Massage Manual > Hand Techniques

Petrissage
Petrissage is a focused massage movement concentrating on specific muscle groups to aid in the elimination of 'knots' and increase blood flow to congested deep muscular tissue. Muscle is compressed beneath either the palms, thumbs, fingertips, fist or elbows resulting in increased circulation through the muscles. The affect is similar to kneading but stronger than friction.

Effects of Petrissage

• Compression and relaxation of muscle causes the veins and lymph vessels to be filled and emptied
• Increases the circulation and removal of waste products.
• Eliminates fatigue, muscle tired by continual labour is restored more quickly by massage, especially petrissage, than simply by rest.
• The skin, deep and superficial tissues, are all stimulated to further activity.
• Hard, contracted muscles are softened and relaxed.
• The sudden releasing of the stretched muscle fibres causes them to contract momentarily, thus strengthening them.

Friction
Friction is to generate heat in the muscles that you are working on. It is usually performed with the flat or the heel of the hand, and can be done with the tips of the fingers or thumb. The aim of friction is to loosen hardened tissue. It mechanically reduces deposits of waste products and facilitates their removal by the lymphatic system.

• Effects of Friction
  • Soften fibrous thickenings.
  • Stimulation of circulation and fresh supply of blood to the part
  • Heat and warm the muscles in an the area which makes them more pliable