Which technique is most closely associated with enhancing venous return through gentle, gliding strokes?

• A. Effleurage
• B. Petrissage
• C. Tapotement
• D. Friction

Answer: (A)

Gentle, gliding strokes that move smoothly over the skin are designed to promote venous return and lymphatic drainage. This technique uses long, light to moderate pressure, applied with a continuous motion toward the heart, which helps move blood and lymph back toward central circulation without compressing tissues deeply. It also serves to relax the muscles and warm the tissues for any deeper work to come. The other techniques involve kneading, percussion, or deep friction, which focus on tissue manipulation, stimulation, or adhesions rather than the slow, flowing strokes that primarily support venous flow. Therefore, the technique most closely associated with enhancing venous return through gentle, gliding strokes is effleurage.