What is Active Performance Therapy?
Active Performance Therapy (AP Therapy) is a manual therapy method that aims to address and correct the movement patterns and muscle imbalances that contribute to pain, injury and reduced performance.
It combines conventional health and fitness practice with remedial massage, myofascial stripping, cupping, dry needling, red light therapy and exercise, with a strong focus on the root cause of movement problems rather than only the symptoms.
Three core principles
Direct symptom relief
Accurate assessment, then hands-on manual therapy for effective relief of pain on the day.
Supervised training
Specific exercises for functional movement and strengthening of the supporting muscle groups.
Self-care solutions
Lifestyle changes and a prescribed exercise program for prevention and maintenance between visits.
Our approach
Our treatment approach is designed around the three stages your body can be in: injured or recovering, suboptimal, and optimal. At each stage our practitioners undertake comprehensive assessments and provide targeted treatment to optimise recovery and enhance performance.
Remedial Massage
Remedial massage is the foundation of every Active Performance Therapy session.
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Dry Needling
Dry needling uses fine acupuncture-style needles inserted into trigger points to release tight bands of muscle, reduce pain and restore movement.
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Cupping
Cupping uses suction to lift the skin and fascia, drawing blood flow into tight or restricted tissue.
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Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy uses low-level red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular activity in skin, muscle and joint tissue.
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Myofascial stripping is a focused technique our therapists use within massage sessions to release tension in the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles.
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Exercise Therapy
Exercise is the second and third principle of Active Performance Therapy: supervised training to rebuild strength, stability and movement after symptom relief, then self-care programs you can do between visits.
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Sports Massage
Sports massage is remedial massage tuned to your training: lighter, faster work to prepare you before an event, deeper flushing and release to recover after one, and maintenance sessions between hard weeks that catch tightness before it becomes an injury.
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Personal Training
Your personal trainer at Active Performance Clinic is the same therapist who treats you, so your program is built around what the assessment found: the weak links, the stiff joints and the movement patterns that keep bringing pain back.
Learn moreThe treatment process
- Assessment. Baseline benchmarking, palpation and evaluation of isolated and functional mobility and strength.
- Education. Understanding the external factors influencing your injury, duration and recovery.
- Muscle and movement restoration. Supervised exercise, stretches and mobilisation for muscular restoration and balance.
- Manual therapy. Precise application of optimal therapeutic techniques for immediate symptom relief.
- Progression and monitoring. Milestones are measured and improvements are objectively tracked.
- Programming and prevention. Personalised plans to enhance physical performance and movement habits for the long term.
Initial screening and progression
At your first appointment we identify which stage you are in and set your treatment type: direct symptom relief for the injured or recovering stage, supervised training for the suboptimal stage, and self-care solutions to maintain the optimal stage.
What a session looks like
Every session at Active Performance Clinic begins with a comprehensive assessment by a Master Practitioner. From there our qualified therapists apply the techniques your assessment calls for, including red light therapy, remedial massage, cupping, dry needling and targeted mobility stretches or exercises. Each session combines therapies rather than delivering a single modality, so every visit moves you closer to your goal.
Appointments run 45, 60 or 90 minutes and start from $140. See pricing and packages, or read our FAQs on what to expect.
Common questions
Is Active Performance Therapy a type of physiotherapy?
No. AP Therapy is a manual therapy method developed at Active Performance Clinic that combines remedial massage, dry needling, cupping, red light therapy and exercise. Our practitioners are qualified remedial massage therapists and personal trainers, and we refer to doctors and physiotherapists when needed.
Do I pay extra when several modalities are used in one session?
No. Your practitioner chooses the combination that suits you within the booked appointment time. The only add-ons are a 20 minute red light therapy session ($30) and the Master Practitioner surcharge ($40) for a private treatment.
How long does a treatment plan take?
It depends on your condition and goals. After your initial assessment your practitioner recommends a frequency and duration. Many clients move from weekly visits to fortnightly or monthly maintenance as their self-care program takes over.
Experience Active Performance Therapy
Book an initial appointment online in under a minute. New clients choose "Consultation and Initial Treatment".