Legal & Policy Documents

Terms, Conditions & Privacy Policy

Please read these documents carefully. By booking or attending an appointment, you are deemed to have accepted these terms.

Effective Date: 1 January 2026 Last Revised: 1 January 2026 ABN: 49 582 562 430
Section 01

Overview & Introduction

These Terms and Conditions govern the provision of myotherapy, remedial massage therapy, and associated health services by Thomas A. Stratton, trading as Thomas Stratton's Musculoskeletal Therapies (ABN: 49 582 562 430), located at 1 Evesham Drive, Point Cook, VIC 3030.

By booking an appointment — whether online, by telephone, or in person — you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions in their entirety. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not proceed with booking.

These terms apply to all clients, including new clients attending an initial consultation, returning clients, and third parties booking on behalf of a client (including a child or dependent).

Important: Myotherapy and remedial massage are complementary healthcare services. They are not a substitute for medical diagnosis, medical treatment, prescription medication, or emergency medical care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact emergency services on 000.

Section 02

Appointments & Booking

Booking Methods

Appointments may be booked via the online booking portal at square.site, by telephone on 0412 054 020, or by email at thomasstratton1997@gmail.com.

Appointment Confirmation

Your appointment is confirmed upon receipt of a booking confirmation email or SMS. Please ensure your contact details are correct at the time of booking. It is your responsibility to arrive at the correct time and location.

Arrival

Clients are asked to arrive 5–10 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment time, particularly for initial consultations. Late arrivals may result in a shortened treatment time, with the full session fee remaining applicable. This is to ensure that all subsequent clients are seen at their scheduled times.

New Client Intake

New clients are required to complete a health intake form prior to or upon arrival for their initial consultation. This form collects health history, current medications, and relevant clinical information necessary for safe and effective treatment planning. Please complete this form honestly and thoroughly — omission of relevant health information may affect the safety and appropriateness of treatment.

Session Duration

Sessions are available in 45, 60, and 90-minute durations as selected at the time of booking. Session times include consultation time, treatment, and post-treatment assessment. The hands-on treatment component will generally comprise the majority of the session duration.

Appointment Changes

To reschedule an appointment, please provide as much notice as possible. Rescheduling requests may be made via phone, SMS, or email. Please refer to the Cancellation Policy (Section 03) for notice requirements.

Section 03

Cancellation & No-Show Policy

Out of respect for the time of the practitioner and other clients on the waiting list, the following cancellation policy applies to all booked appointments.

Notice Given Action Fee Applicable
More than 24 hours Cancellation accepted, no charge. Rescheduling welcomed. No charge
Less than 24 hours Short-notice cancellation fee applies. 50% of session fee
No-show / no notice Full session fee charged to account. 100% of session fee
Emergency circumstances Considered case by case at the practitioner's discretion. Discretionary

If you are unwell — particularly with infectious illness — please cancel your appointment as soon as possible and reschedule for when you have recovered. In cases of genuine illness presenting within 24 hours, the short-notice fee may be waived at the practitioner's discretion. Please contact us promptly.

Practitioner Cancellation

In the event that Thomas Stratton's Musculoskeletal Therapies needs to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you will be notified as early as possible and offered an alternative appointment at no additional charge. No cancellation fee will be charged to the client in these circumstances.

Section 04

Payment & Fees

Current Fee Schedule

ServiceDurationFee
Initial Consultation & Treatment60 or 90 minEnquire at booking
Remedial Massage90 min$130
Remedial Massage60 min$110
Remedial Massage45 min$90
Pregnancy Massage45 or 60 minEnquire at booking
Broad Spectrum Infrared SaunaVariousEnquire at booking

Payment Methods

Payment is due at the conclusion of each appointment. The following payment methods are accepted: EFTPOS, credit card (Visa, Mastercard), and cash. HICAPS health fund claiming is available for eligible funds — please refer to Section 05.

Receipts & Invoices

A receipt will be issued following payment. This receipt may be required for health fund rebate claims processed outside of HICAPS. Please retain your receipt for your records.

Fee Review

Session fees may be reviewed periodically. Any changes to fees will be communicated via the clinic website or upon booking confirmation prior to the relevant session.

Cancellation Fees

Cancellation and no-show fees as described in Section 03 are payable prior to any future appointments being scheduled.

Section 05

Private Health Fund Rebates

Thomas Stratton's Musculoskeletal Therapies offers HICAPS on-the-spot private health fund claiming for eligible clients. The HICAPS terminal allows your health fund rebate to be processed at the time of payment, with only the gap amount payable by the client.

Eligibility

Eligibility for rebates is determined entirely by the terms of your individual private health fund policy and the level of extras cover you hold. Rebate amounts and eligibility for specific services (remedial massage versus myotherapy) vary between funds and policy types.

We strongly recommend contacting your health fund prior to your first appointment to confirm:

  • Whether remedial massage and/or myotherapy is covered under your policy
  • The rebate amount applicable per session
  • Whether any annual limits or waiting periods apply
  • That the provider's provider number is registered with your fund

Disclaimer

Thomas Stratton's Musculoskeletal Therapies does not guarantee that any treatment will attract a health fund rebate. The practitioner bears no responsibility for unsuccessful rebate claims, policy limitations, expired annual limits, or discrepancies between claimed and received rebate amounts. Any dispute regarding rebate eligibility or amounts must be directed to your private health insurer.

Participating Funds

HICAPS participating health funds include Medibank, Bupa, NIB, HCF, Australian Unity, HBF, Defence Health, Peoplecare, Health Partners, Queensland Country Health Fund, Navy Health, CUA, AHM, CBHS Health, Westfund, GU Health, Phoenix Health Fund, St. Lukes Health, HIF, ACA Health, RT Health, Frank Health Insurance, GMHBA, Healthcare Insurance, Reserve Bank Health Society, CBHS Corporate, Mildura Health Fund, TUH, Teachers Health, Uni Health, One Medifund, Transport Health, Health.com.au, Apia, Latrobe Health, Police Health, Qantas Insurance, Emergency Services Health, Nurses & Midwives Health, AIA Health Insurance, and Union Health, among others. Participation may change — please visit www.hicaps.com.au for the current list.

Section 07

Contraindications & Medical Disclosure

Certain medical conditions, medications, and clinical states may represent absolute or relative contraindications to myotherapy and remedial massage techniques. It is your responsibility to disclose all relevant health information prior to and during treatment.

Conditions Requiring Disclosure

You must inform the practitioner prior to treatment if you have any of the following (this list is not exhaustive):

  • Cardiovascular conditions (recent cardiac event, DVT, blood clotting disorders, uncontrolled hypertension)
  • Cancer or malignancy (current or recent)
  • Pregnancy (confirmed or suspected)
  • Infection, fever, or acute inflammatory conditions
  • Skin conditions, open wounds, bruising, or rashes in areas to be treated
  • Recent surgery, fractures, or trauma
  • Neurological conditions (epilepsy, peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord injury)
  • Osteoporosis or other bone density conditions
  • Anticoagulant or blood-thinning medications
  • Known allergies to oils, massage mediums, or latex
  • Pacemakers or implanted medical devices (particularly relevant to electrotherapy and dry needling)
  • Haemophilia or blood disorders
  • Any condition for which your treating medical practitioner has advised against massage or manual therapy

Important: Failure to disclose relevant health information may compromise your safety and the appropriateness of treatment. Thomas Stratton's Musculoskeletal Therapies accepts no liability for adverse outcomes arising from non-disclosure of material health information by the client.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy massage is offered as a specialised service. General remedial massage and certain therapeutic techniques (including dry needling and some joint mobilisation approaches) require clinical modification during pregnancy. Please always disclose pregnancy — confirmed or suspected — before any treatment session.

Medical Referral

Where clinical findings suggest a condition requiring medical assessment, the practitioner may recommend referral to a medical practitioner, specialist, or other allied health professional. It is strongly recommended that you act on such referral advice promptly.

Section 08

Standards of Conduct

Practitioner Standards

All treatment is provided in accordance with the Code of Practice and ethical guidelines of the Association of Massage Therapists (AMT). The practitioner maintains professional boundaries, adheres to national clinical standards, and undertakes ongoing continuing professional development as required for AMT membership.

Client Conduct

Clients are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner throughout their visit. Thomas Stratton's Musculoskeletal Therapies maintains a strictly professional therapeutic environment. Any behaviour that is inappropriate, threatening, abusive, or that violates professional boundaries will result in immediate cessation of treatment and, where necessary, involvement of the relevant authorities.

The sexual nature of therapeutic treatment is absolutely prohibited. Any request, comment, or behaviour of a sexual nature directed toward the practitioner will result in immediate termination of the appointment, full session fee being charged, and the client being permanently declined further treatment.

Intoxication

The practitioner reserves the right to decline treatment to any client who presents to an appointment under the apparent influence of alcohol or substances. Massage and manual therapy are contraindicated in states of acute intoxication. Full session fees may apply in such circumstances.

Section 09

Disclaimer & Limitation of Liability

Healthcare Disclaimer

Myotherapy and remedial massage are complementary healthcare services. Information provided by the practitioner — whether verbal, written, or implied — does not constitute medical advice, medical diagnosis, or a recommendation to commence, modify, or discontinue any prescribed medical treatment or medication. Always consult your medical practitioner for medical advice.

Treatment Outcomes

While every effort is made to provide effective, evidence-informed clinical care, Thomas Stratton's Musculoskeletal Therapies makes no guarantee of specific treatment outcomes. Individual responses to manual therapy, dry needling, and rehabilitative exercise vary and are influenced by numerous factors beyond the practitioner's control, including the nature of the condition, individual physiology, patient compliance with exercise and lifestyle recommendations, and the presence of comorbidities.

Post-Treatment Responses

Some treatment techniques — including deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and dry needling — may produce temporary post-treatment responses including localised soreness, fatigue, mild bruising, or temporary exacerbation of symptoms. These responses are generally short-lived (24–72 hours) and represent a normal physiological response to treatment. You will be advised of expected post-treatment responses prior to the commencement of treatment.

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable Australian consumer law, Thomas Stratton's Musculoskeletal Therapies limits its liability for any loss, damage, injury, or expense arising from the provision of services to the re-supply of those services or the cost of having those services supplied again, whichever is lesser.

Nothing in these Terms limits any consumer guarantee or right that cannot be excluded under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) or the Australian Consumer Law.

Personal Property

Thomas Stratton's Musculoskeletal Therapies accepts no liability for the loss, theft, or damage of personal property brought onto the clinic premises. Please take care of personal belongings at all times.

Section 10

Privacy Policy

Thomas Stratton's Musculoskeletal Therapies is committed to protecting the privacy of client information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

Information Collected

We collect the following categories of personal and health information:

  • Personal identification: Name, date of birth, contact details (phone, email, address)
  • Health information: Medical history, current medications, known allergies, presenting symptoms and complaints, clinical assessment findings, treatment records, and progress notes
  • Payment information: Billing information and transaction records (payment card data is processed securely via HICAPS/EFTPOS terminals and is not stored by the practitioner)
  • Insurance information: Health fund details for the purposes of HICAPS claiming
  • Emergency contact: Name and contact details of a nominated emergency contact person

How Information Is Used

Personal and health information is collected and used solely for the following purposes:

  • Provision of safe and appropriate clinical care
  • Clinical record-keeping in compliance with professional and legal obligations
  • Processing of health fund rebate claims via HICAPS
  • Appointment reminders and follow-up communications
  • Compliance with mandatory reporting obligations under applicable law
  • Referral correspondence with other treating healthcare providers (with your explicit consent)

Disclosure of Information

Your personal and health information will not be disclosed to any third party without your explicit written consent, except where:

  • Disclosure is required by law (e.g., mandatory reporting obligations)
  • Disclosure is necessary to prevent a serious and imminent threat to the life or health of you or another person
  • Disclosure is made to a health practitioner who is providing or has provided treatment to you (with your consent)
  • Disclosure is required for HICAPS health fund claiming (limited to information required for claim processing)

Clinical Record Retention

Clinical records are retained for a minimum of seven (7) years following the last date of service, or — in the case of clients who were minors at the time of treatment — until the client reaches the age of 25 years (or for seven years from the last service, whichever is the later), in accordance with Victorian health records legislation.

Access & Correction

You have the right to access the personal and health information held about you, and to request correction of any inaccurate, incomplete, or out-of-date information. Requests for access or correction may be made in writing to thomasstratton1997@gmail.com. We will respond to access requests within 30 days.

In certain limited circumstances, access to health information may be declined where disclosure could pose a risk to the health of the client or a third party. In such cases, we will advise you of the reason and any alternative means of access.

Security

Reasonable steps are taken to protect personal and health information from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access. Electronic records are stored using password-protected systems. Physical records are stored securely on the clinic premises.

Website & Cookies

The clinic website does not collect personal information unless voluntarily submitted via the booking portal or contact form. The website may use standard web analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to track aggregate, anonymised visitor data for the purpose of improving the site. No personally identifiable information is associated with this analytics data.

Privacy Complaints

If you believe your privacy has been compromised, please contact us in the first instance at thomasstratton1997@gmail.com. If your concern is not resolved satisfactorily, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.

Section 11

Complaints & Feedback

Thomas Stratton's Musculoskeletal Therapies is committed to providing a high standard of professional care. Client feedback — both positive and constructive — is welcomed and valued as an important mechanism for continuous quality improvement.

Making a Complaint

If you have a concern about any aspect of your care or experience at the clinic, you are encouraged to raise this directly with the practitioner in the first instance, either in person, by telephone on 0412 054 020, or by email at thomasstratton1997@gmail.com.

All complaints will be acknowledged within 5 business days and addressed in a timely, respectful, and confidential manner.

External Complaints

If your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction through direct communication, you may escalate your concern to:

Section 12

Contact Information

For all enquiries relating to these Terms and Conditions, your Privacy, or your clinical records, please contact:

Thomas A. Stratton

Practice: Thomas Stratton's Musculoskeletal Therapies

Address: 1 Evesham Drive, Point Cook VIC 3030

Phone: 0412 054 020

Email: thomasstratton1997@gmail.com

ABN: 49 582 562 430

AMT Membership: Full Financial Member

These Terms and Conditions were last updated on 1 January 2026. Thomas Stratton's Musculoskeletal Therapies reserves the right to amend these terms at any time. Updated terms will be published on the clinic website and will apply to appointments booked after the effective date of revision.