Health and Participation Disclaimer

1. About This Disclaimer

This Health & Participation Disclaimer applies to all services and content provided by Justine Montgomery trading as MONTY.

It applies to participation in or use of:

• In-person and online classes;

• Live and recorded sessions;

• Online memberships and programmes;

• Pilates and yoga-informed movement;

• Strength, mobility and mixed-movement practices;

• Restorative practices;

• Meditation, Yoga Nidra and breath awareness;

• Sound-based relaxation experiences;

• Myofascial release and self-release education;

• Massage and bodywork;

• One-to-one movement and wellbeing sessions;

• Workshops, events and immersive experiences;

• Retreats;

• Workplace and community sessions;

• Collaborative services;

• Educational videos, audio, guides and resources; and

• Any other service or content supplied by MONTY.

This Disclaimer should be read alongside the MONTY Terms & Conditions, Privacy Notice and any health, consultation or participation form provided for a particular service.

2. Scope of MONTY Services

MONTY provides general movement, bodywork, sound, restorative, educational and wellbeing-based services.

MONTY does not provide:

• Medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment;

• Physiotherapy or clinical rehabilitation;

• Psychological assessment or treatment;

• Psychotherapy or trauma therapy;

• Mental-health crisis or emergency support;

• Specialist disability care;

• Personal care or clinical supervision; or

• Services intended to diagnose, manage, treat or cure complex medical conditions.

References to psychology, neuropsychology, neuroscience, the nervous system, exercise science, fascia, movement science or related areas describe educational influences within the MONTY approach.

They do not mean that MONTY is providing medical, psychological, physiotherapy or other regulated healthcare services.

MONTY services are not a substitute for advice, assessment or treatment from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

3. General Wellbeing and Educational Information

Information shared through MONTY classes, appointments, workshops, retreats, online content and resources is provided for general movement, education, relaxation and wellbeing purposes.

It is not personalised medical advice and should not be used to:

• Diagnose a condition;

• Decide whether medical care is required;

• Replace prescribed treatment;

• Change medication;

• Ignore professional medical advice; or

• Delay seeking appropriate assessment or treatment.

You should seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional where you are unsure whether a service or activity is suitable for you.

4. Your Responsibility

You are responsible for making informed decisions about your participation.

This includes responsibility for:

• Providing accurate and relevant information;

• Informing MONTY of relevant changes;

• Following medical or professional advice;

• Choosing an appropriate service, level and variation;

• Working within your current abilities;

• Using suitable equipment;

• Creating a safe practice environment;

• Communicating discomfort or concerns;

• Taking rest where needed; and

• Stopping any activity that feels unsafe.

You are not required to complete every activity or follow every instruction.

You may pause, modify, rest or withdraw from an activity at any time.

5. Health and Participation Information

You may be asked to complete a health, participation or consultation form before accessing certain services.

You must provide accurate information about anything that could reasonably affect your safe participation, including relevant:

• Injuries;

• Health conditions;

• Symptoms;

• Recent surgery or procedures;

• Pregnancy or postnatal recovery;

• Medication;

• Medical restrictions;

• Pain or physical limitations;

• Dizziness, fainting or balance concerns;

• Breathing or cardiovascular concerns;

• Neurological considerations;

• Allergies or sensitivities;

• Mobility or positioning requirements; and

• Accessibility needs.

You do not need to provide your complete medical history. You should provide information that is relevant to the service and your participation.

Completing a form does not transfer responsibility for your health or participation to MONTY.

You must update MONTY if relevant information changes.

6. Professional Advice and Clearance

You should obtain appropriate professional advice before participating where:

• You have been advised to restrict or avoid physical activity;

• You are recovering from surgery, illness or significant injury;

• You have new, unexplained or worsening symptoms;

• You are pregnant or recently postnatal and require individual guidance;

• You have concerns about your heart, breathing, circulation, balance or neurological health;

• You are unsure whether a movement or position is appropriate; or

• Participation could conflict with advice from your healthcare team.

MONTY may request that you obtain appropriate clearance or advice before participating.

Professional clearance does not guarantee that an activity is risk-free or require MONTY to provide a service that falls outside MONTY’s qualifications, insurance, facilities or safe scope of practice.

7. Right to Adapt, Decline or Stop a Service

MONTY may adapt, postpone, refuse or stop participation where reasonably considered necessary.

This may include circumstances where:

• Relevant health information has not been provided;

• Further professional advice appears appropriate;

• A service is unsuitable for the participant’s current circumstances;

• The requested support is outside MONTY’s scope;

• Participation could create an unreasonable safety risk;

• A participant is unwell, intoxicated or unable to participate safely;

• Appropriate equipment, space or support is unavailable; or

• A participant’s conduct places themselves or another person at risk.

This decision is made to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and reasonable safety. It is not a medical diagnosis or assessment.

8. In-Person Classes and Sessions

In-person movement, restorative and sound-based services involve an ordinary level of physical and personal participation.

You are responsible for:

• Following instructions and safety information;

• Selecting options appropriate to you;

• Asking for clarification where needed;

• Using equipment as directed;

• Informing MONTY if something feels unsuitable;

• Avoiding movements that conflict with professional advice; and

• Stopping if you experience concerning symptoms.

MONTY may provide general variations and alternatives, but a group session cannot provide continuous individual assessment, supervision or adaptation.

The presence of modifications does not mean that every class is suitable for every person.

9. Workshops, Events and Immersive Experiences

Workshops and events may combine movement, education, restorative practice, sound, food, oils, self-release techniques or other activities.

The specific activities and requirements may vary.

You remain responsible for deciding whether to participate in each element. You may decline or step away from an optional activity.

Where an experience includes another practitioner, facilitator, venue, food provider or business, they are responsible for the services they independently provide.

Their own health, participation, consent or safety requirements may also apply.

10. Retreats

Retreats may involve several activities over a longer period and may take place in unfamiliar environments.

Activities may include movement, walking, restorative practices, meditation, sound, food, shared facilities or sessions delivered by guest practitioners.

Before attending, you are responsible for considering:

• Your ability to travel and participate;

• The physical environment;

• The planned activities;

• Accommodation arrangements;

• Dietary or allergy requirements;

• Access needs;

• Medication and healthcare requirements; and

• Whether appropriate travel insurance or professional advice is needed.

MONTY does not provide personal care, clinical monitoring or specialist medical support during retreats.

You should not attend where your needs cannot be safely managed within the nature, staffing and facilities of the retreat.

11. Online Classes, Programmes and Recordings

Online content cannot provide the same observation, individual adaptation or physical supervision as an in-person session.

MONTY cannot fully assess:

• Your practice environment;

• Your equipment;

• Your movement or positioning;

• Your current health;

• Your response to an activity;

• Whether you have followed an instruction correctly; or

• Whether another person is available to assist you.

Before participating online, you are responsible for:

• Creating sufficient clear space;

• Removing trip hazards and unsafe objects;

• Using a stable surface;

• Using suitable equipment;

• Positioning your device appropriately;

• Keeping children and animals away where necessary;

• Choosing content suitable for your circumstances;

• Checking that you understand the instructions; and

• Stopping the recording or session where needed.

Do not use furniture, props or equipment that is damaged, unstable or unsuitable for the activity.

Recorded content cannot respond to changes in your health, ability or circumstances. Content that was previously suitable may not remain suitable following illness, injury, surgery, pregnancy or another change.

12. Live Online Sessions

During a live online session, MONTY may not be able to see your whole body, environment or physical response.

You should position your camera where appropriate, but you remain responsible for your own environment and participation.

If your camera is off or your movement cannot be clearly seen, MONTY’s ability to offer general feedback will be further limited.

A live online session is not individual clinical supervision, even where MONTY can see you on screen.

13. One-to-One Movement Sessions

A one-to-one session allows more individual discussion and adaptation than a group class but remains within MONTY’s qualifications and scope.

It is not:

• A medical assessment;

• Physiotherapy;

• Clinical rehabilitation;

• Psychological treatment; or

• A guarantee that an activity is suitable for a diagnosed condition.

MONTY may provide general movement observations, education, options and practical support.

Where symptoms or needs require clinical assessment or treatment, you may be advised to consult an appropriately qualified professional.

14. Massage and Bodywork

Massage and bodywork are provided for general wellbeing, relaxation, movement support and body awareness within MONTY’s training and scope.

They do not replace:

• Medical assessment;

• Physiotherapy;

• Clinical rehabilitation;

• Diagnosis;

• Prescribed treatment; or

• Investigation of new or unexplained symptoms.

Before treatment, you must disclose relevant information including injuries, health conditions, recent surgery, pregnancy, medication, allergies, skin concerns, medical restrictions and any area you do not want treated.

MONTY may alter, postpone or decline treatment where a contraindication, precaution or scope concern is identified.

Responses to massage and bodywork vary. No particular physical or therapeutic outcome is guaranteed.

You should seek appropriate professional advice if you experience a severe, unusual or concerning response following a session.

15. Hands-On Assistance and Consent

Hands-on assistance in classes and physical contact during bodywork are always subject to consent.

Consent is specific, ongoing and may be changed or withdrawn at any time.

You may:

• Request verbal guidance only;

• Ask to be consulted before each use of touch;

• Decline hands-on assistance;

• Request lighter or different pressure;

• Ask for an area to be avoided;

• Request a different position;

• Ask for additional draping;

• Pause the session; or

• End the session.

You do not need to provide a reason for declining or withdrawing consent.

Only areas relevant to the agreed service will be approached or treated.

MONTY services are professional and non-sexual. Inappropriate comments, conduct or requests will result in the service ending.

16. Breath Awareness and Breath-Based Practices

MONTY may include gentle breath awareness or breathing practices as part of movement, meditation or relaxation.

You are not required to:

• Hold your breath;

• Restrict your breathing;

• Use a particular breathing rhythm;

• Breathe more deeply than feels comfortable; or

• Continue any practice that causes distress or discomfort.

You may return to natural breathing at any time.

Stop the practice if you experience dizziness, faintness, tingling, panic, unusual breathlessness, chest discomfort or another concerning response.

MONTY does not provide intensive or clinical breathwork unless this is expressly described and appropriately within scope.

17. Meditation, Yoga Nidra and Restorative Practice

Meditation, stillness and relaxation practices can affect people differently.

You may:

• Keep your eyes open;

• Change position;

• Sit rather than lie down;

• Move when needed;

• Use additional support;

• Pause the practice; or

• Leave the space.

MONTY does not provide psychological treatment or trauma therapy through meditation, Yoga Nidra or restorative practice.

Although participants may experience emotional or general wellbeing benefits, no psychological outcome is promised.

18. Sound, Music and Vibration

Sound experiences may include voice, music, instruments, vibration, repetition, silence or changes in volume.

Responses to sound vary.

You should inform MONTY about relevant:

• Sound sensitivity;

• Tinnitus;

• Hearing considerations;

• Migraines;

• Sensitivity to vibration;

• Neurological concerns;

• Pregnancy;

• Medical implants or devices; or

• Other factors that may affect participation.

You may:

• Use ear protection;

• Move further away from an instrument;

• Change position;

• Reduce the volume of online content;

• Pause or stop;

• Leave the session; or

• Decline participation.

Sound experiences are provided for relaxation and general wellbeing. They are not sound medicine, medical treatment or psychological treatment and do not diagnose, treat or cure health conditions.

19. Pregnancy, Postnatal Recovery and Recent Surgery

Pregnancy, postnatal recovery and recovery following surgery vary between individuals.

You should inform MONTY before participating and follow advice from your healthcare team.

General alternatives or adaptations do not replace individual professional assessment.

MONTY may recommend postponing participation, selecting another service or obtaining professional advice where appropriate.

20. Pain, Hypermobility and Health Conditions

A diagnosis or health condition does not automatically prevent participation, but the same condition may affect different people differently.

Terms such as “gentle”, “restorative”, “beginner” or “accessible” do not mean that a service is suitable for every person or circumstance.

You should not use pain as a goal or assume that discomfort must be worked through.

Where you have pain, joint instability, hypermobility, fatigue, balance concerns, neurological symptoms or another relevant condition, you remain responsible for following professional advice and selecting appropriate options.

21. When to Stop

Stop participating and seek appropriate help if you experience:

• Sharp, severe or escalating pain;

• Chest pain or pressure;

• Fainting or feeling close to fainting;

• Severe or unusual breathlessness;

• Sudden weakness;

• New numbness;

• Loss of coordination;

• Severe dizziness;

• A significant or sudden visual change;

• An unexpected neurological symptom;

• A serious allergic response; or

• Anything else that feels concerning or unsafe.

Do not rely on MONTY to assess or manage a medical emergency.

In an emergency, contact the appropriate emergency service.

22. Food, Allergies, Oils and Scents

Some workshops, events or retreats may include food, drinks, oils, scents, skincare products or other materials.

You must inform MONTY of relevant allergies, intolerances, dietary requirements, skin sensitivities or medical advice.

MONTY will take reasonable care but cannot guarantee that an environment or food is completely free from traces of allergens unless this has been expressly confirmed.

Where food or another product is provided by an independent business, that provider is responsible for the product and its allergen information.

Participation in activities involving scents, oils or products is optional unless clearly stated before booking.

23. Venues, Equipment and Third Parties

Some MONTY services take place in independently operated studios, halls, workplaces, retreat venues or community spaces.

MONTY does not control every aspect of those premises, including access, flooring, temperature, lighting, parking, equipment, noise or the conduct of other venue users.

MONTY will take reasonable care when selecting and using a venue but cannot guarantee that every venue will meet every individual need.

You must follow reasonable venue and equipment instructions.

Where another practitioner, facilitator or organisation independently provides part of a service, they remain responsible for their own professional work, equipment and instructions.

This Disclaimer continues to apply to the part of the service supplied by MONTY.

24. Personal Choice and Participation

MONTY aims to encourage choice rather than pressure.

You may choose not to participate in any activity, including:

• A particular movement;

• Hands-on assistance;

• Breath practice;

• Meditation;

• Sound;

• Oils or scents;

• Partner or group activity;

• Food;

• Sharing personal information; or

• Any optional element of an experience.

Choosing not to participate in one activity does not prevent you from taking part in other suitable elements, subject to the structure and safety of the service.

25. Results and Outcomes

People respond differently to movement, bodywork, sound, education and restorative practices.

MONTY does not guarantee:

• Pain relief;

• Recovery from injury;

• Improved mobility or fitness;

• Improved sleep;

• Weight loss;

• Emotional release;

• Nervous-system regulation;

• Changes to a health condition;

• Improved mental health;

• Relaxation; or

• Any other particular outcome.

Testimonials and participant experiences reflect individual opinions and results. They do not guarantee that another person will have the same experience.

26. Liability and Legal Rights

MONTY will provide its services with reasonable care and skill.

Nothing in this Disclaimer excludes or restricts liability for:

• Death or personal injury caused by MONTY’s negligence;

• Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;

• Breach of statutory consumer rights; or

• Any other liability that cannot legally be excluded.

Subject to those rights, MONTY is not responsible for injury, loss or damage resulting from:

• Inaccurate or withheld information;

• Failure to update relevant health information;

• Ignoring instructions or safety guidance;

• Continuing despite pain or concerning symptoms;

• Participating contrary to professional advice;

• Using an unsafe environment;

• Using unsuitable or damaged equipment;

• Selecting content unsuitable for your circumstances;

• Unauthorised or unintended use of MONTY content;

• The independent actions of another participant, venue or third party; or

• Circumstances outside MONTY’s reasonable control.

This Disclaimer does not remove any rights provided to you by law.

27. Participation Acknowledgement

By booking, purchasing, accessing or participating in a MONTY service, you acknowledge that:

• You have read and understood this Health & Participation Disclaimer;

• MONTY services are general movement, bodywork, sound, educational and wellbeing services;

• MONTY does not provide medical, physiotherapy, psychological, rehabilitation or emergency services;

• You are responsible for providing relevant and accurate information;

• You will inform MONTY of relevant changes;

• You will participate within your own abilities and any professional advice;

• You may pause, adapt, decline or stop an activity at any time;

• You will stop if you experience pain, illness or concerning symptoms;

• Online content provides limited observation and supervision; and

• No particular result or outcome has been guaranteed.

28. Contact

Questions about this Disclaimer or the suitability and practical requirements of a MONTY service can be sent to:

Justine Montgomery trading as MONTY
Email: themontypractice@gmail.com