Which massage technique is commonly associated with long, slow gliding strokes used at the start of a session?

Which massage technique is commonly associated with long, slow gliding strokes used at the start of a session?

• A. Effleurage
• B. Petrissage
• C. Percussion
• D. Friction

Answer: (A)

Long, slow gliding strokes used at the start of a session are meant to gently warm the tissues, relax the client, and prepare the body for deeper work. This technique, effleurage, involves smooth, continuous strokes with the palms or fingers that travel along the length of a muscle or limb, often flowing in the direction of circulation to boost blood and lymphatic flow and to set a comfortable rhythm. Because it is defined by those long, flowing motions used to ease into a massage, it’s the technique most closely associated with starting a session. Other techniques involve different motions: kneading and lifting characterize petrissage, tapping or rhythmic striking characterizes percussion, and focused, small circular rubbing to address adhesions characterizes friction.

Long, slow gliding strokes used at the start of a session are meant to gently warm the tissues, relax the client, and prepare the body for deeper work. This technique, effleurage, involves smooth, continuous strokes with the palms or fingers that travel along the length of a muscle or limb, often flowing in the direction of circulation to boost blood and lymphatic flow and to set a comfortable rhythm. Because it is defined by those long, flowing motions used to ease into a massage, it’s the technique most closely associated with starting a session. Other techniques involve different motions: kneading and lifting characterize petrissage, tapping or rhythmic striking characterizes percussion, and focused, small circular rubbing to address adhesions characterizes friction.