During a full-body massage, which stroke would typically follow effleurage to provide deeper muscle relief?

The stroke that typically follows effleurage during a full-body massage to provide deeper muscle relief is petrissage. Effleurage, characterized by long, gliding strokes, primarily serves to warm up the muscles and promote relaxation. After this initial phase, petrissage is employed to apply deeper pressure, kneading the muscles effectively. This technique focuses on manipulating the soft tissues, enhancing muscle relief and circulation, and addressing areas of tension more directly.

Utilizing petrissage after effleurage allows the therapist to transition smoothly from a light, soothing approach to a more intensive treatment, making it ideal for deeper muscle relief. This progression is essential in massage therapy to prepare the muscles appropriately for more focused techniques. Other techniques, like friction or compression, may target specific areas but do not follow the rhythm established by effleurage as seamlessly as petrissage does.