These tutorials will look at these three fundamental movements to give you a basic understanding of what is involved in massage. 

For a more detailed understanding we recommend you purchase the book on which these tutorials are based - An Introduction to Massage by Louise Tucker (Holistic Therapy Books, Cambridge, UK). You can buy this and other books by Louise Tucker.

Petrissage
Pettrissage, like effleurage, is a name deriving from the French. Pétrir means to knead or rub with force and this stroke uses both kneading and rubbing movements to manipulate tissues and muscles. 

It uses the pressure of the hands or fingers to break down tension. There are various forms: in some cases only the fingers and / or thumbs are used to knead the tissues, in others the whole hand is used. 

How to do it ?
Carefully slowly grasp the flesh of the part of the body being worked with both hands or fingers then use one hand to lift it, as if pulling away from the bone. Keep the tissues firmly compressed whilst lifting, then release and repeat with the other hand. Continue to lift, compress and release with alternate hands, as if kneading dough and build up into a rhythm.

For particularly stiff / tight areas, build a twist into the movement so that the flesh is being 'wrung' like a damp cloth. The pressure should be smooth and not jerky and care should be taken to avoid pinching the skin. Begin gently and build up to firmer pressure, always using the same rate and rhythm and getting feedback from the client.

It is important to use body weight and movement to assist in making the technique effective and less tiring for the therapist. Lean into the muscle as you grasp it and lean back as you lift. 

When to use it ?
Pettrissage usually follows effleurage at the start of a massage. It should be used to break down tightness and tension in large muscles. It should not be used on bony or delicate areas. 

What does it do ?
Pettrissage stretches the muscles improving their suppleness and elasticity, and helps break down tension and stiffness in tissues and large muscles.

Such stiffness is often caused by the build-up of toxins such as lactic acid and petrissage helps to release and break down these toxins, enabling the muscles to work more efficiently. It also stimulates the circulation and is very useful in sports massage.

Despite the firmness of the stroke it is more relaxing than invigorating because it releases tightness and toxins.

View Massage tutorial 3