Petrissage

PETRISSAGE is a kneading stroke. This stroke presses and rolls the muscles under the hands. The two hands can be used on larger areas. One hand can be used or where an area is quite small as between the scapula and spine two fingers can be used in a thumb rolling stroke. Care must be taken not to pinch or bruise by working on the one site for too long.
Description: The hand is laid on the area to be worked and the heel of the hand applies the pressure as it works/rolls across the fibres of the muscle. It is a deep stroke and used:
(a) to 'milk' the muscles of waste products that collect due to abnormal activity.
(b) to assist venous return.
(c) to help free adhesions in some instances.