Upside Health + Movement: Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

  • Upside Health & Movement is located at 125A Buckley Street, Essendon VIC 3040. We are situated along Buckley Street between Leslie Road and Sherbourne Street, directly opposite the intersection of Rose Street. You will spot our clinic right near St Columba’s College and just steps away from Squires Loft.

  • Driving: Due to the level crossing underpass outside the clinic, Maps can play up when mapping to our direct address. Using the address 1 Leslie Road, Essendon will get you here without any problems.

    Parking: There is parking available on Leslie Road or Sherbourne Road. Please check the signage and let your therapist know if you need to leave at a specific time to move your car.

    Train: We are across the road from Essendon Train Station.

    Tram: Stop 41 on the Route 59 tram to and from Melbourne to Airport West will get you to within 350 metres of the clinic. It is then just a short walk under Essendon Train Station to Rose Street and then to Buckley Street.

  • We offer a comprehensive range of evidence-based allied and manual health services tailored to your body's needs:

    • Myotherapy: Advanced clinical assessment, dry needling, joint mobilization, cupping, and chronic pain management.

    • Remedial Massage: Targeted deep tissue work designed to release muscle tension, break down adhesions, and ease postural aches.

    • Sports Massage & Athlete Care: Pre-event priming, post-event flushing, and injury management.

    • Exercise Prescription & Rehabilitation: Guided movement and corrective exercise programs to build long-term strength, resilience, and mobility.

  • Please read our blog about this topic for a full run-down on the difference between Remedial Massage and Myotherapy.

    If you aren’t sure whether you need to book a Remedial Massage or a Myotherapy treatment. Call us, and we will discuss which modality we think is suitable for you!

  • We value your time and the time of our practitioners. When you book an appointment, we reserve that time exclusively for you.

    • Late Cancellation: Cancellations made less than 12 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time will incur a $50 fee.

    • No-Show: Failure to attend your appointment without prior notice (a "no-show") will be charged the full appointment fee.

    Fee Waiver Option (48-Hour Re-booking)

    If you must cancel late or miss your appointment, we offer a 48-hour window from the original appointment time to re-book a new appointment within the next two weeks. If you successfully re-book and attend the new appointment, the late cancellation or no-show fee will be waived.

Myotherapy FAQs

  • Myotherapy is a form of physical therapy focused on the assessment, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It targets muscles, fascia, nerves, and joints to restore normal movement, alleviate acute or chronic pain, and improve overall functional mobility.

  • Myotherapists conduct thorough postural, orthopaedic, and range-of-motion assessments to identify the root cause of discomfort. Treatment plans often combine advanced hands-on techniques—such as trigger point therapy, dry needling, myofascial release, joint mobilisation, and cupping—with corrective exercise prescription and lifestyle advice.

  • No, you do not need a GP referral to see a myotherapist as a private patient. However, a referral and specific claim documentation may be required if your treatment is funded through third parties like WorkCover, TAC, or the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA).

  • Yes. Most major private health insurance providers cover myotherapy under their "Extras" policies. On-the-spot claiming via HICAPS is typically available—check your policy to confirm your specific level of cover and annual limits.

  • Generally, standard myotherapy consultations are not covered by Medicare. Medicare rebates under Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans apply strictly to allied health disciplines like physiotherapy, podiatry, and chiropractic.

  • Yes, WorkCover may cover myotherapy treatments depending on your state’s regulations and insurer approval. You will typically need an approved claim number and a formal medical referral from your treating GP before sessions can be billed to the insurer.

  • NDIS does not currently support Myotherapy treatments.

Remedial Massage FAQs

  • Remedial massage is a targeted, therapeutic form of massage designed to treat muscles that are damaged, knotted, tense, or immobile. Rather than purely focusing on relaxation, it uses targeted pressure to locate and repair biomechanical imbalances and relieve localized pain.

  • Remedial therapists assess tension patterns and posture before using targeted manual techniques like deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, passive stretching, and myofascial release. They work systematically to break down adhesions, enhance blood circulation, and speed up tissue recovery.

  • No, a referral is not required to book a standard remedial massage appointment. A GP referral is only needed if you are seeking funding through third-party compensation schemes such as WorkCover or motor vehicle accident claims.

  • Yes. Most private health funds cover remedial massage under "Extras" cover. If your therapist is registered with your provider, you can claim your rebate instantly at the clinic using HICAPS.

  • No, remedial massage is not eligible for Medicare rebates or GP Chronic Disease Management (CDM) referral plans.

  • In many cases, yes. WorkCover approval varies by state, but it generally requires pre-approval from your case manager, an accepted claim number, and a medical referral from your primary care doctor outlining massage as part of your rehabilitation.

  • NDIS does not currently support Myotherapy treatments.

Sports Massage FAQs

  • Sports massage is a specialised manual therapy geared toward athletes, active individuals, and gym-goers. It focuses on optimising athletic performance, speeding up workout recovery, improving muscle flexibility, and reducing the risk of sports-related injuries.

    Our therapists apply dynamic techniques—such as cross-fibre friction, broad-stroke compression, assisted stretching, and deep tissue manipulation. Sessions are tailored around your training cycle, whether preparing muscles pre-event, flushing out metabolic waste post-event, or rehabilitating acute sprains and strains.

    Anyone can get a Sports Massage. While sports massage is designed to enhance athletic performance and speed up recovery, it benefits anyone with an active lifestyle, desk-related stiffness, or physically demanding work. It uses dynamic techniques—such as deep tissue manipulation, compression, and assisted stretching—to relieve tight muscles and restore joint mobility.

  • Private health funds do not have a dedicated rebate category labeled "Sports Massage." Instead, your appointment will be invoiced as either Remedial Massage or Myotherapy, depending on the qualification and provider registration of your practitioner. This allows you to claim on the spot via HICAPS using your eligible Extras cover.

  • Because sports massage often involves active and passive stretching, movement assessments, and range-of-motion testing, comfortable, flexible clothing—such as athletic shorts, leggings, and a sports top—is recommended. Your therapist will provide appropriate draping throughout the hands-on treatment.

WorkCover FAQs

  • Yes. Both Myotherapy and Remedial Massage are covered by WorkCover for work-related injuries, provided your claim has been accepted and manual therapy is deemed reasonable and necessary for your physical recovery and return-to-work plan. (Note: If you are booking for athletic rehabilitation or sports massage, your treatment will simply be invoiced under either Remedial Massage or Myotherapy depending on your therapist's qualifications).

  • Yes. To have your treatments funded, you must provide a current medical referral or certificate of capacity from your treating General Practitioner (GP) specifically recommending Myotherapy or Remedial Massage for your workplace injury.

  • As WorkCover insurers do not cover the entire consultation fee, a gap fee will be charged to you in accordance with the clinic’s full private fees. Clients have the option to either pay the gap fee at the time of service or opt for Upside to claim and cover the gap on their behalf.

  • Treatments with Daniel (Senior Myotherapist)

    Initial Treatment Fee (60min) = $135.00
    WorkCover Payment = $72.32
    Out of Pocket = $62.68

    Return Treatment Fee (30min / 45min) = $85.00 / $115.00
    WorkCover Payment = $48.70
    Out of Pocket = $36.30 / $66.30

    Treatments with Armina (Remedial Massage Therapist)

    Initial Treatment Fee (60min) = $115.00
    WorkCover Payment = $72.32
    Out of Pocket = $42.68

    Return Treatment Fee (30min / 45min) = $75.00 / $95.00
    WorkCover Payment = $48.70
    Out of Pocket = $26.30 / $46.30

    *Figures calculated by Worksafe Service Fee Schedule July 2026 and Upside Fee Schedule July 2026