Michael Allwood also trades as 'Massage by Michael of Maryborough Victoria', 'Personal Training 1 to 1' 'Stronger with a Coach Personal Training' and 'Body Core Flexibility'.

Mr Allwood was the subject of an article in The Age newspaper titled ‘Massage therapist accused of raping clients at home gym in regional Victoria’ published on 8 August 2022. The investigation has been launched following a complaint made to the HCC on publication of the article last week. 

The Interim Prohibition Order issued by the Health Complaints Commissioner, prohibits Mr Allwood from providing general health services, including massage services. A copy of the interim prohibition order, (which sets out all of the services Mr Allwood is banned from providing) is available here.

Professor Redley said “the safety of Victorians continues to be our number one priority. I have issued this IPO on Michael Allwood as I believe he poses a serious risk to the health, safety and welfare of the Victorian public and should be prohibited from offering his services.”

The IPO remains in force until November while the investigation is underway. The primary aim of any investigation is to establish the facts. “It allows us to understand what measures should be taken to protect the public from serious risks to their health, safety or welfare”. A detailed explanation of our investigation process is available on our website.

The Commissioner noted that while there are many safe and ethical massage treatment providers, not all comply with their obligations and do the right thing. “That is why it is important for any person considering massage treatment to consider what can go wrong and what they have a right to expect from their health service provider so that they can make fully informed decisions.”

Any person considering treatment should ask the provider about:

• their qualifications and experience
• the products they use (if any)
• the risks involved and if they have insurance in the instance something does go wrong

Putting the IPO in place, Professor Redley, said this should serve as a timely reminder to not only massage and myotherapy providers, but all General Health Services who do not observe the Code of Conduct for General Health Services that our office continues to investigate those providers who pose a risk to the public and to take action against them.

“We rely on community members to come forward with their concerns so that we are aware of possible breaches of the code. If your expectations for safe and ethical healthcare are not met, or if you believe a health service provider is operating outside the code of conduct for general health services, please contact us via our online complaint form or email us at [email protected].”