About Tippy Bird Studio
Tippy Bird Studio is a boutique wellness space designed for those seeking focused, high-quality care without the "big gym" noise. Located in the heart of Footscray’s industrial creative precinct, the studio specializes in bridging the gap between clinical therapy and functional movement. We believe that rehabilitation shouldn't feel like a chore; our space is light-filled, welcoming, and dedicated to hands on care in a 1:1 or small-group 1:3 sessions. Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing pain, or looking to improve your athletic performance, Tippy Bird provides a tailored path to help you move with confidence and ease.
Why” Tippy Bird Studio”?
The Tippy Bird is based on the bamboo garden water feature called a Shishi-odoshi (the "deer scarer") and serves as a powerful metaphor for health, emphasizing that wellness is built through the steady accumulation of effort and the necessary release of tension. This aligns strongly with how we approach the management of pain and movement.
Movement: The Cycle of Accumulation
Wellness is a result of steady, patient habits rather than high-speed sprints. True progress requires the discipline to let small, daily efforts "drip" until they accumulate into a significant shift.
Strength: The Hollow and the Solid
Functional strength requires a balance between being light enough for agility and structurally sound enough for durability. Like the bamboo, your body must be flexible enough to move but solid enough to handle life's stresses without breaking.
Balance: The Tipping Point
Balance is a state of dynamic equilibrium that relies on knowing your own capacity and center of gravity. It is the ability to recognize your limits and transition smoothly from "holding" to "moving" without losing control.
Spatial Awareness: The Pivot and the Strike
Aligned movement is governed by a healthy nervous system that understands its position in space. Spatial awareness ensures you can move through a full range of motion and return to a neutral posture safely and consistently.
Self-Care: The Necessary Emptying
Sustained wellness depends on the ability to release accumulated stress and tension. To avoid stagnation or burnout, you must regularly "empty" the weight of work and intensity through intentional recovery and resets.
Meet Lahn U: Principal Practitioner
Dip.HSc (Remedial), Dip.Prof.Pilates, Cert IV T&A
With over 23 years of full-time clinical experience, Lahn is the heart behind Tippy Bird Studio. Formerly the owner of Aware Health - Massage, Myotherapy & Pilates in Newport, Lahn has recently, downsized her business, rebranded and relocated to Footscray to bring her refined, multi-disciplinary approach to the local community.
Holding Diplomas in both Health Science (Remedial Therapies) and Professional Pilates Instruction, Lahn is a fully certified Stott Pilates® instructor, is an Accredited Professional Instructor with AUSactive and a dedicated member of the Massage & Myotherapy Association. Her career has been defined by collaborative care, working alongside Physiotherapists, Chiropractors and Osteopaths to develop a treatment philosophy centered on postural improvement, pain management, and functional training. Beyond the clinic, she has shared her expertise as an education content writer for tertiary-level Myotherapy courses.
To maintain her own wellbeing, Lahn finds balance in her veggie patch, enjoys a good K-drama marathon, and never says no to a spicy margarita—because life should feel a little like a holiday.
Services: Remedial, Sports & Pregnancy Massage, Advanced Soft Tissue Techniques, Dry Needling, Myofascial Cupping, Kinesio Taping, Lymphatic Drainage, 1:1 & 1:3 Clinical Pilates.
Specialty: Postural improvement, pain management and functional rehab advice.
Accreditation: WorkSafe Registered Practitioner; Member of Massage & Myotherapy Association and AUSactive Accredited Professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! You can claim instant private health rebates for Remedial Massage through all major private health funds via Hicaps. Check with your health fund provider to see what refund you qualify for.
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You may be able to claim for personal training sessions, classes or gym memberships that are being used to manage or treat existing health conditions. Note that a referral from a doctor or allied health professional may be required for these claims. Having private health insurance does not guarantee refunds for fitness services. Rebates depend on the level of coverage provided by your health fund. If you have private health insurance, we advise you to contact your fund to determine the requirements for claiming a rebate and to understand the level of rebate you may be eligible to receive.
Participating health funds include BUPA, Westfund Medibank, RT Health, Health Insurance and Health Partners.
Contact your provider to check your specific "Health Wellness" or "Pilates" coverage. Note: these cannot be claimed under "Physiotherapy."
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Yes! As a registered WorkSafe Remedial Massage provider, I can provide treatments for work-related injuries. To ensure your claim is processed smoothly, please keep the following in mind:
Medical Referral Required: WorkSafe requires a written request or referral from your GP (Medical Practitioner) before your massage treatment begins.
Claim Details: You will need to provide your WorkSafe Claim Number, Case Manager’s details, and the name of your employer or insurer prior to your first session.
Gap Payments: WorkSafe sets a maximum fee schedule for remedial massage. Because our clinical sessions may exceed this amount, a gap payment is usually required at the time of your appointment. You can then submit your receipt to your agent for the approved rebate.
Clinical Focus: These sessions are specifically designed for rehabilitation and functional recovery, focusing on your return-to-work goals as outlined in the Clinical Framework.
Note: We recommend checking with your Case Manager to confirm how many sessions have been approved under your current claim.
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Yes. Both Remedial Massage and Clinical Pilates are often covered by the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)—which recently replaced VOCAT—as part of a victim’s physical or psychological recovery.
To ensure your sessions are covered, please consider the following:
Evidence of Need: The FAS generally requires that the service is "reasonable and necessary" for your recovery. A brief letter or recommendation from your GP or specialist supporting Remedial Massage or Clinical Pilates is highly recommended.
Case Manager Approval: Before beginning regular sessions, confirm with your FAS Case Manager or legal representative that these therapies are included in your approved "Medical and Recovery Expenses."
Documentation: During your Initial 1:1 Consultation, we will document your clinical goals. This assessment helps provide the necessary evidence to show how these treatments (whether it's manual therapy or movement-based rehab) assist in your long-term recovery.
Invoicing: We provide formal tax invoices for you to seek reimbursement. If you have an approved Purchase Order from the Department, please provide this prior to your appointment so we can discuss direct invoicing options.
Why combine both?
Many of our DJCS/FAS clients find that combining Remedial Massage (to manage acute pain and tension) with Clinical Pilates (to rebuild functional strength and stability) provides the most holistic path to recovery.
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Yes, in many cases! However, because we are a private studio, the following conditions typically apply:
NDIS: We can accept participants who are Self-Managed or Plan-Managed for Remedial Massage or Clinical Pilates. We cannot currently accept "NDIA-Managed" participants as we are not a registered NDIS provider. Your sessions must align with the "Capacity Building" or "Improved Daily Living" goals in your plan.
Aged Care (Home Care Packages): You can often use your HCP or "Support at Home" funding if Remedial Massage or Pilates is included in your Care Plan to manage age-related functional decline or chronic conditions. You will need to coordinate this with your Package Provider first.
Other Third Parties: For WorkCover or DVA, please contact us directly. These usually require specific prior approval and a GP referral.
Tip: We recommend discussing Remedial Massage or Pilates with your Plan Manager or Case Manager first. We can provide the necessary tax invoices and progress reports required for your claims.
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No, a referral isn't required for a standard Remedial Massage, though Lahn loves collaborating with your care team. If you have recent scans or a management plan, please email them in advance or bring them to your Initial Consultation or Follow Up Sessions.
A referral from your GP or Allied Health provider may be needed if you intend to claim private health fund rebates for Pilates sessions. Please check with your health fund.
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Absolutely. Your Clinical sessions are specifically designed for "special populations." Your program is tailored to your physical limitations and medical history.
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You don't need to decide this yourself! During your Initial 1:1 Clinical Session, Lahn performs a thorough postural and muscle assessment to identify "trigger points" or areas of myofascial tension. If she believes these techniques will accelerate your recovery, she will explain the benefits for your specific condition.
Dry Needling is excellent for "switching off" stubborn muscle or nerve pain that stretching alone can't reach.
Cupping is ideal for increasing circulation and "lifting" tight connective tissue to improve your range of motion.
Your Consent Matters: These are strictly optional additions to your remedial therapy. Lahn will always discuss the process with you first, and these techniques are only performed with your clear, informed consent. If you prefer manual massage only, your treatment will be tailored accordingly.
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Regarding Remedial Massage, the regularity of your sessions will depend on how quickly your body responds to treatment. You are reassessed at every follow up session to determine whether you need to return again weekly or fortnightly (acute conditions, pre- and post-event prep), or every 4-6 weeks (maintenance, chronic conditions).
Regarding Clinical Pilates, consistency is key. For rehabilitation and chronic condition management, we generally recommend 2 sessions per week to build muscle memory and functional strength.
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Clinical Pilates is a movement therapy used for rehabilitation and functional strength. It is supervised by a specialist and uses clinical-grade equipment (like the rehab reformer) to address specific pathologies rather than a "one-size-fits-all" fitness Pilates workout. Regular observation and modifications are applied to exercises to suit your functional needs at each session. This is no cookie cutter approach.
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Every new client starts with a 1:1 Initial Clinical Consultation. This ensures you are safe, confident, and have a program tailored to your body before moving into small groups or self-managed sessions.
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Comfortable exercise clothing that allows you to move freely. For hygiene and safety on the equipment, grip socks are required (available for purchase at the studio).
The studio provides filtered water, cleaning spray and cloths to ensure good hygiene practices.