Massage Therapy in New South Wales & Queensland
Complete Allied Health Care’s massage therapy team offers a full range of remedial and wellness massage services across our Greater Sydney & Queensland clinic network. Our therapists are members of the Australian Association of Massage Therapists (AAMT) — the professional credential required by most major private health funds for remedial massage rebate eligibility, so you can claim on-the-spot via HICAPS at every CAHC clinic. Our multilingual team offers sessions in Vietnamese, Mandarin, and Cantonese — and CAHC is proud to have one of the few Norwegian-speaking remedial massage therapists in Sydney available across our network. Every remedial massage session at CAHC begins with a before-and-after functional assessment unique to our clinics, ensuring your treatment is individually tailored rather than a generic routine — read more in The CAHC Difference section below.
What Is Remedial Massage?
Remedial massage is a targeted, therapeutic form of massage focused on assessing and addressing musculoskeletal tension, soft tissue dysfunction, and movement-related discomfort. Unlike relaxation massage, which is a general wellness treatment, remedial massage involves a clinical assessment before each session and is tailored to your specific presenting concerns — this is the critical distinction that matters for your private health cover: most major Australian health funds rebate remedial massage by an AAMT-registered therapist, but do not typically rebate relaxation or Swedish massage.
CAHC massage therapists are members of the Australian Association of Massage Therapists (AAMT) — the professional standard required by most major health funds for remedial massage rebate eligibility. Membership of a recognised body such as AAMT means your therapist has met national training and professional conduct standards, and that your fund can verify eligibility when you claim.
At CAHC, every remedial massage session begins with a brief functional assessment — your therapist asks about your presenting concern, reviews any relevant history, and performs a targeted assessment of the areas to be treated. This means the technique, pressure, and focus of your session are directed by what the assessment reveals, not by a pre-set routine. After the session, your therapist checks in on your response to treatment and provides home care recommendations where appropriate. This before-and-after approach is unique to CAHC and is explained further in The CAHC Difference section below.
Massage therapy at CAHC sits within a full multi-disciplinary network: our therapists work alongside Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists, and Chiropractors — making coordinated care straightforward for patients managing musculoskeletal conditions, sports recovery, or workplace injuries without the need for multiple referral pathways.
Our Massage Types
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Clinical / Remedial Massage Types
Remedial Massage Remedial massage is a targeted therapeutic massage focused on assessing and addressing musculoskeletal tension, soft tissue restriction, and postural imbalances. Every session at CAHC begins with a pre-session assessment and is tailored to your presenting concerns. Health fund rebates are available for AAMT-registered therapists — check your fund’s Extras cover and annual limits before booking. Rebate amounts and annual limits vary by fund and level of cover — confirm current rates with your health fund.
Deep Tissue Massage Deep tissue massage uses firm, targeted pressure directed at deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It is commonly sought by people experiencing chronic muscle tension, sports-related soreness, or postural strain from prolonged desk work or physical activity. Note: deep tissue massage uses significant pressure — communicate your comfort level with your therapist throughout the session, and the technique can be adjusted at any time.
Sports Remedial Massage Sports remedial massage is designed to support athletic training, performance preparation, and recovery from sports activity. It combines remedial and deep tissue techniques targeted to the specific demands of a sport or activity, and is suitable for athletes at all levels — from recreational weekend exercise to competitive training. Sports massage is available both before events (preparation) and after (recovery), as well as for general training load management.
Trigger Point Therapy Trigger point therapy applies focused pressure to specific points of muscle tension — known as trigger points — that can contribute to local or referred discomfort in other areas of the body. Trigger point therapy is often incorporated into a remedial massage session rather than delivered as a standalone treatment, depending on your presenting concern and therapist assessment.
Myofascial Release Myofascial release is a gentle, sustained technique applied to the fascia — the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles throughout the body — to address restrictions in movement and tissue mobility. It is commonly incorporated into remedial massage for clients experiencing postural tension, restricted movement, or areas of persistent tightness.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage Lymphatic drainage is a light, rhythmic massage technique designed to support the natural movement of lymph fluid — commonly sought following surgery, soft tissue injury, or where fluid retention is a concern. Please speak with your GP before booking lymphatic drainage if you have a specific medical condition.
Wellness Massage Types
Relaxation (Swedish) Massage Swedish massage is a gentle, flowing massage technique designed to promote relaxation, reduce general stress, and support overall wellbeing. It uses lighter pressure than remedial massage and follows a more flowing, full-body approach. Important: relaxation massage is a general wellness treatment and is not typically rebated by private health funds. If you are planning to claim a health fund rebate, please book a remedial massage with an AAMT-registered therapist instead. Rebate amounts and annual limits vary by fund and level of cover — check with your health fund before booking.
Pregnancy Massage Pregnancy massage is a gentle, adapted massage technique supporting the physical changes of pregnancy — addressing back discomfort, hip tension, and fatigue in a safe, supported position. We recommend speaking with your GP or midwife before booking a pregnancy massage, particularly in the first trimester. Pregnancy massage at CAHC is typically offered from the second trimester onwards.
The CAHC Difference — Before and After Session Assessment
At CAHC, every remedial massage session begins with a brief functional assessment — your therapist asks about your presenting concern, reviews any relevant history, and performs a targeted assessment of the area or areas to be treated. This means the technique, pressure, and focus of your session are directed by what the assessment reveals, rather than following a generic routine.
After the session, your therapist checks in with you on the response to treatment — noting any changes in tension, mobility, or comfort — and provides home care recommendations where appropriate, such as specific stretches, hydration guidance, or heat and cold application. This assessment-led approach is part of what distinguishes CAHC’s remedial massage service from general wellness massage, and it is the foundation for any ongoing treatment schedule your therapist may recommend.
This before-and-after session assessment is a CAHC differentiator — not found on any other CAHC service page and not standard practice across all massage clinics. It should be given structural prominence in the published page and referenced in the trust badge block above.
Private Health Rebates — How Massage Therapy Is Funded
Unlike Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, and several other CAHC services, massage therapy is NOT covered by Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans. This is the most important funding distinction on this page — private health insurance is the primary rebate pathway for massage therapy in Australia.
Private Health Insurance (Extras Cover) — Primary Funding Pathway
- Remedial massage is covered by most major Australian private health funds under Extras (Ancillary) cover — provided the therapist holds recognised professional body membership such as AAMT.
- CAHC massage therapists hold AAMT membership — the credential required by most major funds for remedial massage rebate eligibility.
- HICAPS on-the-spot claiming is available at all CAHC clinics — bring your health fund card and your rebate is processed at the time of payment, with no paperwork required.
- Annual limits apply — most funds have a combined annual limit for massage and/or natural therapies that resets on 1 January (or your policy anniversary date). Check your remaining limit before booking, particularly later in the calendar year.
- Relaxation massage is NOT typically rebated — private health rebates apply to remedial massage (by a registered therapist, with a clinical assessment), not to relaxation or Swedish massage. If you intend to claim, book a remedial massage.
- Rebate amounts and annual limits vary by fund and level of cover — confirm current rates and eligibility with your health fund before booking.
Medicare — Does NOT Cover Massage Therapy
Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans do not cover massage therapy. This is different from Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, Occupational Therapy, and the other disciplines in the CAHC network, which are CDM-eligible. If your GP has recommended you see a remedial massage therapist, they cannot provide a Medicare referral for this service — private health insurance Extras cover or self-funded payment applies instead.
Self-Funded / Out-of-Pocket
- No GP referral is required to book massage therapy at CAHC — anyone can self-refer and book directly online or by phone.
- Session fees vary by duration (30, 45, 60, or 90 minutes) and massage type — contact your nearest CAHC clinic or book online to confirm current pricing.
What to Expect — Your First Remedial Massage Appointment
Before You Arrive: Wear or bring comfortable, loose clothing suitable for the area being treated. At the time of booking, please inform reception if you have any injuries, medical conditions, or are pregnant. No GP referral is required for any massage appointment at CAHC. If you plan to claim a private health rebate, bring your health fund card — HICAPS on-the-spot claiming is available at all clinics.
Pre-Session Assessment: Your massage therapist will briefly discuss your presenting concern, any relevant medical history, and your goals for the session. A brief functional assessment of the area to be treated helps tailor the treatment to your individual needs — this is the CAHC difference described above.
Your Treatment Session: Your therapist uses the techniques most appropriate to your presenting concern and goals, drawn from the massage types listed above. Communicate your pressure preference throughout the session — your comfort level matters and the approach can be adjusted at any time.
Post-Session Check-In: After the session, your therapist checks in with you about the response to treatment and provides any home care recommendations — stretches, heat or cold application, or hydration guidance as appropriate to your presenting concern.
Booking Your Next Session: Depending on your presenting concern, your therapist may recommend a follow-up schedule. For ongoing musculoskeletal presentations, regular sessions are often more beneficial than single appointments. Your therapist will discuss a suggested cadence after the first session.
First-time massage clients are welcome to ask questions before and during the session — your comfort and communication are important throughout.
Our Multilingual Massage Therapy Team
CAHC has a Norwegian-speaking remedial massage therapist — one of the very few in the Sydney allied health landscape. This reflects CAHC’s genuine commitment to serving the diverse communities across Greater Sydney & Queensland, going well beyond the most widely spoken community languages to reach patients who may have limited English and would benefit from care in their first language.
Across the broader CAHC massage therapy team, sessions are also available in Vietnamese, Mandarin, and Cantonese. For languages not covered directly by the therapy team, CAHC’s TIS National interpreter service is available to support patient communication.
All CAHC massage therapists hold AAMT membership — the professional standard required for private health rebate eligibility.
What Our Patients Say
CAHC holds 2,757 five-star Google reviews across our network — see what patients and clients are saying about the care they’ve received at our clinics.
Are You a Medical Practitioner?
GPs can recommend massage therapy to patients as a complementary component of a broader musculoskeletal or wellness management plan. While Medicare CDM plans do not cover massage therapy, most major private health funds do — and HICAPS on-the-spot claiming makes the process seamless for patients. No formal referral is required; a GP recommendation is sufficient for patients to book directly.
CAHC’s multi-disciplinary model means your patient can access massage therapy alongside Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, and Exercise Physiology within the same network — coordinated care without multiple referral pathways. Practitioner communication and progress notes available on request.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Remedial massage is a targeted, assessment-led form of massage therapy focused on specific presenting concerns such as muscle tension, soft tissue restriction, or movement-related discomfort. Before each session, your therapist conducts a brief functional assessment to understand the concern and tailor the treatment. Relaxation (Swedish) massage, by contrast, is a general wellness treatment using lighter, flowing pressure designed to promote overall relaxation rather than address a specific concern. This distinction matters for your private health cover: most major Australian health funds rebate remedial massage by an AAMT-registered therapist, but do not typically rebate relaxation massage. Rebate amounts and annual limits vary by fund and level of cover — confirm eligibility with your health fund before booking.
Yes — remedial massage is covered by most major Australian private health funds under Extras (Ancillary) cover, provided the therapist holds membership of a recognised professional body such as AAMT. CAHC massage therapists hold AAMT membership, which is the standard required by most funds for rebate eligibility. HICAPS on-the-spot claiming is available at all CAHC clinics — bring your health fund card and your rebate is processed at the time of payment. Annual limits apply: most funds have a combined annual limit for massage or natural therapies that resets on 1 January or your policy anniversary. Check your remaining limit before booking, particularly late in the year. Note that relaxation (Swedish) massage is not typically rebated — if you plan to claim, book a remedial massage. Rebate amounts vary by fund and level of cover — always confirm with your health fund before booking.
No — Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans do not cover massage therapy. This is different from Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, Occupational Therapy, and other services in the CAHC network, which are CDM-eligible under Medicare. If your GP has recommended you see a remedial massage therapist, they cannot issue a Medicare referral for this service. Private health insurance Extras cover or self-funded payment applies. If you have Extras cover with a major health fund, your remedial massage sessions may be partially rebated — check with your fund for eligibility and limits.
Session fees vary depending on duration (30, 45, 60, or 90 minutes) and the type of massage. Private health rebates reduce the out-of-pocket cost for eligible remedial massage sessions — rebate amounts depend on your fund and level of cover. Contact your nearest CAHC clinic or book online to confirm current pricing for your location.
No — a GP referral is not required for any massage therapy appointment at CAHC. Anyone can self-refer and book directly online or by phone at their nearest clinic. If you have been advised by your GP to see a massage therapist, their recommendation is helpful context for your session but is not required to access the service. Note: Medicare does not cover massage therapy, so a GP referral does not provide access to Medicare rebates for this discipline.
Remedial massage is commonly sought by people experiencing muscle tension and discomfort in the back, neck, and shoulders. At CAHC, our therapists assess the area before the session and tailor the treatment to the presenting concern — technique, pressure, and focus are all directed by what the assessment reveals rather than a generic routine. Many people report reduced muscle tension and improved physical ease following a remedial massage session. If your back or neck symptoms are persistent, severe, or accompanied by other changes such as numbness or weakness, a Physiotherapy assessment may also be appropriate — our team can discuss a coordinated approach across both disciplines.
Yes — pregnancy massage is available at CAHC. It is a gentle, adapted massage technique supporting the physical changes of pregnancy, including back discomfort, hip tension, and fatigue. We recommend speaking with your GP or midwife before booking a pregnancy massage, particularly in the first trimester. Pregnancy massage at CAHC is typically offered from the second trimester onwards. Please inform reception that you are pregnant at the time of booking so the appropriate setup and therapist can be confirmed for your appointment.
Deep tissue massage is a technique that uses firm, targeted pressure directed at deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Remedial massage is the broader clinical framework: it is assessment-led, tailored to your specific presenting concern, and may incorporate a range of techniques including deep tissue, trigger point, and myofascial release depending on what the assessment reveals. In practice, many CAHC clients book a remedial massage session, and the therapist determines during the pre-session assessment whether deep tissue techniques are the most appropriate approach for their presenting concern.
Yes — sports remedial massage is available at CAHC, and is suitable for athletes and active people at all levels, from recreational sport through to competitive training. Sports massage combines remedial and deep tissue techniques targeted to the specific demands of a sport or physical activity, and can be used for preparation before an event, recovery after activity, or ongoing management of training load. Book as a remedial massage appointment and discuss your sports and training context with your therapist during the pre-session assessment.
CAHC’s massage therapy team includes Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Norwegian-speaking therapists. The Norwegian-speaking therapist is a genuine rarity in the Sydney allied health landscape and reflects CAHC’s commitment to serving diverse communities across Greater Sydney & Queensland. CAHC’s TIS National interpreter service is also available for languages not covered directly by the therapy team.
Frequency depends on your individual presenting concern and goals. Your therapist will discuss a suggested schedule with you after your first session based on the assessment findings. For ongoing musculoskeletal tension or sports training recovery, many people find that regular sessions — fortnightly or monthly — are more beneficial than occasional single appointments. There is no universal recommendation — your therapist will guide you based on your individual needs and response to treatment.
Your CAHC Psychologist will discuss therapeutic approaches with you during your initial consultation and recommend an approach based on your presenting concerns, personal history, and goals. You are welcome to ask about specific modalities when booking — if you have previously found a particular approach helpful, or have been recommended a specific therapy by your GP, please mention this. There is no obligation to continue with any approach that does not feel right for you — your Psychologist will check in regularly and adjust the approach as your needs evolve. If you have questions about whether CAHC’s Psychology team is the right fit, contact your nearest clinic before booking and a team member will be glad to help.
No — it is not possible to claim the same massage session through both Medicare and private health insurance. Medicare does not cover massage therapy under any plan, including Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans. Private health Extras cover is the applicable rebate pathway for eligible remedial massage sessions. Rebate amounts and annual limits vary by fund and level of cover — confirm current rates and eligibility with your health fund before booking.
Our Massage Therapy Clinics
CAHC offers remedial massage and a range of massage therapy types across our Greater Sydney & Queensland clinic network — find your nearest location below.
Logan Village
Complete Allied Health Care:
Suite 2/131-133 Albert Street, Logan Village QLD 4207
- Monday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
- Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Wednesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Thursday: 8:00am – 7:00pm
- Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Saturday: 8:00am – 1:00pm
Related Services
Massage therapy at CAHC works best as part of a multi-disciplinary approach. Depending on your presenting concern, the following services may complement your massage sessions:
- Physiotherapy — For musculoskeletal conditions requiring clinical assessment, exercise prescription, and hands-on rehabilitation alongside massage.
- Chiropractic — Spinal and joint assessment — Chiropractic care and massage therapy are commonly used together for back and neck presentations.
- Exercise Physiology — For chronic disease management and long-term physical conditioning alongside remedial massage for sports and workplace recovery.
- NDIS Services — Massage therapy may be accessible under NDIS — speak with your support coordinator about whether it aligns with your plan goals.
- Home Visits — Allied health delivered to your home — confirm massage therapy home visit availability with your nearest clinic.
Ready to book your massage therapy appointment?
Bring your health fund card — HICAPS on-the-spot claiming available for eligible remedial massage sessions.
