It can be but it doesn’t have to be. I always encourage feedback during a treatment to ensure I have the pressure right for you (we’re all different!). Working with remedial/sports/deep tissue techniques can be uncomfortable but it should NOT cause pain or feel like it’s doing harm. If you cannot relax during a massage due to the pressure being too much or too little and causing you to feel ticklish, you will not get the full benefits from the treatment. I will never be offended if you ask me to use less (or more) pressure.