Frequently asked questions.
Everything you might want to know before booking a remedial massage, Kahuna bodywork, or mobile session on the Sunshine Coast. Think of this as the full remedial massage FAQ — sessions, pricing, rebates, suburbs, what to expect. Can't find your question? Send it through the contact form.
About my services.
The big-picture questions clients ask most often before their first session — what's the difference between remedial massage and Kahuna bodywork, what to wear, how long sessions run, and how often to book. Start here if you're new.
What's the difference between remedial massage and Kahuna bodywork?
Remedial is therapeutic — targeted bodywork for pain, injury, and muscular issues using techniques like deep tissue work, trigger point release, and stretching. Kahuna bodywork is a traditional Hawaiian modality using long, flowing forearm strokes across the whole body in continuous, rhythmic movements — it's restorative and energetic as much as physical. If you're injured or in pain, start with remedial. If you want to deeply unwind or have an emotional release, try Kahuna. Both are deeply effective, just for different reasons.
How do I know which type of massage I need?
If you have a specific pain, injury, or postural issue, book remedial. If you want full-body relaxation, emotional release, or a deeply nurturing experience, book Kahuna. If you're not sure, mention it when you book and I'll guide you — or we can blend techniques during the session. Mobile massage uses the same modality choices, just delivered at your home instead of my Valdora clinic.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear whatever you're comfortable taking off — most clients undress to underwear or are nude under the sheet, but you can keep underwear on if you prefer. You'll be modestly draped throughout the session with only the area being worked on exposed. For Kahuna bodywork, the traditional practice is sheet-free undraping, but I always adapt to your comfort level. Bring loose, comfortable clothing for afterwards.
How long does a typical session take?
Remedial sessions are most commonly 60 minutes ($120) or 90 minutes ($165). Kahuna bodywork is recommended at 90 minutes ($165) minimum to honour the tradition — though 75 minutes ($150) is available. Mobile sessions start at 60 minutes ($140). I factor 10-15 minutes either side for arrival, consultation, and aftercare, so block out roughly 90 minutes total for a 60-minute session.
How often should I get a massage?
For specific injury recovery, weekly sessions until improvement, then taper. For ongoing muscular maintenance or stress management, fortnightly to monthly works well for most clients. Kahuna bodywork is a deeper-cycle modality — monthly to quarterly is common. Your body will tell you what it needs; I'll discuss frequency during your first session based on what you're working with.
About remedial massage.
The therapeutic, clinical side of bodywork — what is a remedial massage, how it works, whether it's painful, and how it differs for pregnancy. This is the modality covered by ANTA health fund rebates.
What is remedial massage?
Remedial massage is a therapeutic form of bodywork that targets specific musculoskeletal issues — pain, injury, postural problems, tight muscles, restricted movement. It uses techniques like deep tissue work, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and assisted stretching to address the underlying causes of physical discomfort. In Australia it's a regulated profession requiring formal training (I hold a Diploma from Demi International) and is the modality covered by private health fund extras rebates.
Is remedial massage painful?
It can be intense, but it shouldn't be unbearably painful. Effective remedial work often produces a "hurts so good" sensation — pressure that feels productive rather than damaging. I check in about pressure throughout the session, and you can ask me to lighten up at any time. Sore spots after working on chronic tension are normal for a day or two; sharp pain during the session means we back off and try a different angle.
How does remedial massage work?
Remedial massage works through a combination of mechanical and neurological effects. Mechanically, sustained pressure breaks down adhesions in muscle and fascia, increases blood flow, and improves tissue mobility. Neurologically, slow deep pressure activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing muscle guarding and pain signals. The combination is what gives lasting results — not just feeling good for an hour, but actual improvement in function and pain levels over the days following the session.
Is pregnancy massage safe in all trimesters?
With the right positioning and a qualified therapist, remedial massage is safe throughout pregnancy. First trimester I'd recommend checking with your GP first, especially if there are complications. Second and third trimester sessions use side-lying positioning with bolsters for support. I focus on common pregnancy issues — lower back, hips, shoulders, calves — while avoiding pressure points and positions that aren't appropriate. Mention your due date and any medical considerations when booking.
About Kahuna bodywork.
The traditional Hawaiian modality I trained in at Mette's Institute — what is Kahuna massage, where it comes from, what to expect during a session, and how it differs from Lomi Lomi.
What is Kahuna massage?
Kahuna massage (also spelt Ka Huna) is a traditional Hawaiian bodywork modality using long, flowing forearm strokes that travel the entire length of the body in continuous, rhythmic movements. It's as much an energetic and emotional practice as a physical one — the rhythm, depth, and unbroken connection between strokes create a deeply meditative experience for both client and therapist. I trained at Mette's Institute through all three levels in the tradition of Mette Sorensen.
Where does Kahuna bodywork come from?
Kahuna bodywork has roots in ancient Hawaiian healing practices traditionally performed by Kahuna (spiritual healers) within family lineages. In modern practice, Kahuna massage is taught outside those traditional family lines — contemporary teachers including Mette Sorensen, who founded Mette's Institute, trained with Hawaiian masters and adapted the work for broader teaching. The lineage I practise honours that origin while making the work accessible to anyone needing deep restorative bodywork.
What happens during a Kahuna session?
After a brief chat about your intention, you undress to your comfort level and lie face-down on the table. The session begins with rhythmic, full-body strokes using primarily my forearms — long sweeps from head to feet and back. You move through prone, supine, and side-lying. The pace is meditative and continuous, often accompanied by music. Most clients drift into a deeply relaxed half-sleep state. Sessions run 75-120 minutes; 90 minutes is the sweet spot.
Is Kahuna massage the same as Lomi Lomi?
They share roots but they're not identical. Lomi Lomi is the broader category of traditional Hawaiian massage — covering many distinct styles practised by different family lineages. Kahuna bodywork is one specific contemporary teaching tradition that emerged from Lomi Lomi roots, refined through teachers like Mette Sorensen. I'm trained in Kahuna bodywork specifically, not Lomi Lomi — though I can speak to both traditions if you're curious.
About mobile massage.
The logistics of bringing the studio to your door — suburbs covered, what you need to provide, and how travel surcharges work outside the standard 20km radius.
What suburbs do you cover for mobile massage?
I cover the broader Sunshine Coast — Maroochydore, Noosa Heads, Caloundra, Coolum Beach, Marcoola, Mudjimba, Twin Waters, Buderim, Bli Bli, Yandina, Eumundi, Peregian Beach, and beyond. My home studio is in Valdora, so suburbs within 20km are standard rate; further suburbs include a small travel surcharge ($10-$20 depending on distance). If your suburb isn't listed, just ask — chances are I can still make it work.
What do I need to provide for a mobile massage session?
Just a quiet space roughly 2m by 1m with a bit of room to move around the table. I bring everything else — professional massage table, fresh linens, premium oils, ambient music if you'd like. I arrive 15 minutes early to set up the space. After the session I pack up and clean up; you don't need to do anything except float to the couch or bed afterwards.
Is there a travel surcharge for mobile massage?
Suburbs within 20km of my Valdora base have no surcharge — the mobile price already includes travel. For addresses further out (Caloundra, Maleny, Tewantin and similar), a small travel surcharge applies — usually $10-$20. I confirm the exact amount when you book so there are no surprises. Regular clients from further suburbs often get the surcharge reduced or waived as a thank-you.
Rebates & pricing.
The money questions — private health insurance claims, HICAPS at point of payment, the cost difference across modalities, and what discounts or packages are available for repeat clients.
Can I claim my massage on private health insurance?
Yes — for remedial massage sessions. As an ANTA-accredited remedial massage therapist, I'm recognised by all major Australian private health funds with extras cover (Bupa, Medibank, HCF, NIB, AHM, and others). After your session I provide a receipt with my ANTA provider details — submit through your fund's app or website for rebate. Kahuna bodywork and mobile-only sessions aren't claimable because they fall outside the ANTA scope. More on rebates.
Do you accept HICAPS at point of payment?
I don't currently offer HICAPS at the studio, so you'll pay the full session price on the day and claim through your health fund afterwards. After your session I'll provide a receipt with my ANTA provider details — submit through your fund's app or website to receive your rebate, usually within a few business days. Most clients find this just as convenient as HICAPS once they've done it once.
What's the cost difference between remedial, Kahuna, and mobile sessions?
Remedial and Kahuna are the same price at the clinic — $120 for 60 min, $165 for 90 min, $205 for 120 min (Kahuna starts at 75 min/$150). Mobile sessions are roughly $20 more across each duration to cover the time and equipment of bringing the studio to you: $140/60min, $200/90min, $240/120min. After health fund rebates, out-of-pocket on a remedial session is typically $40-$60. Full pricing here.
Do you offer packages, gift vouchers, or repeat-client discounts?
Yes to all three. Self-care packages save 15% — 6 sessions ($626 for 60min, $861 for 90min) or 10 sessions ($1,043 for 60min, $1,435 for 90min). Gift vouchers start at $200. Le Shack stay-and-massage packages combine accommodation with a session (from $279). Regular clients also get priority for after-hours bookings and the occasional unannounced perk.
Booking & cancellation.
The logistics of getting in — how to book, the 24-hour cancellation policy, and how to arrange couples bookings for special occasions.
How do I book a session?
The fastest way is online via Acuity — live availability, instant confirmation, open 24/7. You can also send a message through the contact form, DM me on Instagram, or send through my Facebook page. For retreats, group sessions, or gift vouchers, the contact form works best so I can quote properly. For everything else, the booking link reserves your slot in seconds.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Life happens — I get it. Please give at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule, so I can offer your slot to someone else. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice incur a 40% session fee unless it's an emergency. You can manage your booking directly through the Acuity confirmation email, or contact me and I'll adjust it manually. Recurring clients have more flexibility for genuine last-minute issues.
Can my partner and I book a couples massage together?
Yes — I take couples bookings on a case-by-case basis. Most couples book sessions back-to-back rather than concurrent (one massage room), but I can arrange concurrent setups for special occasions like anniversaries, hens days, or wellness retreats. Pricing is two individual session prices for back-to-back, or quoted for concurrent setups (typically from $240). Get in touch with the dates and format you're after and I'll quote within 24 hours.
Still unsure?
Send your question through the contact form and I'll reply within a business day. Or if you're ready, just book — first sessions usually answer the rest.