Practice Policies & Client Eligibility

• Are you accepting new male clients? Ray is no longer accepting new male clients. This policy maintains a safe, comfortable working environment and protects long-term physical stamina. Ray continues to treat existing, long-term male clients (including family members of long-standing female clients). Thank you for respecting this practice policy.

• What are the physical mobility and table safety requirements? In compliance with the ACT Work Health and Safety (Hazardous Manual Tasks) Code of Practice 2020, clients must be able to get onto the electric massage table and turn over safely without assistance. Ray uses a specialised, compact table designed for athletic builds and no longer performs heavy limb lifting to prevent therapist injury and maintain clinical safety standards. Ray reserves the right to decline treatment if safety or health standards may be compromised.

1. Clinical Excellence & Safety Standards

• Are you a qualified Remedial Massage Therapist? Absolutely. I hold a Diploma of Remedial Massage (HLT52015), the gold standard in Australia. My qualification is from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), ensuring treatment meets high national standards.

• What does "Registered Massage Therapist" mean in Australia? "Registered" is primarily a business designation related to health fund rebates. Both registered and non-registered remedial massage therapists hold the same accredited Diploma of Remedial Massage under Australian standards. Quality is best judged by professional experience, results, and Google reviews.

• Why do you require medical reports (MRI, Ultrasound, GP notes) before treatment? Duty of Care requires ensuring all treatment is safe. For existing injuries or spinal surgeries, GP, surgeon, or imaging reports (MRI/Ultrasound) are required at least 48 hours before your session to understand the root cause of pain and avoid complications.

• Does everyone have to fill out a health and consent form? Yes. First-time clients must complete a health history and consent form to outline medical history and injuries. All information is kept confidential and secure. With your written consent, clinical reports can be provided to your GP, NDIS, or specialist if necessary.

• Are there medical conditions where massage is not advised? Treatment cannot be provided for active infections, severe/bleeding back acne, or contagious skin conditions. Clients undergoing treatment for cancer, heart conditions, or blood-related infections require a written medical clearance from their doctor before appointment.

2. Specialised Women’s Health

Dedicated care for the unique physiological needs of women.

• Have you massaged women with PTSD & CPTSD? Yes. I have worked extensively with women managing Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)—particularly armed forces veterans and survivors of domestic abuse. Trauma often presents physically as chronic muscle "armouring" and nervous system hyperarousal. Tailored sports/remedial massage and specific physical exercises help soothe the nervous system, lower stress hormones, and ease physical tension. While trauma-informed bodywork is not a cure, it serves as a safe, supportive physical aid alongside a holistic healing journey.

• Do you offer Sacred Body Work for women seeking a mind-body connection? Yes. Premium Embodied Sacred Body Work is available as a specialised service. Access to this area requires a specific access code.

• Do you offer support for post-mastectomy or breast surgery recovery? Yes. Gentle scar tissue management and lymphatic drainage are available. Medical clearance from your surgeon is required to ensure incisions are fully healed before treatment begins.

• I suffer from Endometriosis; can massage help? Yes. While massage does not treat the underlying condition, it helps release "guarding"—the chronic tightness in the abdomen, lower back, and hips caused by pelvic pain—reducing physical stress on the nervous system.

• I have my period; should I cancel my appointment? No need to cancel. As long as you feel well enough and have refreshed your personal hygiene items (pad/tampon/cup), you are welcome. Many clients find massage during their cycle provides significant relief from pelvic and lower back tension.

• Can I still have a massage if I have a colostomy bag? Yes. Having a colostomy bag is not a barrier to receiving treatment. Positioning will be adjusted to ensure total comfort and privacy. Please replace the bag before your session.

• I have trouble with my pelvic floor muscles; can you help? Yes. Pelvic floor issues can contribute significantly to surrounding bodily pain. With your full, explicit consent, relevant external trigger points can be checked and released to help ease discomfort.

• Do you offer therapeutic breast massage? Yes. Breast tissue is a normal part of human anatomy, and therapeutic massage supports circulatory and lymphatic health—especially for athletes wearing tight sports bras or women with breast implants. This is a strictly clinical, non-sexual therapeutic service.

3. Professional Boundaries, Comfort & What to Expect

• What is your approach regarding body image, scars, or physical insecurities? The studio is a zero-judgment zone. Whether dealing with surgical scars, mastectomy scars, stretch marks, or weight fluctuations, your body is viewed strictly through a professional clinical lens and honoured exactly as it is.

• I’ve never seen a male therapist before; what can I expect? It is completely normal to feel apprehensive. The approach is 100% professional: every target muscle is explained before treatment, and strict professional draping techniques are used at all times. You are always welcome to bring a female chaperone to sit in during your session.

• Do you massage over clothes? No. Massage is performed directly on the skin to achieve optimal clinical results and protect the therapist's joint health.

• Do you massage the full glutes? Yes, 100% of the gluteal muscles are massaged during comprehensive treatment. The glutes play a major role in walking, running, and sitting, and tightness here is frequently the primary cause of lower back pain.

• What should I wear if I need my glutes (buttocks) massaged? To treat the gluteal muscles effectively without restriction, wearing a G-string is recommended (disposable options provided free). If full-coverage underwear is worn, treatment to the glutes will be limited, as pulling tight elastic undergarments aside causes finger strain and limits muscle access.

• What is your policy on towelling and draping? Professional draping is practised at all times to ensure privacy and warmth. If you have specific preferences regarding not wanting to be covered, please communicate them so treatment can be tailored to your comfort.

4. Studio Environment & Logistics

• Can I bring my baby or child to the appointment? To ensure full benefit from the session, attending solo is recommended. However, nursing mothers with a sleeping infant in a carrier may contact the studio in advance to discuss logistical arrangements.

• What is your approach to aged care and disability support? With over 10 years of experience serving the Canberra community, services include specialised remedial massage, rehabilitation exercises, and manual handling support tailored to individual needs.

• Can I walk in for an appointment? No. All sessions must be booked in advance to maintain privacy and ensure clients do not cross paths in the studio.

• Is there parking available? Yes. Free, safe, off-street parking is available on the private driveway.

• Is the environment smoke-free? Yes. The studio and grounds are strictly smoke-free. Clients are requested to refrain from smoking before arrival to maintain clean air quality for sensitive individuals.

What kind of massage oils do you use? Two high-quality professional blends are used:

• Muscle & Joint Oil: Formulated with Wintergreen, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Pepper to target inflammation.

• H2Oil Water Dispersible Oil: A clean, nut-oil-free blend of Sunflower, Rice Bran, and Coconut oils.

5. Fees & Insurance

• Can I claim my private health insurance rebate? No. The practice operates independently of private health fund schemes to keep base rates standard and affordable. Flat rates are often more cost-effective than paying for higher "extras" insurance cover for minor rebates.

Working With Vulnerable People (ACT) Registered (WWVP)

Contacts 0435-626-343