over $250.00

Petrissage - The Kneading Touch in Massage Therapy
Petrissage Massage Technique
Along with effleurage, another foundational concept of Swedish massage and other body work is that of petrissage. Taken from a traditional French baking phrase, and literally meaning “kneading,” petrissage is the therapist’s method of lifting, folding, and squeezing the patient’s flesh. It is not the gentle touch of effleurage, nor is it a deep tissue massage. It is a slow and rhythmic process, focussed on the area of contact.
Six essential motions combine to define petrissage. Wringing, kneading, knuckling, scissoring, skin rolling, and pick-up-and-squeeze are the key movements. All of these techniques are therapeutic — performed with varying degrees of intensity and vigour, according to the patient’s comfort.
a traditional French baking phrase, and literally meaning “kneading,”
All of these motions are conducted on the outer layers of flesh, lifting skin and muscles away from the fascia beneath. The motions increase blood circulation in the skin, and are thought to stimulate capillarisation and vasodilation. The former increases the number of stimulated capillaries in the focussed area, producing relaxation and easing pain. Vasodilation is the expansion and widening of blood vessels that results in improved oxygenation of the blood, and is thought to improve lymphatic discharge.
Therapists familiar with baking and bread making may appreciate the parallels here. Once a dough is fully formed, it may require a period of rest so the gluten within can relax and become more pliable. So it is with the patient’s flesh and muscle. Petrissage is slow and repetitive, and produces relaxation and ultimately relief in the treatment area.
Biotone Advanced Therapy Massage Lotion is one of our most popular lubricants for petrissage. It has improved glide, reducing friction on the skin, and it absorbs nicely without leaving a sticky residue.
Following a massage treatment with towels heated in a towel warmer allows the patient to gradually and gently come out of a treatment at their own pace.
Featured collection
-
Original price $9.99 - Original price $14.99Original price$9.99 - $14.99$9.99 - $14.99Current price $9.99
Arnica Infused Essential Oil
BodyBestIn stockUses and Benefits of Arnica Essential Oil Arnica Essential Oil (Arnica montana) is a soothing oil that has a variety of uses. It is used to treat b...
View full detailsOriginal price $9.99 - Original price $14.99Original price$9.99 - $14.99$9.99 - $14.99Current price $9.99 -
Original price $5.99 - Original price $14.99Original price$5.99 - $14.99$5.99 - $14.99Current price $5.99
Basil Essential Oil
BodyBestIn stockUses and Benefits of Basil Essential Oil Basil Essential Oil (Ocimum basilicum) has a long list of therapeutic uses. The energising oil treats phys...
View full detailsOriginal price $5.99 - Original price $14.99Original price$5.99 - $14.99$5.99 - $14.99Current price $5.99 -
Original price $9.99 - Original price $46.99Original price$9.99 - $46.99$9.99 - $46.99Current price $9.99
Bergamot Essential Oil
BodyBestIn stockUses and Benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil Bergamot Essential Oil (Citrus bergamia) is an excellent oil for diffusers that has traditionally been ...
View full detailsOriginal price $9.99 - Original price $46.99Original price$9.99 - $46.99$9.99 - $46.99Current price $9.99 -
Original price $9.99 - Original price $19.99Original price$9.99 - $19.99$9.99 - $19.99Current price $9.99
Cedarwood Essential Oil
BodyBestIn stockUses and Benefits of Cedarwood Essential Oil Cedarwood Essential Oil (Juniperus ashei) has a sweet, balsamic, pencil-wood scent that is similar to ...
View full detailsOriginal price $9.99 - Original price $19.99Original price$9.99 - $19.99$9.99 - $19.99Current price $9.99 -
Original price $9.99 - Original price $9.99Original price$9.99$9.99 - $9.99Current price $9.99
Chamomile Roman Infused Essential Oil
BodyBestIn stockUses and Benefits of Chamomile Roman Infused Essential Oil Chamomile Roman Infused Essential Oil is an exquisite oil that is blended in a 3% diluti...
View full detailsOriginal price $9.99 - Original price $9.99Original price$9.99$9.99 - $9.99Current price $9.99