Petrissage Introduction

Petrissage

Petrissage is the kneading stroke at the heart of Swedish massage. While effleurage glides and flows, petrissage works deeper, lifting, rolling, and compressing/squeezing the soft tissues to release tension, improve circulation, and bring a sense of relief to muscles that have been carrying the weight of daily life.

The word “petrissage” comes from the French for “to knead,” and that is exactly what it feels like, gently kneading dough, lifting and working the tissues with the fingers, thumbs, hands, forearms and elbows. It engages the muscles more fully than lighter strokes, working through soft tissue layers of the larger muscle groups and targeting smaller muscles and tendons. Petrissage can lead to the body feeling freer movement, being more responsive and connected to action.

Petrissage is where the magic happens.