Effleurage is best described as which of the following?

Effleurage is best described as which of the following?

• A. Light in-stroke technique performed at the beginning and end of a massage
• B. Deep kneading of muscles
• C. Rapid tapping movements
• D. Friction applied across fibers

Answer: (A)

Effleurage is a light, gliding stroke that keeps the hands in continuous contact with the skin, usually using long, smooth motions. It’s applied with light pressure to warm the tissue, relax the client, and facilitate circulation and lymphatic drainage, making it ideal to start and end a massage. This technique helps prepare the tissues for deeper work by spreading lubricant and gradually increasing tissue perfusion without causing tissue disruption. In contrast, deep kneading is petrissage, which involves lifting and squeezing muscle tissue; rapid tapping movements are tapotement, a percussion technique; and friction involves deeper, cross-fiber rubbing to break up adhesions.

Effleurage is a light, gliding stroke that keeps the hands in continuous contact with the skin, usually using long, smooth motions. It’s applied with light pressure to warm the tissue, relax the client, and facilitate circulation and lymphatic drainage, making it ideal to start and end a massage. This technique helps prepare the tissues for deeper work by spreading lubricant and gradually increasing tissue perfusion without causing tissue disruption. In contrast, deep kneading is petrissage, which involves lifting and squeezing muscle tissue; rapid tapping movements are tapotement, a percussion technique; and friction involves deeper, cross-fiber rubbing to break up adhesions.