Effleurage is a superficial, longitudinal stroke used to relax the patient. When applied toward the heart, it reduces swelling and aids venous return. What is another characteristic?

Effleurage is a superficial, longitudinal stroke used to relax the patient. When applied toward the heart, it reduces swelling and aids venous return. What is another characteristic?

• A. It is the most commonly used stroke and begins and ends each massage
• B. It is performed as deep kneading
• C. It involves sharp percussion
• D. It is used only at the end of massage

Answer: (A)

Effleurage uses light, superficial long strokes that glide over the skin to promote relaxation and ease blood and lymph flow toward the heart. A defining characteristic is that it’s the stroke most commonly used in massage routines and is typically applied at the beginning to introduce contact, spread lubricant, and warm the tissues, and then again at the end to calm the client and finish the session. This matches how therapists structure a massage: start with soothing, broad strokes to prepare the body for deeper work, and close with calming strokes to transition out of the session. The other options describe different techniques (deep kneading is petrissage, sharp percussion is tapotement) or incorrectly limit its use to the end, which doesn’t reflect its usual role.

Effleurage uses light, superficial long strokes that glide over the skin to promote relaxation and ease blood and lymph flow toward the heart. A defining characteristic is that it’s the stroke most commonly used in massage routines and is typically applied at the beginning to introduce contact, spread lubricant, and warm the tissues, and then again at the end to calm the client and finish the session. This matches how therapists structure a massage: start with soothing, broad strokes to prepare the body for deeper work, and close with calming strokes to transition out of the session. The other options describe different techniques (deep kneading is petrissage, sharp percussion is tapotement) or incorrectly limit its use to the end, which doesn’t reflect its usual role.