California Cosmetology Written ExamNail CareMedium
During hand massage as part of a manicure service, a technician uses a kneading movement, lifting and squeezing the muscle tissue of the client's palm. What massage movement is being performed?
- ATapotement
- BFriction
- CEffleurage
- DPétrissage
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Pétrissage
Pétrissage is a kneading massage movement involving lifting, squeezing, and pressing the muscle tissue, commonly used on fleshy areas like the palm and forearm during hand massage.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Tapotement is a percussion movement involving light tapping or slapping.
- B. Friction involves deep, circular rubbing pressure on a fixed point, not lifting/squeezing.
- C. Effleurage is a light, gliding stroke used to begin and end massage sequences, not kneading.
Pétrissage Massage Movement
Pétrissage is a kneading massage technique that lifts, squeezes, and presses the muscle tissue, often used on fleshy areas like the palm, forearm, and calf.
- Derived from the French word meaning 'to knead'
- Increases blood circulation to the massaged area
- Different from effleurage (gliding) and tapotement (tapping)
Memory trick: Pétrissage = pizza dough kneading