what is petrissage

Petrissage is a massage technique that applies deep pressure to the underlying muscles. It is a French word that means "to knead". The technique involves kneading, wringing, skin rolling, and pick-up-and-squeeze movements, which are all performed with the padded palmar surface of the hand. Petrissage is used to free up movement of tissues and muscle by treating muscle knots or spasms, increase blood circulation, and improve muscular function. The technique can also help decrease tension, increase tissue elasticity, and improve range of motion. Petrissage is usually safe and very effective in most cases as it delivers promising results after the session. However, it may be inappropriate over new scar tissue, over inflamed areas, damaged skin, swelling, or after a recent injury. The overall goal of petrissage is to target the deeper tissues and penetrate the superficial layers to increase blood circulation to the muscles. Massage therapists use petrissage to treat delayed onset muscle soreness, relieve tension, and improve recovery.