Lower Back Pain, Stiff Lower Back, Sciatica & Hip Pain.
meets the science of human bodywork
Lower back pain, sciatica, hip or shoulder pain getting in the way?
Hands-on assessment and treatment.
Technical, clinical-grade bodywork.
No gadgets. No gimmicks.
Raymond Adolphus
Bodywork specialist. Anatomy first.
I’m founder and sole therapist at Adolphus Bodyworks in Canungra. My work combines massage, soft-tissue manipulation, technical stretching, movement and exercise, shaped by my training, my experience and my own history of lower back pain. My approach is informed by anatomy and movement science.
This isn’t garden-variety massage. It’s practical, targeted, hands-on work.
Does this sound like you?
Waking up stiff and sore in the lower back
Sciatica running down the leg
Struggling to bend, lift, sit or climb out of the ute
Hip pain when you walk, sleep or train
Told to “rest and wait” while it gets no better
Already tried physio, massage or injections without lasting change
If that’s you, you’re in the right place. I see this every week.
No gadgets. No gimmicks.
Just hands-on bodywork.
I use my hands, my training and my understanding of how the body moves. I assess, work out what needs attention, and treat the tissue and movement involved.
People call my hands “magic”. There’s no magic. Just practical thinking, experience and knowing where to start.
I know the terrain.
Specific: your main concern and movement restrictions.
General: related muscles, joints and movement patterns.
Global: overall movement, work demands and daily activities.
Four ways to work with me.
Not sure which? Start with the 50-minute Pain Treatment. If you need more time, I’ll tell you.
50 min · $150
Assessment and hands-on treatment in one session. Lower back, sciatica, hip, neck and shoulder pain, frozen shoulder and movement restrictions.
120 min · $360
Whole-body assessment and treatment for people whose work takes a toll: tradies, FIFO workers, athletes and anyone who feels like everything needs attention.
Only 2 Resets are offered each week. When they’re taken, the next opening is the following week. Prepayment secures your time.
50 min · $150
Technical stretching with hands-on soft-tissue work, for mobility, flexibility and recovery.
80 min · $250
More time for chronic problems or several painful areas. Prepayment required.
Appointments are usually available within 1–2 weeks. I open at 6 am on Wednesday and Thursday, and most days I finish at 6 pm.
What happens in your first visit
What hurts, what’s hard to do, and what you want back.
Movement testing to find what’s driving the problem.
Soft-tissue work, technical stretching and movement.
What I found, what to do between visits, and what’s next.
I don’t promise miracles. Most people need more than one session, and many should expect 2–4 visits before meaningful change develops. What I do promise is an honest assessment, purposeful treatment and a clear direction forward.
Benchmarked against the best in the world.
I competed in sports massage in Copenhagen three years running. It was more than trying to win a gold medal or a prize. What I learnt there was invaluable.
Competing internationally takes time, travel and real expense. I do it because it makes my work better for the people I treat.
New ways to treat the lower back, learnt from some of the most renowned therapists in the world.
Mixing and training with champions from France, the USA, the UK and other nations let me benchmark myself against the best.
Competing meant being judged to high Nordic standards of execution, performance, equipment, hygiene and outcomes.
I see it as a “turbo boost” for my skills, and for my understanding of how to rapidly address pain and tension through bodywork.
Competing at this level ultimately benefits my clients. It lets me bring standards benchmarked against the best in the world back to Australia, and to Canungra, all the way from Denmark, to help the people I treat.
Whether you’re a world-ranked boxer or a builder who just wants to get through the week.
Sheep shearing.
Few jobs put the lower back and shoulders under more load. Here’s what a professional shearer says about how he keeps going.
“I see Ray regularly, not only for lower back pain and tension but also for a two-hour session just to keep my entire body in shape for the very demanding job of sheep shearing. If it was not for Ray, I don’t think I would still be doing this job.”
Piwa Tuapiki · Professional sheep shearer · Full Body Reset regular
That two-hour session is the Full Body Reset: whole-body attention for people whose work takes a toll.
Individual experiences vary. Treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Before you fly out. After you fly in.
Stop over with me for a two-hour Reset.
The Full Body Reset · 120 minutes · $360
When everything needs attention. Most hard-working people don’t have one problem, they have several: a sore lower back, tight hips, restricted shoulders, a stiff neck and years of wear and tear. They don’t need a spot treatment. They need a reset.
Tradies and construction workers. FIFO workers, before or after a swing. Athletes and physically active people. Anyone who feels like everything needs attention.
Whole-body assessment and movement testing, lower back and hip treatment, neck and shoulder treatment, soft-tissue therapy, clinical stretch therapy and mobility restoration. Every session is individual.
This is not a spa experience, not a relaxation massage and not two hours of gentle stretching. It’s practical, targeted and hands-on.
A Reset takes two hours of my day, and I offer only 2 each week. Prepayment holds that time just for you, so it isn’t left empty and someone else can’t miss out on it. It also means I can give you my full attention from the first minute.
World #2. She makes the trip from Ipswich every week.
“Ray is without a doubt the best I’ve ever worked with. His knowledge of the human body and movement is exceptional. Ray has played a huge role in allowing me to continue competing at the highest level. He’s in a league of his own.”
Taylah Gentzen · World #2 women’s lightweight boxer · Ipswich
“I still travel every week from Ipswich to see Raymond. That alone should tell you everything you need to know.”
I bring the same attention to detail to every client, whether you’re competing at an elite level, working a physical job or simply wanting to move more comfortably.
The therapists’ therapist.
When people who do this for a living come to see me, it means a lot.
A chronic shoulder injury that had been “bringing her down”.
Charlene read the reviews first. She doesn’t let just anyone work on her body.
She felt immediately safe, trusted she was in good hands, and felt seen and heard.
Hope that her painful shoulder has begun healing, and Ray is the only one she’ll see.
“After reading all the wonderful reviews here, I booked in to see Ray last week to help heal a chronic shoulder injury that’s really been bringing me down.
I personally don’t let just anyone work on my body. I need to get a feel of someone or a practice first. The moment I met Ray in person, I felt immediately safe. After speaking with him, I trusted I was in good hands. I felt seen and heard by him.
We had family friends in Byron Bay back in the day who were naturopaths and remedial massage therapists. They were the bomb and knew their stuff. I always compare to them and have been searching a very long time for someone who matches their expertise, genuine care and knowledge of human anatomy.
The search is over because I met Ray and I am so happy. I now have HOPE this painful shoulder of mine that has given me grief for too long has begun healing.
Ray is the only one I will see from this moment on. Highly recommend his services.”
Charlene Suchting · Massage therapist
Individual experiences vary. Treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
“Wow, what an amazing experience. Ray is so gifted. I am a remedial massage therapist myself and was very impressed with the knowledge.”
Morgane Dean · Remedial massage therapist · Tamborine Mountain
“A comprehensive understanding of the body that I have not experienced before.”
Susannah Lathlean · Bodywork therapist
First call or last resort.
Some people ring me the moment it goes wrong. Others arrive after months or years of trying everything else. Either way, I start the same way: assess, explain, treat.
A back that has suddenly stopped you, pain you can’t wait on, a colleague saying “go and see Ray”. Many people come to me first for lower back pain.
Arianne · Chris · Keer
After physios, surgeons, steroid or cortisone injections, or a joint replacement. Sometimes with a hip replacement still on the list. Often the last stop, and sometimes the one that changes the plan.
Jason · Deborah · Nicolle · Glen
Jason’s story
Waiting for a hip replacement. Nothing was working, including cortisone injections.
Jason hoped for temporary relief. He got instant pain relief.
“So much freedom and mobility back in my hip and in other areas too.”
A year on, he’s still seeing Ray, and no longer worried about a hip replacement.
“Right from my first appointment with Ray I got instant pain relief. I had seen a Facebook post for Adolphus Bodyworks and thought I could go for a massage for temporary relief while I wait for a hip replacement. No other treatment was working including cortisone injections. Ray has given me so much movement back and I’m no longer in constant pain!
I’ve been going for 3 months now and have so much freedom and mobility back in my hip and in other areas too! I’m no longer worried about getting a hip replacement and will continue seeing Ray into the future!
Ray is a great bloke and knows his stuff! He is friendly, kind and easy going. I recommend him to everyone!”
Jason Manning
Individual experiences vary. Treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Deborah’s story
A bad shoulder forced Deborah to give up her job as a cleaner about three years earlier.
Surgeons, doctors, physios and a few steroid injections. Nothing seemed to help.
Most of her function and power back in her arm, and most of the pain gone from her shoulder.
Ready to go back to work, and still having sessions.
“I had to give up my job around 3 years ago because of a bad shoulder. I have had surgeons, doctors and physios treat me. I have also had a few steroid injections, nothing seemed to help. After 2 sessions with Ray, I have got most of my function and power back in my arm and most of the pain has also gone from my shoulder. I am now ready for work again. I am still getting more sessions from Ray, the treatments have been a godsend. They have made a massive difference in my life. I started to believe that I would suffer with this pain forever. Ray knows the human body, he is very good at his job. He is a good listener and a very nice person.”
Deborah Pascoe · Cleaner · Yarrabilba
Individual experiences vary. Treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Chris’s story
Intense, sharp back pain. Chris’s back “was no good”.
Took time to work out where the injury was, then explained the full treatment plan.
The intense pain was gone, and stayed away by following Ray’s advice after treatment.
Real results each time Chris has booked in.
“A huge thanks to Ray every time I’ve booked in. Ray is very, very good at what he does. I’ve got real results each time I have seen him. Most recently, intense sharp back pain was removed within the hour and kept away by following his advice post treatment.
Ray spent time initially figuring out where my injury was located and then explained fully his treatment plan to me. His knowledge and passion for what he does comes through naturally when meeting him and I got a good feeling of trust from the results I received from him. I’ve been really impressed by just how much I have recovered after my sessions.
The more I have got to know him, the more you learn what a great guy he is too and how he thinks of every option for you to get the best results. He was kind enough to fit me in last minute and late in the day when my back was no good. It meant a lot and the difference afterwards was intense pain to no pain.
Thoroughly recommended and just very, very good.”
Chris Jarvis · IT Manager
Individual experiences vary. Treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Arianne’s story
Arianne couldn’t move because of the pain she was in.
Her husband immediately rang Ray. She had seen Ray a few times before, and been impressed with the results each time.
She felt relief just from entering the clinic, and knew she was in good hands.
She walked out to the smiles of her family.
“If I could give a higher star rating, I absolutely would. An emergency visit this time round, my husband immediately rang Ray. I’ve seen Raymond a few times and each time I’m impressed with results, however this visit was something else. I was unable to move due to the amount of pain I was in, and the feeling of relief I felt just from entering the clinic, I knew I was in good hands and definitely the right place. Ray’s passion, knowledge and dedication was truly reflected through how I walked out and the smile on my family’s faces seeing me walk towards them. There will be no hesitation in recommending Ray again and again.
Forever grateful. Thank you Ray.”
Arianne Lynch
Individual experiences vary. Treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Keer’s story
A twinge in her back and hip turned into pain that left her unable to walk properly for days.
A colleague, in exasperation: “for goodness sake go and see Ray.”
After her appointment, she could “actually walk almost properly” and the pain had significantly reduced.
Back four times, to make sure the muscles keep doing what they’re supposed to.
“Last Sunday, I felt a twinge in my back/hip. I didn’t really think much of it until I woke up the next morning in a lot of pain and unable to move easily (…).
I was ok sitting down, until I tried to get up, and walking was no good. I felt like a very poorly 90 year old instead of an extremely unfit 54 year old. I worked from home until Thursday, unable to walk properly, and shuffled my way in to the office for two hours before giving up and going home to work.
A colleague, in exasperation, said ‘for goodness sake go and see Ray and get a massage’.
Friday I managed to book an appointment with Ray who assessed the damage and believed it to be muscular (due to the position of the pain) and I cannot believe the relief it has given me. The next morning I could actually walk almost properly and the pain has significantly reduced.
Big thank you to Ray at Adolphus Bodyworks, Massage & Stretch. It is like a miracle. I’ve been back four times, to make sure the muscles continue to do what they are supposed to, but I am very grateful for the vast improvement. I can’t recommend him highly enough.”
Keer Moriarty · Editor, Canungra Times
Individual experiences vary. Treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Liane’s story
A swollen, sore knee and difficulty walking. Painkillers weren’t helping, and her scans showed near bone on bone with signs of arthritis and ligament damage.
Relieved of pain, and able to tentatively walk up and down the stairs.
Walking away feeling her leg was “years younger”. The third session was painful, but worth it.
Near full mobility, and very little to no pain.
“Ray is amazing! I cannot find enough words to describe how great this man is at his craft.
When I first visited Ray my knee was so swollen and sore and I couldn’t walk well at all. Painkillers were not helping. The X-ray and ultrasound showed near bone on bone with signs of arthritis and ligament damage. I was dragging myself up the stairs at home and was strapping the knee significantly just to work.
After the first session, I was so relieved of pain and was able to tentatively walk up and down the stairs. The second session felt different with me walking away feeling like my leg was years younger. My third session was painful but so worth it as now my leg feels like a leg should. I have near full mobility and best of all very little to no pain.
Ray is personable, respectful, caring and above all amazing at what he does. If you feel broken and sore and think there is no way out, do yourself a favour and visit Ray. You will not regret it. I cannot thank Ray enough for how much he has helped me get back on my feet.”
Liane Michele · Nurse
Individual experiences vary. Treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
130+ five-star reviews
Different people. Different jobs. Different problems. Very similar themes.
Athletes & competitors
“As a masters world championship track cyclist, my body is my greatest asset. I was dealing with a persistent issue deep in my lower back (QL area) that was affecting both my training and confidence. After just one session with Ray, I knew I was in the hands of someone who truly understands the body.”
Julie Barnett · World Masters Games cycling, triple gold medallist
“Ray has helped with my back pain over the last year and kept me going strong.”
Baily Deakin · Former Australian rules professional
“I have had countless hours of physio and massage therapy, but Raymond is head and shoulders above anything I’ve experienced.”
Oliver Smith · Former professional soccer player · Brisbane
“I won’t go anywhere else and I live an hour away.”
Nathan Marchetti · Bodybuilder
Physical jobs & demanding careers
“I drive one hour each way to see Ray. He is the best therapist I’ve ever had work on me.”
Brice · Construction · Brisbane
“If you feel uncertain, don’t be. You couldn’t be in better hands!”
Jarod Barker · FIFO worker
“I could not have operated as well as I did without Ray’s treatments on my lower back and sciatica.”
Lyle Slingsby · Police dog squad handler
“I’m still doing the job I love and no longer relying on pain medication.”
Sam · Farrier · Logan
“Ray has a gift.”
Ricky Smith · Former police firearms trainer
Lower back, sciatica & when nothing else worked
“I had two bulging discs causing debilitating back and sciatic pain. After physiotherapy gave me no relief, I saw Ray and wow. My pain reduced dramatically and my movement was almost back to normal.”
Debbie Salem · Canungra
“I see Ray for my sciatica pain, I feel the relief.”
Tracey Frency · Business manager
“After 12 months of physio and two cortisone injections with little relief, I was amazed at the results after just two treatments.”
Nicolle Den Elzen
Yoga teachers & trainers
“He is so passionate in his work, the knowledge he has is exceptional. And the intuition! He just knows. I found him by a friend’s recommendation and I keep on recommending him to mine now.”
Ann Vosu · Yoga teacher
“After multiple visits to a physiotherapist in Hong Kong with no results, my husband saw Ray in London. After one session he felt relief he hadn’t felt for months.”
Sally Humphries · Personal trainer · London
Recovering, ageing & staying active
“Regular tune-ups are making the journey into old age much easier.”
Barry Thomas · Retired healthcare CEO
“You have given me so much more movement and flexibility than I had after suffering a stroke several years ago.”
Simon Kaddatz · Business owner
“Ray has been working with my arm and shoulder following a full reverse shoulder replacement.”
Glen Hocking · Farm worker
“Having had treatments for over 50 years in most countries, Ray ranks amongst the best.”
Jane Garwood · Sydney
Shoulder, neck & the whole body
“I booked into Adolphus Bodyworks after witnessing the unbelievable results my husband got from Ray. In just a couple of appointments Ray helped my shoulder and neck pain, as well as a sore knee and thigh pain from an old injury.”
Carlee Manning
“In the 6 therapy sessions I’ve had with Ray over a short 3 weeks, he has shown true professionalism and dedication to my needs. The difference in my body over the last 3 weeks has been nothing short of incredible.”
Laura Murphy · Delivery driver · Chronic sciatica and shoulder issues
“Ray is so much more than a massage therapist. He is intelligent about your body’s biochemistry and is therefore very factual and functional about your aches and pains leading to problems.”
Kelly Lowry · Businessperson
Individual experiences vary. Treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Cherie’s story
Unsure, and heavily weighed down by deep grief. The session was a gift from a friend.
Letting anyone close had been hard for four months, so a massage felt uncomfortable at first.
At rest and relaxed, “cocooned in a place of peace and safe”.
Three sessions so far, with more planned.
“It was by chance that I began massage therapy sessions with Ray. I am a believer that we connect with the right healer at the time that is needed.
My first session was gifted to me by a friend and I turned up unsure and heavily weighted by deep grief, in a body that is worn out from carrying such a load. I was greeted by Ray, a man with authentic happiness and a gentleness.
Letting anyone close to me has been challenging the last 4 months, so a massage at this time had me in a space of uncomfortable. My first session however had me in a space of rest and relax within minutes. I felt cocooned in a place of peace and safe. The heat from the healing hands working to shift the knots and tension I carried with me as part of my everyday was felt both with a gentle and a firmness that my weighted body needed.
The playlist that accompanies the session just seems to be in sync with what one needs to hear in the moment.
I have now had 3 sessions, with more planned. I highly recommend Ray. His commitment to healing and helping one find their way back to a body in flow is a genuine gift. Thank you.”
Cherie Fieldhouse
Cherie is now a regular client.
Individual experiences vary. Treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
How many treatments will I need?
Every person is different. It depends on the nature and duration of the problem, your goals and how you respond. Many people should expect 2–4 visits before meaningful change develops. Results cannot be guaranteed.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing that lets you move easily, especially for stretching and mobility work.
Can you help with sciatica?
Sciatica-related symptoms are a common reason people see me. Sciatica can have different causes, and new, severe or worsening symptoms may need medical assessment.
Can you help with shoulder pain?
Yes. People come with general shoulder pain, restricted movement, frozen shoulder, and neck and shoulder tension. I also see clients after shoulder surgery where treatment is appropriate.
Can you help after surgery?
Some clients come after shoulder or hip surgery, joint replacements and other orthopaedic procedures. Treatment depends on your recovery stage and medical advice. Please tell me about your surgery and any restrictions before booking.
Do you treat athletes?
Yes. I work with active adults and athletes, including people competing at a high level, and tailor treatment to their activity and movement goals.
What if physiotherapy hasn’t helped?
Physio can be excellent on its own or alongside bodywork. Many clients see me after trying physio, massage, stretching or exercise. Every situation is different, and I encourage working with other healthcare professionals when appropriate.
Do you offer health fund rebates?
HICAPS is available for eligible health fund claims. Rebates depend on your fund, policy and provider and service eligibility, so check with your fund if unsure.
Ready to get started?
Tell me what’s troubling you and what you’d like back. I’ll take it from there. I open at 6 am on Wednesday and Thursday, and most days I finish at 6 pm.
Adolphus Bodyworks · 6 Manor Court, Canungra QLD 4275 · Off-street parking
Important health information
Bodywork, massage and stretch therapy may not be suitable for everyone. Speak with your GP or healthcare provider before booking if you have: uncontrolled or severe high blood pressure; a history of blood clots (DVT); a recent stroke (CVA); are taking blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants); or multiple complex medical conditions. Please tell me about relevant health conditions, medications, recent procedures and any restrictions before treatment.
Please do not attend if you have: cold or flu symptoms, COVID-19, a fever above 37.7°C, a contagious illness or a contagious skin condition.
Seek urgent medical attention for new or rapidly worsening symptoms such as significant leg weakness, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or loss of bladder or bowel control alongside back pain.
Cash and electronic payments accepted. Receipts provided. On-the-spot HICAPS claims available for eligible health fund claims. © 2026 Adolphus Bodyworks.