When is the best scenario to use effleurage during a treatment?

Effleurage is a type of massage technique that involves gliding strokes over the skin and is often used to stimulate circulation. This technique promotes blood flow and lymphatic drainage, making it beneficial in various therapeutic contexts. The rhythmic, gentle strokes of effleurage help to warm the tissue, which can enhance circulation as well as lead to relaxation and increased tissue pliability.

In the context of treatments, using effleurage to stimulate circulation can have several advantages. It prepares the body for deeper massage techniques and may help promote healing by delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues while also assisting in the removal of metabolic waste products. This is particularly important in rehabilitation settings, where improved circulation can enhance recovery times.

In contrast, the other options focus on specific therapeutic goals that may not align with the primary function of effleurage. For instance, assessing muscle strength is typically done through functional tests rather than through massage techniques. While effleurage can contribute to relaxation and may indirectly support flexibility, those benefits are secondary to its primary role in circulation. Finally, relieving fibrous adhesions usually requires more targeted techniques that apply pressure and manipulation to break down scar tissue, rather than the gliding nature of effleurage.