What do you learn after more than 50 years of putting your hands on bodies?

In this very special episode, Elicia sits down with Susan Davis, remedial massage therapist, registered nurse, educator and lifelong learner, who is still treating clients at 70 years of age. She was also awarded the Life Member Award from Massage and Myotherapy Association at the 2026 National Conference in Geelong.

Susan shares the extraordinary story of growing up alongside the emerging massage profession in Australia, including how her mother Cynthia helped fight for massage to be recognised as a legitimate health profession after actually being arrested for practising massage in the 1970s.

Together, Susan and Elicia explore how massage has changed over the past five decades, what we've gained and perhaps lost along the way, and why great treatment is about so much more than finding a tight muscle and trying to fix it.

They talk about presence, intuition, chronic pain, the nervous system, lifestyle medicine, ageing, the power of touch and the importance of truly seeing the person on your table.

Susan's message after 50 years?

Stay curious. Keep learning. And never forget the privilege we have of working with another human being.

This is a beautiful conversation about our history, our profession and where massage therapy could go next.

Davis Health Centre
https://www.davishealthcentre.org/

Cynthia Davis History Archives - https://mobile.amt.org.au/downloads/journal-archive/March2014.pdf