Which statement correctly describes the five basic massage strokes?

• A. They are Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Vibration, Friction
• B. They are Effleurage, Massage, Tapotement, Stretching, Pressure
• C. They are only Effleurage and Petrissage
• D. They are labeled by body part names

Answer: (A)

The five basic massage strokes are the foundational techniques used in many modalities: effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration. Effleurage involves long, smooth gliding strokes to warm the tissue, spread lubricant, and promote relaxation and circulation. Petrissage is the kneading and lifting of muscle tissue to release adhesions and improve blood flow. Tapotement covers rhythmic percussion movements—tapping, cupping, or chopping—that stimulate nerves and muscle tone. Friction uses small, deep circular motions to break up adhesions and realign fibers. Vibration is rapid shaking or trembling to relax muscles and enhance circulation. This combination best captures the standard set of five basic strokes. The other options include terms not recognized as basic strokes (like Massage, Stretching, or Pressure), propose only a subset, or misstate how strokes are named.