Which massage movement involves light, gliding strokes and is often used to begin and/or end a treatment?

Which massage movement involves light, gliding strokes and is often used to begin and/or end a treatment?

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

Answer: (D)

Effleurage uses light, gliding strokes and is often used to begin and/or end a treatment. These long, smooth motions relax the client, introduce contact, and warm the tissues, making it easier to assess how the body responds and to distribute lubricant. Because the strokes are gentle and broad, they also help soothe the nervous system and create a calm transition as you move from one area to another or gradually finish the session. Other movements like friction, petrissage, and tapotement involve deeper, more localized actions that stimulate or work the tissue, so they’re typically placed in the middle portion of a treatment rather than at the start or end.

Effleurage uses light, gliding strokes and is often used to begin and/or end a treatment. These long, smooth motions relax the client, introduce contact, and warm the tissues, making it easier to assess how the body responds and to distribute lubricant. Because the strokes are gentle and broad, they also help soothe the nervous system and create a calm transition as you move from one area to another or gradually finish the session. Other movements like friction, petrissage, and tapotement involve deeper, more localized actions that stimulate or work the tissue, so they’re typically placed in the middle portion of a treatment rather than at the start or end.