Kneading massage technique that works deeper muscle layers.
Petrissage encompasses kneading, squeezing, and rolling techniques that work deeper muscle layers than effleurage. These movements help break up muscle knots (adhesions), improve circulation to specific areas, and release tension held in deeper tissues. Petrissage is more commonly used in Swedish and deep tissue massage than in glide-based modalities.
Knowing what petrissage means makes it easier to talk with a masseur before the session starts. Mention it during the intake conversation if it matters to you — a professional male massage therapist will explain how it fits the modality you booked, adjust pressure or positioning around it, and tell you honestly when a different approach suits your body better. You will find the same vocabulary used across our massage service pages, our wellness guides, and the NYC neighborhood pages, so the terms you learn here carry over to booking a real session.