California Cosmetology Written ExamSkin CareEasy
A cosmetologist performs a massage movement during a facial that involves kneading, lifting, and squeezing the muscle tissue between the fingers and palm. Which massage movement is being used?
- AVibration
- BPetrissage
- CEffleurage
- DTapotement
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Petrissage
Petrissage is a kneading movement in which the tissue is lifted, squeezed, and released, stimulating circulation and glandular activity. Effleurage is gliding, tapotement is tapping, and vibration is a shaking movement applied with the fingertips.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Vibration is a rapid shaking movement, not kneading.
- C. Effleurage is a light gliding stroke, not kneading.
- D. Tapotement is rapid tapping or slapping.
Petrissage
A massage movement involving kneading, lifting, and squeezing the skin and underlying muscle tissue between the fingers and palm.
- Increases blood circulation and stimulates glandular activity
- Used on cheeks, chin, and shoulders during massage
- Requires firmer pressure than effleurage but not as stimulating as tapotement
Memory trick: 'Petrissage = Pinch and Squeeze' like kneading bread dough.