Frequently asked questions

Active Performance Therapy (AP Therapy) combines conventional health and fitness practice with remedial massage, dry needling, cupping, red light therapy and exercise, with a strong focus on addressing the root cause of movement problems rather than only the symptoms. It follows three principles: direct symptom relief, supervised training and self-care solutions.

Every session starts with an assessment by a Master Practitioner so treatment targets your specific problem. You get relief on the day from a combination of hands-on techniques, then a plan of exercise and self-care that stops the problem returning.

You do not need to decide in advance. Book an initial appointment and your practitioner will assess you and choose the combination of massage, dry needling, cupping, red light therapy and exercise that suits your condition and goals.

It depends on the problem. For muscular pain, tightness, desk-related aches and recovery, a remedial massage therapist is a direct first step. For a fresh injury that needs a diagnosis, nerve symptoms or post-surgery rehabilitation, see a doctor or physiotherapist first. Our guide 'Physio, osteo, chiro or remedial massage: who should you see?' in the Articles section explains each profession and where we fit.

Book online through our Cliniko booking page at any time, or call us on +61 416 533 542 if you have questions. New clients should book the Consultation and Initial Treatment option.

Yes. The online booking calendar lets you choose Ben, Piret or Darren and see their available times. If you have no preference, pick any time and we will match you with the right practitioner.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement. Bring any relevant scans, reports or referrals, and a list of questions or goals if that helps. If something aids your comfort, such as a favourite pillow or cushion, you are welcome to bring it.

It varies with the person and the condition. At your first visit your therapist assesses you thoroughly and sets out a personalised plan with the recommended frequency and duration of visits. Many people feel a difference after the first session, with lasting change building over a plan of care.

Usually, yes. Remedial massage is covered under the extras of most Australian health funds, and we have HICAPS in clinic so you can claim on the spot and pay only the gap. Rebates vary by fund and level of cover; check your policy for remedial massage. We provide itemised receipts for any manual claims.

Yes. We treat clients at every stage of pregnancy, from the first trimester through to the final weeks. Positioning, pressure and techniques are adapted to you and your stage. Let us know you are pregnant when you book, and check with your GP or midwife first if your pregnancy is considered high risk.

We treat clients aged 16 and over. If you are booking for a 16 or 17 year old, a parent or guardian should make the booking.

Yes. We work with Sydney CBD businesses on workplace massage sessions, group bookings at the clinic and desk-health sessions for staff. See our corporate and workplace page, or email ben@activeperformanceclinic.com.au with the size of your team and what you have in mind.

Each visit starts with an assessment by a Master Practitioner, and treatment may be delivered by any of our qualified therapists following the same plan. If you prefer a private treatment with a specific Master Practitioner, a $40 surcharge applies.

Yes, please let us know as soon as you can so the time can be offered to another client. Your booking confirmation email includes a link to cancel up to 48 hours ahead.

Cancellations need at least 48 hours notice. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a fee of 50% of the booked service, and no-shows or cancellations with less than 4 hours notice incur 100%, at the discretion of the clinic.

There is no on-site parking; the clinic is in the Sydney CBD at 22 Market Street. Public transport is the easiest option: Town Hall Station is a five-minute walk and Wynyard about ten. If you drive, paid car parks around the Queen Victoria Building and Darling Harbour are a few minutes' walk away.

An initial 60 minute appointment for first-time clients is $160. Follow-up appointments are $140 for 45 minutes, $160 for 60 minutes and $250 for 90 minutes. Red light therapy is $30 as a 20 minute add-on or $60 stand-alone. A $40 surcharge applies for a private treatment with a Master Practitioner. Prices current as of 27 October 2026.

Yes. The New Visitor Package ($590, saves $50) includes a consultation and initial treatment plus three standard follow-ups. The Performance Recovery Package ($530, saves $40) includes three standard follow-ups with red light therapy. Gift cards never expire and can be used on any package. Packages are sold in clinic. Gift cards can be bought in clinic, over the phone or by email.

Payment is due at the time of booking or at the end of the appointment. We accept HICAPS health fund claims on the spot, credit and debit cards, cash and electronic funds transfer.

Yes. We have HICAPS in the clinic, so if your extras cover includes remedial massage you can claim on the spot with your health fund card and pay only the gap. Cover and rebate amounts vary by fund and level of extras, so check your policy if you are unsure. We also provide itemised receipts if you prefer to claim online or by app. Our health fund rebates page lists the funds HICAPS supports.

We do not bill workers compensation insurers (icare or others) directly. You pay for your appointment on the day and receive an itemised receipt, which you can submit to your insurer or claims manager afterwards. Whether it is reimbursed depends on your claim and what your insurer has approved.

We are not an NDIS registered provider and do not bill plans directly. You are welcome to book and pay as a private client, and we provide an itemised receipt if you want to seek reimbursement through a self-managed plan.

Yes. One-on-one personal training sessions of 45 or 60 minutes are coached by our therapists, who hold Certificate IV in Personal Training alongside their massage qualifications. The price is the same whichever therapist you train with. Personal training is booked by phone or email rather than online, so call or email for current rates.

Yes. When someone you refer books their first appointment and mentions your name, you both receive 10% off: your friend on their first session and you on your next visit. There is no limit to the number of people you can refer.

Dry needling uses fine, single-use needles to release trigger points, the tight, tender knots in a muscle that refer pain and limit movement. The needle is placed into the trigger point, often producing a brief twitch as the muscle lets go. It is used within a remedial massage appointment for stubborn tightness that hands alone are slow to reach.

No. Both use fine needles, but dry needling targets muscular trigger points found by examination and is based on anatomy, while acupuncture follows traditional Chinese medicine meridians. Our practitioners use dry needling for musculoskeletal pain and movement restriction, not for general health conditions.

You may feel a brief twitch or a deep, dull ache as a trigger point releases. Most people describe it as odd rather than painful, and the sensation settles within seconds. Mild soreness in the treated muscle for a day or two afterwards is normal, much like after a hard workout.

Yes, in trained hands. Our practitioners hold advanced dry needling qualifications, use sterile single-use needles and follow strict hygiene. Minor bruising or short-lived soreness are the common side effects. Tell us before treatment if you take blood thinners, are pregnant, have a pacemaker, a needle phobia, lymphoedema, epilepsy or are unwell on the day, so we can adjust the plan or choose another technique.

Neck and shoulder tension, tension headaches, upper back knots, lower back and gluteal tightness, hip flexor and hamstring tightness, calf and shin pain, tennis elbow and jaw clenching. It is most useful where a muscle stays tight and tender despite stretching and massage.

Expect a dull ache in the treated muscles for 24 to 48 hours. Gentle movement, heat and water help. Light activity is fine; we suggest leaving heavy training or competition until the next day because the needled muscle can feel tired.

No. Dry needling is included in your appointment when your practitioner recommends it, at no extra charge. Book a standard appointment; your assessment decides whether needling, cupping, massage or exercise will make the biggest difference that day.

Of course. If you would rather not be needled, say so and your practitioner will plan around it. Remedial massage, myofascial release and cupping reach the same trigger points, just more slowly.