Petrissage is defined as which type of massage movement?

Petrissage is best defined as a kneading movement in the context of massage therapy. This technique involves using the hands to lift, squeeze, and knead the soft tissues and muscles, promoting relaxation, increasing blood circulation, and alleviating tension. Petrissage enhances the flexibility of muscle fibers and can help improve overall muscle tone. The kneading action is effective in breaking down knots and areas of tension in the muscles, which is essential for a nail technician to understand, as clients may carry tension in their hands or arms.

The other types of movements mentioned, such as pounding, rolling, and friction, serve different purposes in massage therapy. For instance, pounding involves a rhythmic striking motion, rolling focuses on a gliding motion over the muscles, and friction consists of applying circular movements with pressure to improve circulation and release tension. Each of these techniques has its specific applications, but they do not encompass the kneading action that defines petrissage. Understanding the unique characteristics of petrissage is vital for practitioners, as it aids in achieving various therapeutic results during massage treatments.