Which massage technique is typically used to warm up tissue before deeper work?

Effleurage is a massage technique characterized by long, sweeping strokes that can help to warm up the body's tissues effectively. This technique, often performed with the palms or fingertips, promotes blood circulation and prepares the muscles for deeper work. It is gentle and relaxing, helping to ease the client into the massage session, making it an excellent choice for the initial phase of treatment.

This warming up phase is crucial because it transitions the body into a more receptive state, reducing tension and enhancing the effectiveness of subsequent deeper techniques. Effleurage also allows the therapist to assess the muscle tone and flexibility of the tissue, which can inform the approach to deeper work that may follow.