Kneading is best described as which technique?

• A. The muscle is squeezed and rolled under the therapist's hands
• B. Light stroking to relax
• C. Rapid tapping movements
• D. Friction along muscle fibers

Answer: (A)

Kneading is the rhythmic squeezing and rolling of muscle tissue between the therapist’s hands, often described as petrissage. The hands lift, compress, and roll the muscle in a deliberate pattern, then release to allow fresh blood flow to the area. This deeper compression helps loosen muscle fibers, improve circulation, and reduce tension by targeting deeper layers of tissue. That description matches the action of squeezing and rolling the muscle under the hands. Light stroking to relax is effleurage, rapid tapping movements are percussion or tapotement, and friction along muscle fibers is a different technique aimed at adhesions along the fibers, not the rolling, lifting action characteristic of kneading.