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As the lines that once separated spas and medical businesses
continue to blur, Lisa Starr investigates how leading operators are using the latest in diagnostic technology to stay ahead of competition
The Lanserhof Spine Lab in London tests for neuromuscular imbalances Credit: photo: Lanserhof at the arts club, Martin Morell
With medical and technological innovations launching daily it seems, there are countless ways to assess any number of aspects of one’s health. From MediSync – a cap with sensors that uses AI to give a reading of brain activity in just 10 minutes – to Gut Note – an app that turns your mobile into a microbiome detector – and Grail – a blood test targeting 50 types of cancers – there’s something for everyone.
With so many options either available directly or known by consumers, spas and wellness centres need to up their game in order to remain a respected authority. But keeping up with all the releases is a job in itself, so how are operators managing to track this and also decide which diagnostics they’ll invest in or not?
In addition, interpreting the data of diagnostics often requires the skills of someone who’s both number-focused and medically-minded and capable of personalising treatments accordingly, as well as capable of delivering modalities with the compassion and empathy that spa therapists are known for.
Successfully offering advanced and modern diagnostics, without losing the high-touch care our businesses are known for, takes careful planning and execution.
We talk to three highly-regarded destination and resort spas about how they’re striving to do this.
Elke Benedetto-Reisch group medical director, Lanserhof
Group medical director, Lanserhof
Photo: Lanserhof, Max Koenig
Our five clinics are known for their detoxification programmes, with most clients spending a week in them under medical supervision and with a strict nutritional programme.
Each location also has a variety of the latest medical diagnostic technology. I receive marketing on new technology every day, companies come to pitch to us and staff travel to look at new diagnostics in action. Devices have to fit our concept – they need to be high quality and modern, yet simplistic, reliable and add to our understanding of a person as a whole. We look at everything critically and many times tests are not adequate.
One of our all-encompassing, easy-to-use tests is Global Diagnostics which uses electromagnetic frequencies to measure the body’s energetic structure. This reveals any number of hidden conditions such as toxic overload, lymphatic blockages and active viruses. In the near future, we’ll also be introducing an MRI machine at Lans Tegernsee.
Our Spine Lab and Movement Lab in London are great examples of cutting-edge diagnostics. They use the Centaur which tests for neuromuscular imbalances in the spine and back. They’re staffed with sports scientists who analyse gait and movement to detect irregularities.
While we take advantage of technological advancements, remembering the human element is key. Many patients arrive with chronic issues, liver overload, joint problems and headaches and machinery can only capture so much of that.
That’s where our professional observations and individualised treatments come in. Upon check-in, Lanserhof guests spend one hour in a medical examination with a physician, who uses their training, patient input (learning about needs and expectations) and medical data to develop a treatment plan for the stay.
During a week-long visit, the patient will see the doctor an additional three to four times. Our specialists – osteopaths, physiotherapists, sports scientists, energetics, and dermatological and cosmetological experts – also have meetings to discuss patient progress and share information which directs treatment protocols.
Devices have to fit our concept – they
need to be high quality and modern,
yet simplistic and reliable.
Many tests are not adequate
Hans Peter Veit director of spa & wellbeing, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
Director of spa & wellbeing, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
photo: Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
Our alpine setting and natural thermal waters mean we’re perfectly positioned to offer healing modalities in collaboration with Medical Centre Bad Ragaz, one of Europe’s largest healthcare and nutrition facilities, onsite.
Over 20 medical doctors with a wide array of expertise – including the physician for the Swiss National Ski Team – have offices here and schedule in time with hotel guests as well as their own patients.
We certainly see the benefits of having the centre onsite and having medical and spa staff sharing their findings with each other. Guests choosing our Smart Aging programme, for example, will see a dermatologist who performs diagnostics and directs the protocols of the therapy staff, who have access to the relevant medical background of the guest.
Could spa staff offer diagnostics and tests themselves? That heavily depends on the kind of tests and if they’re capable of performing analysis.
The majority of our guests visit for a specific health-related programme with the most popular being our one- to two-week Weight Loss package. Nutritionists oversee meals and advice is given on how to be more active.
Two of the key tests we use are spiroegrometry and functional movement analysis.
Spiroergometry measures a person’s breathing, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production and heart rate during ramped-up exercises. This can be used to determine the maximum oxygen uptake and the fat metabolic rate to pinpoint effective training zones for beginners through to athletes.
A questionnaire will determine which functional movement areas to measure to conclude a guest’s strength and flexibility. Based on the results, we’ll create a home programme which targets personal weaknesses and helps them feel more comfortable in their body.
We see diagnostics as the future and plan on investing millions of Euros in this area.
We see diagnostics as the future
and plan on investing millions
of Euros in this area
Juan Pablo Barassi chief operating officer, SHA Wellness
Chief operating officer, SHA Wellness
photo: SHA Wellness
With a staff numbering approximately 300 people, including 20 medical professionals, SHA is constantly creating and offering new services and programmes.
Our latest innovation is a Diagnostic Health Screening Lab, which includes a circuit of state-of-the-art equipment that delivers insightful metrics in just 30 minutes so bespoke programmes can begin straight away. Formerly, these separate tests and data analyses would have been carried out over the first few days.
Results obtained from the circuit include measurement of the guest’s heart rate, pulse wave, an overview of the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, information on the level of physical and mental stress, glycated proteins in tissue, vital sign collections, a body composition analysis and a 3D body scanner as well as a neurocognitive test.
What’s so different about this is the multidisciplinary approach that enables us to not only diagnose but also spot warning signs and make recommendations. A blood test, for example, gives a lot of information but it is a fixed picture – it may tell us that our cholesterol is fine at the moment, but only an arterial elasticity test will tell us if that’s always been the case.
The biggest challenge we’ve faced is ensuring staff aren’t overwhelmed with data. Our IT team has developed a way to present results that aren’t just a PDF printout. Simple graphs for any aspect of a person’s health show which variables are in or out of range and these help both the doctor and patient understand results in a very visual way.
We also have a dedicated innovation team which assesses the efficacy and suitability of new technologies. It presents findings every month and is currently researching devices which determine the health of skin and hair. We expect this to be a new stage within our diagnostic circuit and it’s just one example of how we’re constantly advancing our offering.
The biggest challenge we’ve
faced is ensuring staff aren’t
overwhelmed with data
A diagnostic circuit delivers a myriad of results in just 30 minutes / photo: SHA Wellness
In the world of wellness, the age-old tradition of sauna bathing is synonymous with
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the journey is the all-important cooldown. [more...]
Over almost 50 years, Biologique Recherche has earned an undisputed reputation thanks to
its highly-effective and exclusive methodology, based on a clinical approach to skincare
that delivers immediate and long-lasting results.
[more...]
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As the lines that once separated spas and medical businesses
continue to blur, Lisa Starr investigates how leading operators are using the latest in diagnostic technology to stay ahead of competition
The Lanserhof Spine Lab in London tests for neuromuscular imbalances Credit: photo: Lanserhof at the arts club, Martin Morell
With medical and technological innovations launching daily it seems, there are countless ways to assess any number of aspects of one’s health. From MediSync – a cap with sensors that uses AI to give a reading of brain activity in just 10 minutes – to Gut Note – an app that turns your mobile into a microbiome detector – and Grail – a blood test targeting 50 types of cancers – there’s something for everyone.
With so many options either available directly or known by consumers, spas and wellness centres need to up their game in order to remain a respected authority. But keeping up with all the releases is a job in itself, so how are operators managing to track this and also decide which diagnostics they’ll invest in or not?
In addition, interpreting the data of diagnostics often requires the skills of someone who’s both number-focused and medically-minded and capable of personalising treatments accordingly, as well as capable of delivering modalities with the compassion and empathy that spa therapists are known for.
Successfully offering advanced and modern diagnostics, without losing the high-touch care our businesses are known for, takes careful planning and execution.
We talk to three highly-regarded destination and resort spas about how they’re striving to do this.
Elke Benedetto-Reisch group medical director, Lanserhof
Group medical director, Lanserhof
Photo: Lanserhof, Max Koenig
Our five clinics are known for their detoxification programmes, with most clients spending a week in them under medical supervision and with a strict nutritional programme.
Each location also has a variety of the latest medical diagnostic technology. I receive marketing on new technology every day, companies come to pitch to us and staff travel to look at new diagnostics in action. Devices have to fit our concept – they need to be high quality and modern, yet simplistic, reliable and add to our understanding of a person as a whole. We look at everything critically and many times tests are not adequate.
One of our all-encompassing, easy-to-use tests is Global Diagnostics which uses electromagnetic frequencies to measure the body’s energetic structure. This reveals any number of hidden conditions such as toxic overload, lymphatic blockages and active viruses. In the near future, we’ll also be introducing an MRI machine at Lans Tegernsee.
Our Spine Lab and Movement Lab in London are great examples of cutting-edge diagnostics. They use the Centaur which tests for neuromuscular imbalances in the spine and back. They’re staffed with sports scientists who analyse gait and movement to detect irregularities.
While we take advantage of technological advancements, remembering the human element is key. Many patients arrive with chronic issues, liver overload, joint problems and headaches and machinery can only capture so much of that.
That’s where our professional observations and individualised treatments come in. Upon check-in, Lanserhof guests spend one hour in a medical examination with a physician, who uses their training, patient input (learning about needs and expectations) and medical data to develop a treatment plan for the stay.
During a week-long visit, the patient will see the doctor an additional three to four times. Our specialists – osteopaths, physiotherapists, sports scientists, energetics, and dermatological and cosmetological experts – also have meetings to discuss patient progress and share information which directs treatment protocols.
Devices have to fit our concept – they
need to be high quality and modern,
yet simplistic and reliable.
Many tests are not adequate
Hans Peter Veit director of spa & wellbeing, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
Director of spa & wellbeing, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
photo: Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
Our alpine setting and natural thermal waters mean we’re perfectly positioned to offer healing modalities in collaboration with Medical Centre Bad Ragaz, one of Europe’s largest healthcare and nutrition facilities, onsite.
Over 20 medical doctors with a wide array of expertise – including the physician for the Swiss National Ski Team – have offices here and schedule in time with hotel guests as well as their own patients.
We certainly see the benefits of having the centre onsite and having medical and spa staff sharing their findings with each other. Guests choosing our Smart Aging programme, for example, will see a dermatologist who performs diagnostics and directs the protocols of the therapy staff, who have access to the relevant medical background of the guest.
Could spa staff offer diagnostics and tests themselves? That heavily depends on the kind of tests and if they’re capable of performing analysis.
The majority of our guests visit for a specific health-related programme with the most popular being our one- to two-week Weight Loss package. Nutritionists oversee meals and advice is given on how to be more active.
Two of the key tests we use are spiroegrometry and functional movement analysis.
Spiroergometry measures a person’s breathing, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production and heart rate during ramped-up exercises. This can be used to determine the maximum oxygen uptake and the fat metabolic rate to pinpoint effective training zones for beginners through to athletes.
A questionnaire will determine which functional movement areas to measure to conclude a guest’s strength and flexibility. Based on the results, we’ll create a home programme which targets personal weaknesses and helps them feel more comfortable in their body.
We see diagnostics as the future and plan on investing millions of Euros in this area.
We see diagnostics as the future
and plan on investing millions
of Euros in this area
Juan Pablo Barassi chief operating officer, SHA Wellness
Chief operating officer, SHA Wellness
photo: SHA Wellness
With a staff numbering approximately 300 people, including 20 medical professionals, SHA is constantly creating and offering new services and programmes.
Our latest innovation is a Diagnostic Health Screening Lab, which includes a circuit of state-of-the-art equipment that delivers insightful metrics in just 30 minutes so bespoke programmes can begin straight away. Formerly, these separate tests and data analyses would have been carried out over the first few days.
Results obtained from the circuit include measurement of the guest’s heart rate, pulse wave, an overview of the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, information on the level of physical and mental stress, glycated proteins in tissue, vital sign collections, a body composition analysis and a 3D body scanner as well as a neurocognitive test.
What’s so different about this is the multidisciplinary approach that enables us to not only diagnose but also spot warning signs and make recommendations. A blood test, for example, gives a lot of information but it is a fixed picture – it may tell us that our cholesterol is fine at the moment, but only an arterial elasticity test will tell us if that’s always been the case.
The biggest challenge we’ve faced is ensuring staff aren’t overwhelmed with data. Our IT team has developed a way to present results that aren’t just a PDF printout. Simple graphs for any aspect of a person’s health show which variables are in or out of range and these help both the doctor and patient understand results in a very visual way.
We also have a dedicated innovation team which assesses the efficacy and suitability of new technologies. It presents findings every month and is currently researching devices which determine the health of skin and hair. We expect this to be a new stage within our diagnostic circuit and it’s just one example of how we’re constantly advancing our offering.
The biggest challenge we’ve
faced is ensuring staff aren’t
overwhelmed with data
A diagnostic circuit delivers a myriad of results in just 30 minutes / photo: SHA Wellness
Retreat brand TheLifeCo Well-being will make its Caribbean debut in Gros-Islet, Saint Lucia, in
2025, as part of the Caribbean Jewel Seven Wonders project (CJSW).
Global online architecture platform Architizer has highlighted some of the world’s most
innovative spa and wellness architecture concepts as part of its 12th Annual Architizer
A+Awards.
Bavarian destination spa and hotel Schloss Elmau is looking to celebrate the joy of dance by
becoming the first wellness destination in the world to offer retreats focused on the Gaga
intuitive movement practice.
Fitness-focused hospitality brand and management company Equinox Hotels has announced
plans to open a modern new resort on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba in northwest Saudi Arabia.
The venture is part of the ambitious US$500 billion (€462.7 billion, £396 billion) Neom* giga-
project.
Plans have been unveiled for La Maviglia, a new luxury resort and expansive medi-spa set to
open in Italy's Puglia region, renowned for its Primitivo wine, in 2027.
Auberge Resorts Collection will launch its first UK property and destination spa in Mayfair,
London, in 2025, following a deal with UK-based global private investment group Reuben
Brothers.
A large new mineral springs destination has launched in Texas, inspired by some of the world’s
most famous hot springs – such as Jordan’s Dead Sea, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon and Mexico’s
Grutas Tolantongo.
A thought-provoking, US national probability study, The WELLSurvey™, has revealed that the
majority of Americans now include several health and wellness practices in their everyday lives.
They also view the concepts of 'wellness' and 'wellbeing' differently.
US integrative wellness brand The Well has named Ariella Willoughby as its new VP of
operations, aiming to drive significant growth and operational success across its current and
future locations worldwide.
Middleton Enterprises, a UK-based family investment office, has committed £1.6 million
(US$2.1 million, €1.9 million) in funding to the Light Centre – a network of medical, therapeutic
and wellbeing centres with four locations in London.
Rianna Riego, a seasoned professional in the wellness and spa industry, has been appointed
director of global business development at Seed to Skin Tuscany, a premier Italian botanical
skincare and spa brand.
In the world of wellness, the age-old tradition of sauna bathing is synonymous with
relaxation, detoxification and rejuvenation. But, a crucial and sometimes overlooked part
of
the journey is the all-important cooldown. [more...]
Over almost 50 years, Biologique Recherche has earned an undisputed reputation thanks to
its highly-effective and exclusive methodology, based on a clinical approach to skincare
that delivers immediate and long-lasting results.
[more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
G.M. COLLIN G.M. COLLIN develops superior skin care products, from preventive care to combating the first signs [more...]