The massage technique that involves kneading is called:

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

Answer: (A)

Kneading is called petrissage. In this technique the therapist lifts, squeezes, and rolls the muscle between the hands to lift tissue, release adhesions, and improve local circulation and tissue mobility. This contrasts with effleurage, which uses long, gliding strokes to warm and relax the area; tapotement, which involves rhythmic tapping or pounding; and friction, which uses deep, small-circular rubbing to break down adhesions in a focused spot. Because kneading specifically involves lifting and compressing the muscle to affect deeper layers, petrissage is the correct term.