Frequently Asked Questions

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Other Policies & Procedures

Due to the undesirable behaviours of males over the years, I no longer accept new male clients unless their female partner comes to me regularly, or they come with a referred letter from a GP for upper pain management only. (Conditions still apply)

I am a professional sports massage therapist.

Q: What body and mind condition have you worked with?

A: Different body and mine condition Ray has dealt with.

Q: Can I book online or by text?

A: You can book both. Online bookings have limited days & times, but I have other times in between appointments or cancellations that might be available so please text to 0435-626-343 with a name. 

Q: Why did you change your business name from Oriental Holistic Massage to Athletic Sports Massage Canberra?

A: Over the years I have listened to the feedback from my clients and winner of ACT Sports Massage Therapist of the Year I decided to change the name to coincide with what service I do and that's mainly doing sports massages and pain management in women's health

A: Can I claim my private health insurance rebate?

Q: Sorry the answer is no as I decided to drop my health funds so I could keep my prices down for everyone. If I get health funds I would be changing a lot more than I am now as the cost goes up with health funds. Most of my clients have health funds and dropped the extras as it's too costly for them too and the rebate is not that much so they tell me.

Q: Do I have to be an athlete to come to you?

A: Not at all! Sports massage is suitable for individuals of all activity levels. It's not limited to athletes; it is designed to promote muscle health and reduce tension within the body. 

Q: Is there car parking off the street available? 

A: Yes, there is plenty of free car parking available.

Q: Can I walk in at any time to get a massage?

A: 100% No as I screen all my clients before they come to me. My clients come and go without seeing other clients for their privacy and the best protection from COVID-19. So don't just turn up at my door because you will not get a massage without an appointment.

Q: Why do you specialise in only women's health and wellness?

A: Because women are no trouble and better to massage as their muscle systems seem to be not as tight as the males as they can relax more while I undo any underlining muscles that are tight. Males never listen and tighten up their muscles when I try to release them, it hurts and damages my fingers wrist elbow shoulders etc. 

Over the years I have had a lot of trouble with men's undesirable behaviours. There are no other underlying issues as to why I would rather massage a female than a male other than what I have said above! 

I still have many male clients whose female partners come to me regularly and send them to me for pain management or they contact me and ask to be massaged due to an injury and they have a GP or surgeon's report for me to read and put in their file. If you don't want to give me this important information, then please look elsewhere. 

Q: What is your youngest client?

A: 10 years old and she comes with her parent.

Q: What was the oldest client you have massage?  

A: 97 years.

Q: What professional come to you for your services?

A: Occupational therapists - physiotherapists -remedial massage therapists - GP - physiotherapists and Occupational therapists' students - CEOs - small and large business owners - police officers, Yoga instructors - Pilates instructors and professional athletes - personal trainers - phycologist - counsellors - registered nurses (RN) - care staff and university student and university teachers more...

Q: I have a colostomy bag, can I still come for a massage?

A: 100% yes just empty the bag and clean around the area before coming. I have worked with people who have a colostomy bag so it is no problem for me to do your massage.

Q: Can my child come to you alone if they are 17 for a massage?

A: Yes, as I have many mothers - daughters and sons who come to me for a massage when their children suffer from stress from school pain from sports activities, or stress from family problems. 

Q: If I am under 16 can I have a massage without my parent's consent?

A: No you would need to write a letter signed by your parent or guardian with consent for you to have a massage without them being there when you have a massage. Also, if you are under 15 years old your parent or guardian must be in the room when you get your massage.

Q: If I have my period, can I still come for a massage?

A: Yes if it is not a heavy period or you are near the end of your period. For health and infection control due to blood please shower, and have a clean pad or tampon and underwear before coming for your massage. Due to specialising in women's health and wellness, I know this is part of a woman's body function. When you are in pain, I don't like turning women away because they have their periods. Many women come to me when they have their periods after they have showered.

Q: Do you do holistic therapeutic full breast massages? 

A: Yes as it's very therapeutic, helps with pain management in the breasts, and is very good for just for the circulation of the breast system and skin or you have had a breast removed due to cancer. 

Q: Can I breastfeed my baby? 

A: 100% Yes as it's part of Athletic Sports Massage Canberra as it is a holistic approach to mother and child it's an important part of life and bonding of mother and child to be able to breastfeed their baby when needed. 

Q: If I have to stop breastfeeding my child, will I still get a one-hour session?

A: 100% Yes if you let me know in advance you need to bring your baby with you then I make sure I don't have another client booked in until about an hour after your session to aloud for breastfeeding if you need to as it is my holistic approach to women's health and wellness.

Q: Can I bring my children to my massage?

A: Only a baby that is not walking yet due to safety as having children running around the clinic is not safe, I also have oils etc, that are not locked. (Safety first)

Q: Are you trained in giving services to aged care & disability clients?

A: Yes, I have training and certificates in aged care, disability care rehabilitation and remedial massage for injuries and care needs. I have also worked in aged care for over 10 years giving firsthand care as well as remedial massage and exercise to residents in their homes and nursing homes in Canberra. I also used to teach manual handling for aged care and disability support staff in the community and agencies in Canberra. I also used to do assessments within the nursing homes and in the community for the safety of all workers. 

Q: Do you take credit cards and charge for using them?

A:  Yes I take Master Card - Visa Card - Apple Pay - GPay - Eftpos - American Express and PayPal. I use a square terminal for all payments as there is no cash on-site at all. I do not charge an extra 1.9% for using your credit card as some other bigger businesses do. 

Q: Do you charge extra for public holidays or weekends like other places do?

A: 100% No.

Q: Do you have clients waiting for their session?

A: No clients are waiting for their massage. Bookings are a must and in advance by a day or more depending on the time and day you are after. But sometimes I do have 1-hour short notice ones in the morning only.

Q: Do you treat women and men who have had a full to partial spine operation?

A: Yes I have males and females that have had from full to partial spinal operations.

You will need to send me a copy of the surgeon's report on the operation to put in your file. I also go over your report to get a better idea of the work that has been done. As long as there are no underlying problems with their spinal operation I will take your bookings. All clients give me their MIR reports or GP surgeon's reports two days before they come so I can go over the report. If you are not willing to give a copy then please don't make a booking. I have a duty of care to you and myself when I work on any one person with underlying problems whether it be pain or an injury who has seen a GP or physiotherapist etc.... (100% No report no massage)

Q: Are you a certified Remedial massage therapist with a Diploma of Remedial Massage under Australian guidelines?

A: Yes 100%. My diploma in remedial massage is under Australian standards. My Diploma comes from a registered training organisation (RTO) This is a training provider registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority ASQA (or a state regulator) to deliver VET services. RTOs provide quality training and qualifications that are nationally recognised within Australia. My Diploma of Remedial Massage HLT52015 is under an approved RTO. This means if I want to, I can register for health funds. 

Q: What is the meaning of a registered massage therapist in Australia?

A: It just means they are registered for health fund rebates in Australia as long as they have a diploma of remedial massage with an RTO in Australia. It doesn't mean they are trained better than someone who is not registered for health funds as long as they have a diploma in Remedial massage from an RTO in Australia. But saying this just because they have a diploma doesn't mean they are any good so look up reviews.

Q: Do you train in non-government accredited schools? 

A: Yes it is because I look for different schools to what I would like to learn to be able to have an open mind to different areas of interest in Deep Tissue Massage - Thai oil massage - Thai Yoga stretching - Platies - PNF stretching and any other areas that will benefit my client's health and wellness to learn different styles to achieve a good outcome for your clients. 

Q: Where could I go to learn about massage that has hands-on training, to see if I like it or not?

A: This company I have trained with and I have done many of their courses. Contact Cameron Aubrey as he is the director of Massage Courses & Training | Discover Massage Australia Please let him know Ray Flaherty sent you.

Q: If I have a skin disease, can I still come for a massage?

A: 100 % no Infection control is very important.

Q: Are you a non-smoker and have a smoke-free studio and grounds? 

A: Yes I am a 100% non-smoker. 

Q: Can I have a smoke before I come for a massage

A: No as it leaves a bad smell in the room which other people will smell.

Q: What massage oil do you use?

A:  Melrose H2oil water dispersible massage oil, click on the link to know more.

Physio Massage oil supplies are bought online at Massage oil shop (themassageoilshop.com.au) 

Q: Are there any medical conditions that would make massage inadvisable?
A: Yes. That's why it is imperative that, before you begin your session, the massage therapist will ask general health questions after you have filled in the health and consent assessment form. You must inform the massage therapist of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care like cancer treatment it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for a massage before any session. 

If you have any open cuts or wounds of any kind then please make an appointment once they have healed. If you have lots of pimples on your back I will not massage you for health and safety. reasons If the pimples are bleeding, I am unable to do the massage due to safety.

Important notice: If you have low blood pressure had a stroke heart attack, or any skin problems skin infections and blood infections. Please see your doctor before booking a massage and get their OK in writing to have a massage.