Massage Techniques

Question 1

Define Massage Technique

What is Effleurage?

Think “effortless flow”— Smooth lotion on skin

Answer 1

Effleurage is gliding or stroking

Long, smooth, flowing strokes using palms, fingers, or forearms

Purpose: Warms up muscles, increases circulation, calms the nervous system, begins and ends most massages

Question 2

Define Massage Technique

What is Petrissage? (prepare)

Think “kneading dough” - If you can grab it, you can knead it

Answer 2

Petrissage is kneading, rolling, and squeezing muscles

Purpose: Relaxes muscle tension, breaks up adhesions, and improves flexibility

Question 3

Define Massage Technique

What is Friction? (Fix)

Friction = focused + deep
Short strokes, slow pressure

Answer 3

Friction is rubbing. Also, small, deep, circular or cross-fiber movements.

Purpose: Breaks down scar tissue and targets knots and trigger points

Question 4

Define Massage Technique

What is Tapotement?

Derived from French word: Tapoter- means to Tap

Tapotement= upbeat energy (not relaxing)

Answer 4

Rhythmic tapping or percussive movements like cupping (up and down), hacking (karate chop hands), slapping, or tapping.

Use with hands, fingertips, or cupped palms

Stimulates muscles, increase blood flow, energizes tissue and invigorate the body by waking up the nervous system

Question 5

Define Massage Technique

What is Vibration?

When something vibrates it shakes?

Think “jello effect” - gentle wobble

Answer 5

Rapid shaking or oscillating movements is for vibration

Reduces tension, pain, inflammation, and muscle soreness

Stimulates muscles and nervous system, increases circulation, flexibility, and range of motion

Question 6

Define Massage Technique

What is Compression?

When you compress something, what do you do?

Answer 6

Compression (ischemic) - a reduction or stoppage of blood flow to tissues caused by external or internal pressure, leading to oxygen deprivation.

Press muscle into bone, no gliding, great for warming tissue

Technique used to release trigger points

Sustained pressure 30-90 secs to a knotted muscle, to increase blood flow and muscle metabolism. Client may feel “Good pain”

Question 7

Mnemonic for Massage Technique Order

E - P - F - T - V

Think of Zii Zii for V

“Every Person Feels Tension Vanish”

Answer 7

EFFLEURAGE- PETRISSAGE- FRICTION- TAPOTEMENT- VIBRATION