Effleurage is characterized by long strokes and can use knuckle strokes or circular strokes of the palm of the hand. Effleurage is not restricted to any part of the body and muscle. It can be used anywhere on the body and includes a great deal of variation with the strokes. Effleurage is helpful in breaking up the scarring which tends to occur in the muscles as tension builds up. Scarring in the muscle can be broken down by the massage technique tapotement as well.
Tapotement is the stereotype kind of massage that is usually portrayed on television and movies.
It is characterized by heavy hacking, beating, of pinching but should not be painful. This technique may seem rough and uncomfortable but in actuality is a very effective form of massage. Many massage therapist incorporate this technique into their everyday practice. Petrissage is another type of massage technique. It is characterized by kneading strokes, skin rolling, and the picking up and squeezing of the muscle or shaking stroke.