Free Shipping
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 $14.99 - Original price $59.99Original price$14.99 - $59.99$14.99 - $59.99Current price $14.99Golden Jojoba Oil
BodyBestIn stockUses and Benefits of Golden Jojoba Oil Golden Jojoba Oil is one of the best massage oils as it can be used for both scalp and body. It is deeply mo...
View full detailsOriginal price $14.99 - Original price $59.99Original price$14.99 - $59.99$14.99 - $59.99Current price $14.99 -
Original price $29.99 - Original price $69.99Original price$29.99 - $69.99$29.99 - $69.99Current price $29.99Virgin Organic Argan Nut Oil
BodyBestIn stockUses and Benefits of Virgin Organic Argan Nut Oil Virgin Organic Argan Nut Oil is known for its amazing benefits for skin and hair. Rich in vitamin...
View full detailsOriginal price $29.99 - Original price $69.99Original price$29.99 - $69.99$29.99 - $69.99Current price $29.99 -
Original price $23.99 - Original price $94.99Original price$23.99 - $94.99$23.99 - $94.99Current price $23.99Coconut Oil Cold Pressed Unfractionated
BodyBestLow stockBenefits of Body Best Cold Pressed Unfractionated Coconut Oil Body Best Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil has wonderful healing properties for your b...
View full detailsOriginal price $23.99 - Original price $94.99Original price$23.99 - $94.99$23.99 - $94.99Current price $23.99 -
Original price $29.99 - Original price $99.99Original price$29.99 - $99.99$29.99 - $99.99Current price $29.99Organic Sunflower Seed Massage Oil
BodyBestIn stockUses and Benefits of Sunflower Seed Massage Oil Body Best Sunflower Seed Massage Oil is organic, lightweight and replenishing. It is popularly used...
View full detailsOriginal price $29.99 - Original price $99.99Original price$29.99 - $99.99$29.99 - $99.99Current price $29.99 -
Original price $29.99 - Original price $29.99Original price$29.99$29.99 - $29.99Current price $29.99Apricot Oil Cold Pressed 1L
BodyBestIn stockUses and Benefits of Cold Pressed Apricot Oil Apricot Oil Cold Pressed by BodyBest is ideal for body and head massages. Also known as Apricot Kerne...
View full detailsOriginal price $29.99 - Original price $29.99Original price$29.99$29.99 - $29.99Current price $29.99
