Petrissage is best described as which movements?

• A. Gliding or Stroking
• B. Kneading, Lifting or Grasping
• C. Deep Rubbing, Rolling or Wringing
• D. Rapid Shaking

Answer: (B)

Petrissage involves kneading-type movements that grasp, lift, and compress tissue between the fingers and thumbs (or palms) and then release. This action compresses and releases deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, promoting circulation and tissue nutrition while helping to break up adhesions.

That’s why the description of kneading, lifting, or grasping fits best. It directly states the hands-on actions used to mobilize tissue in Petrissage, which is all about lifting and squeezing rather than sliding or tapping. In contrast, gliding or stroking describes effleurage, a lighter, superficial stroke used to begin or end a session or to spread products. Rapid shaking is a percussion technique called tapotement, used for stimulation rather than the compressive kneading of Petrissage. While rolling or wringing are related Petrissage techniques, the most representative and precise characterization among the options is kneading, lifting, or grasping.