the spa has prepared. "Therapists working with oncology clients must make adjustments to three facets: the level of demand, both physical and psychological, on the client; avoidance of certain sites on the body; and the guest's positioning," says Amanda Vassar, director of spa at Lansdowne Resort & Spa in Leesburg, Virginia, whose Spa Minerale has an oncology menu called Road to Recovery. Therapists should also know what to expect, and be prepared to respond appropriately. When you don't feel normal, looking normal can help, which is why appearance-oriented spa treatments are so important for oncology clients. From simple remedial cosmetic camoufl age to microblading and areola tattooing, these services are invaluable menu additions to spas looking to serve cancer clients. Spa Minerale at Lansdowne Spa & Resort in Leesburg, Virginia, even offers complimentary head shaving and hair piece consultations. "With so many new cancer cases each year, we feel that we're answering a need in our community," says director of spa Amanda Vassar. PRETTY IMPORTANT © GETTY IMAGES

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