Electrotherapy - your questions answered

As chairwoman of The Carlton Group, Angela Barbagelata-Fabes gets a lot of questions from salons that are thinking about offering electrotherapy but aren’t sure what equipment they will need, how much they will need to invest, how much training they will need to offer staff or how it will affect their business. Even when times are tough, it’s essential that salons keep developing their business and enhancing their offer, but it’s crucial that they have all the information before taking those big steps. To offer a helping hand, Angela has put together answers to some of the questions she is most frequently asked.

Electrotherapy Equipment

Q: Is electrotherapy equipment appropriate for a holistic spa?
A: Yes, there is a cross over via holistic mechanical treatments that are results driven and that add value to manual treatments. For example, mechanical lymphatic drainage and cellulite reduction body treatments and facial rejuvenation treatments via LEDs or coloured light therapy may enhance your treatment portfolio.

Q: When should I consider buying my electrotherapy equipment?
A: Ideally eight weeks prior to the completion of the salon/spa, although many items are kept in stock so lead times may be shorter than this. You should have your equipment at least one month before opening the salon/spa as there may be training required on the machine and this will also allow your therapists time to become familiar with it.

Q: What should I look for when choosing an equipment supplier?
A: A good selection of products is vital, as is the longevity of the company, the durability of the equipment, training and after sales and technical support. Word of mouth recommendations are often a good place to start. If possible, choose a company where you can speak to an informed advisor so that they can help you choose the most suitable product.

Q: Do I need to spend thousands on expensive equipment?
A: Customer care and the value of touch are very important. Expensive electrotherapy equipment enhances treatments but it is not essential. Many expensive machines are based on basic techniques, like galvanic, faradic and vacuum, which are not as costly but still very effective. It is more important that your therapists understand the treatments and how to tailor them for your customer’s requirements.

Q: What about the purchase of new innovations/treatments?
A: There are new treatments and machines on the market that are a good source of income. These are worth considering as they will bring in additional revenue and may offer a holistic treatment that simply can’t be achieved manually, ie LED and colour therapy treatments.

Q: Is there anything else that I should consider when buying electrotherapy equipment?
A: Make sure that the supplier you choose has good technical and customer service back up. If the supplier can repair the equipment in house then this will make any technical issues less stressful for your staff.

Recruitment and Training

Q: Do my therapists need recognised qualifications?
A: Yes this is vital for insurance purposes. It is also particularly important for therapists using electrotherapy equipment, as they need to have the underpinning knowledge to understand how the machines affect the client’s skin. If you unsure, refer to one of the national education bodies.

Q: Are short courses on particular pieces of equipment enough for my therapists?
A Yes and no. Yes if you have good grounding in how currents and wavelengths affect the skin and how to achieve good results. No if they don’t. Short-term courses are not the long-term answer, as more in-depth knowledge will create a more confident therapist and more tailored treatments for your clients.

Q: Does my receptionist need training?
A: Yes, their training is as, if not more, important than anyone else in the salon/spa as they are the first point of contact for your customers. They need a general knowledge of all areas of the salon/spa’s operations, as well as the treatments and products.

Q: If I employ a newly qualified therapist, how do I know if they will be able to cope with the demands of their job?
A: Employing any new member of staff is always vital, as when they are working with a client they are an ambassador for your salon/spa. They need to be able to explain your treatments to a client and to execute them confidently. Ensure that they have relevant qualifications and good practical experience and always take up references. Also make sure that they undertake a practical test too.

Q: Is it advisable to regularly send my staff on training courses to update their knowledge?
A: Yes, it is an investment in your staff and your salon/spa. Refresher courses are beneficial because techniques, products and machines change. It can also remove any bad habits that might have crept in. If need be you can send one member of staff who can then inform the others.

Q: What is the number one requirement for training?
A: Customer service is everything. Your staff need to ensure that they make all their clients feel special. All the staff, from the receptionist to the salon/spa manager, need to have a general knowledge of the business to aid customer confidence and the success of your salon/spa.

Equipment – finding the right furniture

Q: What do I need to consider when buying furniture?
A: The key things are comfort, lead times, ergonomics for the therapist and customer, functionality and cost.

Q: At what stage in the project should I start thinking about furniture?
A: Ideally you should consider your furniture requirements at the design and build stage. Building rooms around furniture sizes is often easier than finding a couch to fit an unusually shaped or small treatment room.

Q: How do I find a suitable furniture supplier?
A: Choose a supplier who offers a large, varied range of products, as it is easier logistically to buy all your furniture from one place. Aim for a supplier with a showroom, so that you can picture the furniture in an appropriate setting. This will enable you to get a good feel of space and usage. Also consider the longevity of the company and their reputation.

Q: How do I choose furniture for my salon/spa?
A: Always do some homework yourself, even if you are employing the expertise of a consultant and an architect to aid you. In this way when they make suggestions you can talk knowledgeably about the practical requirements for the salon/spa, whereas their focus may be more aesthetically driven. Try to involve your preferred equipment supplier in the initial stages of the project.

Q: How do I choose individual couches that are appropriate for my selection of treatments?
A: Your selection should be based on functionality. If a therapist is giving a massage, the bed needs to be stable and fully adjustable for therapist and client comfort throughout the treatment. Whereas for facials, comfort and aesthetics could play a bigger role, as the treatment tends to be less physically rigorous.

Q: Should I be concerned about ergonomics?
A: Yes. Ergonomics is the study between workers and their working environment. In a salon/spa you need to consider how your therapists work and what their furniture requirements are to ensure that they can undertake treatments comfortably and professionally. Of particular concern is adjustable height capability on all couches and any seating for use by therapists during treatments. In this way the stress on their bodies should be reduced, diminishing the risks of work place injuries such as repetitive strain injury or back problems.

Q: If I spend more money on a couch am I just paying for the looks?
A: You are, to a degree, paying for a choice of aesthetics, yes. Some top end manufacturers offers a choice of wood and fabric finishes as well as a choice of motors. Additional items include foot, back and head rests. Top end couches may also offer innovations such as built in foot spas or wet treatment tables which allow clients to stay put during a body scrub.

Q: How do I find a quality, cost-effective couch?
A: Cost effective durable, quality couches are widely available. Shop around on the Internet and at exhibitions and make sure you buy the appropriate couch for your treatments.

Q: When do I need to place an order for my furniture?
A: Don’t leave it to the last minute to order your furniture, particularly if it is bespoke. Allowing yourself plenty of time to place and receive your order will also diminish the likelihood of you purchasing the wrong couch for your purposes, as you won’t be limiting your choice. Allow at least 12 weeks to be certain of receiving your goods on time. Above all use a reliable company who will deliver on their promises.

Q: At what stage in the project should I have my furniture delivered?
A: Ideally at the end of the build. You don’t want to have thousands of pounds of furniture in situ when painting is still continuing. May suppliers will store furniture until the appropriate time.

Angela Barbagelata-Fabes is chairwoman of The Carlton Group and the founder of the Student Electrotherapy Beauty Therapist Award, the first award to celebrate excellence in electrotherapy.

Have you got some more questions for Angela? Let us know by posting below or click here to visit The Carlton Group website.