Have you ever asked a licensed massage therapist about ticklish clients?

[brotherted]

I have. Probably a half-dozen times.

They all react as if it's the most absolutely annoying thing that could happen. It seems they think of it as a situation where they're failing at their job -- to provide relaxation -- despite no fault of their own. They also say it's really common.

And they respond with more broad pressure, less narrowly directed pressure, etc.

But it made me wonder... What would happen if one of us -- i.e. someone with a tickling fetish -- became a massage therapist? If a client jerked or flinched what would we do? Perhaps start a little conversation about how ticklish they were, or an innocently posed question about whether they thought tickling was fun? Maybe we'd find some percentage that said yes, they thought it was fun... and if so, a half hour later, we might "accidentally" perform another little poke test?

As I've written here before, I'm sure that in the real world that percentage would be pretty low... but it wouldn't be zero.

So I ask, are any of you massage therapists, and if so, what do you do when someone jerks or spasms to your touch? Or do you know massage therapists who've talked about it?

 

[Wolf]

I have. Probably a half-dozen times.

They all react as if it's the most absolutely annoying thing that could happen. It seems they think of it as a situation where they're failing at their job -- to provide relaxation -- despite no fault of their own. They also say it's really common.

And they respond with more broad pressure, less narrowly directed pressure, etc.

But it made me wonder... What would happen if one of us -- i.e. someone with a tickling fetish -- became a massage therapist? If a client jerked or flinched what would we do? Perhaps start a little conversation about how ticklish they were, or an innocently posed question about whether they thought tickling was fun? Maybe we'd find some percentage that said yes, they thought it was fun... and if so, a half hour later, we might "accidentally" perform another little poke test?

As I've written here before, I'm sure that in the real world that percentage would be pretty low... but it wouldn't be zero.

So I ask, are any of you massage therapists, and if so, what do you do when someone jerks or spasms to your touch? Or do you know massage therapists who've talked about it?

I was a massage therapist and body worker for several years at a high-end salon; some clients were ticklish, some treatments were very "ticklish" (endermatic cellulite treatments, etc). I did what I could to minimize it, and with some treatments, it couldn't be helped. It was amusing, but I never got playful with clients; it wasn't really hard to keep things professional with them, because it's actually a lot of work.

 

[brotherted]

I was a massage therapist and body worker for several years at a high-end salon; some clients were ticklish, some treatments were very "ticklish" (endermatic cellulite treatments, etc). I did what I could to minimize it, and with some treatments, it couldn't be helped. It was amusing, but I never got playful with clients; it wasn't really hard to keep things professional with them, because it's actually a lot of work.

So what would you actually do? Let's say you were massaging someone's lower back, fingers got near their ribs or sides; they suddenly have a massive jerk or yelp. Would you say nothing? Or would you refer to what just happened somehow?

Am I wrong that an initial, little trial conversation about tickling, if done with poise and charm, would seem pretty natural in that situation? Then, if the client's reaction seemed like they found it a fun topic, you could explore further?

 

[Mitchell]

The only thing I did when I lived in PA many years ago and was getting a massage from a licensed massage therapist, who was a beautiful girl. I just asked a general question if anyone had ever told her that a massage felt ticklish, and she said yes. The real reason was because the massage she was giving me, was tickling me!

Other than a general question like that, I never really "Got into detail " with her , so to speak, as I used to see her periodically for a massage, and I felt if I made more out of it than just the one general question, it would be too obvious, so after that, I just let it drop.

 

[Wolf]

So what would you actually do? Let's say you were massaging someone's lower back, fingers got near their ribs or sides; they suddenly have a massive jerk or yelp. Would you say nothing? Or would you refer to what just happened somehow?

It wasn't a topic of conversation unless the client brought it up; usually, using more pressure solved it, and there wasn't much chat about it. Mostly, when a client mentioned they were ticklish, and/or where, it was before I even got there, and I took it into account. Some treatments, as I said, were really tickly, and a couple of clients laughed through most of it. We all laughed, sometimes, even the people in the room next door. I didn't make it weird.

Am I wrong that an initial, little trial conversation about tickling, if done with poise and charm, would seem pretty natural in that situation? Then, if the client's reaction seemed like they found it a fun topic, you could explore further?

"Wrong" would be a matter for the people in the conversation to decide. It wasn't an issue with me. I had enough fun and flirtatious play with the other staff members, I wasn't going to screw around with clients. Why would I mess up a good thing?

 

[OKImTicklish]

I go for massage therapy pretty regularly (at least until recently!) and over the course of the massages the therapists inevitably hit a ticklish spot or two. I try not to tense up or move too much and do my best to stifle any laughs because I don't really want them to stop tickling! When they realize they're tickling me, they're naturally apologetic and offer to change techniques or move to another part of the body, and I'll tell them not to worry about it, it doesn't bother me, etc. I generally don't dare actually tell them to keep on tickling!

Anyway, several years back, I used to see a massage therapist as often as possible, who not only knew exactly how ticklish I was and where, but she seemed to understand I really enjoyed it and I swear she would tickle me on purpose! She even kinda teased me about it, warning me to get ready if she was coming around to a "tickle zone" etc. I burned through a lot of money having appointments with her at least twice a month but to me it was worth it!

 

[maniactickler]

Get your massages from Asians. they are far more open to tickle talk. I tickled a couple of my masseuses briefly. after a few sessions I asked if I could give them a short massage. theres your opening.

 

[Tidas]

Get your massages from Asians. they are far more open to tickle talk. I tickled a couple of my masseuses briefly. after a few sessions I asked if I could give them a short massage. theres your opening.

Yikes. That's a little problematic.

 

[TickleYeti]

No, but I've asked a masseuse to tickle rather than massage. She was confused at first but seemed to relax as I assured her that I did indeed want that, that she hadn't misunderstood, and that I was looking for a professional interaction only. After that she really seemed to enjoy herself. After all, we humans get a sympathetic endorphin rush from inducing laughter in others.

Best massage session I've ever had haha

btw...don't ever try to touch your masseuse...its just going to be taken that you want something sexual and if that is illegal in your area, you'll likely be kicked out (usually with no refund) unless its one of "those" parlors...

 

[OKImTicklish]

I wish I had the guts to outright ask a massage therapist to tickle me! Before the coronavirus situation I’d get a massage at least once a month and there were always parts of the massage that tickled and I’d try not to react as long as possible and make them change what they were doing. One therapist I used to see must have known I enjoyed the tickling and focused a lot of our sessions on the ticklish parts! I miss my appointments with her!

 

[maniactickler]

Yikes. That's a little problematic.

Not at all. it was fun to get in a little tickling. no issues at all.

 

[Tidas]

Not at all. it was fun to get in a little tickling. no issues at all.

Cute. You know what I meant.

 

[Wade]

I've only gotten a professional massage once and even though I'm excessively ticklish it wasn't a problem because of the nature and qualities of the kind of touch deployed -- until she got to my feet. Once my feet were in her hands I tensed up all over and struggled not to squirm, and I'm sure she noticed and probably tried to adapt accordingly.

 

[lovedemfeet]

I got lucky TWICE at the same parlor! I first went in for reflexology a year ago February and requested that she tickle my feet INTERMITTENTLY (not constantly) during a session—I have videos of her doing it! I don’t laugh out loud on the videos so as not to disturb other patrons. Eventually she did full body massages on me with tickling thrown in!
6 months later she returned to China (*sniff*), but her successor took up the slack! She’ll even provide me with paper towel to release myself under the cover towel (I’m nude under it) while she tickles my feet during the last 10 minutes.

 

[footfan69]

Had a similar experience with a therapist from China. Excellent technique, not afraid to work my entire glutes, etc., but very little English language skills. On our 3rd session, I made the tickling gesture with my fingers and she really got into it. She had clearly tickled people before and had no problem at all! After massaging each section, she would spider tickle with my encouragement. At the end, I uncovered everything but my crotch area, and she tickled me all over: feet, thighs, stomach, sides, nipples, pits, hands, arms for the last 5 minutes. I was in heaven, and immediately busted a nut when she left the room!

This happened 3 times. On my next appointment, I was going to remove the sheet completely to see if she would be comfortable taking it up a notch, but she moved away, and I had to find a new therapist. Darn! Needless to say, she was my favorite of all time. �� If I’m ever able to convince another therapist to introduce tickling into a massage, I’ll post that experience.

 

[underthegun]

I have tickled the same girl during multiple sessions at an Asian massage parlor before. It's out there you just have to ask.

 

[Wolf]

I have tickled the same girl during multiple sessions at an Asian massage parlor before. It's out there you just have to ask.

Well, yeah; there's a pretty good chance she's not allowed to say no.

https://polarisproject.org/resources/human-trafficking-in-illicit-massage-businesses/