Are you ticklish?

How hot stones, intuition, and a nurturing touch create a better massage experience.

As a remedial massage therapist with decades of experience, I’ve seen it all. Ticklishness is not just about being too sensitive—And a good therapist listens.

Today, I massaged a young man who plays a lot of AFL footy. He actually asked his mum to book him in—how wonderful is that? I love seeing young people taking responsibility for their recovery and wellbeing. That kind of care sets them up for fewer injuries and better performance long-term.

But from the moment I started, it was clear: he was very ticklish. And that’s where my years of experience and signature hot stone fusion massage made all the difference.

As a remedial therapist, it’s easy to want to get stuck into those tight quads, hamstrings, and glutes. But every body is different. Reading the body is part of the craft. If someone’s flinching, jumping, or bracing, they’re not relaxing—and that tells me I need to adjust what I am doing, use another ‘tool from my toolbox’.

So instead of pushing through, I backed off. I let the heat from the stones do the work. The warmth soothed his muscles, calmed his nervous system, and allowed him to drop into that peaceful, parasympathetic state where true healing begins.

When we finished, he said to his mum “That didn’t feel like an hour!” That’s music to my ears! 

I want every client to leave feeling nurtured, relaxed, and aligned—like their body’s been lovingly worked on, but not poked, prodded, or bruised. There's a fine line between firm and too deep. And it’s one I walk intuitively every day.

Women, especially, will know that our bodies aren’t the same week to week. Our sensitivity changes with our cycle. Sometimes we crave deep pressure; other times, we need a lighter, more nurturing touch.

Being in tune with your body—and having a therapist who is too—makes all the difference.

So next time you book in, whether you’re ticklish or tight as a drum, trust that I’ll meet you where you are. No cookie-cutter treatments here. Just hot nurturing stones, healing hands, and a whole lot of care. 

Anna Q well-being Queen