Which massage stroke is superficial, longitudinal toward the heart and helps venous return?

Which massage stroke is superficial, longitudinal toward the heart and helps venous return?

• A. Effleurage
• B. Petrissage
• C. Tapotement
• D. Friction

Answer: (A)

The key idea is a light, superficial glide that runs along the length of the limb toward the heart. This describes effleurage. It uses long, smooth strokes, usually with the palms or fingertips, applied lightly enough to keep the skin surface sliding. The purpose is to warm the tissue and gently increase blood and lymphatic flow, aiding venous return and preparing the body for deeper work. That forward, heart-directed motion is what makes effleurage distinct from other strokes like kneading (petrissage), percussion (tapotement), or deep friction, which are deeper, more localized, or percussive rather than long, superficial glides toward the heart.

The key idea is a light, superficial glide that runs along the length of the limb toward the heart. This describes effleurage. It uses long, smooth strokes, usually with the palms or fingertips, applied lightly enough to keep the skin surface sliding. The purpose is to warm the tissue and gently increase blood and lymphatic flow, aiding venous return and preparing the body for deeper work. That forward, heart-directed motion is what makes effleurage distinct from other strokes like kneading (petrissage), percussion (tapotement), or deep friction, which are deeper, more localized, or percussive rather than long, superficial glides toward the heart.