What is the term for the movement technique used when performing deep effleurage on the lower extremities?

The term for the movement technique used when performing deep effleurage on the lower extremities is centripetal. This technique involves applying pressure in a direction toward the heart, which promotes circulation and lymphatic drainage from the extremities.

Effleurage is a gliding stroke performed with the palms or fingers and is frequently used in many types of massage for its relaxing effects and ability to warm up the tissue. When applied to the lower extremities, the centripetal technique ensures that the massage strokes facilitate blood flow back toward the center of the body, encouraging improved venous return and promoting overall vascular health.

In contrast, the other terms do not accurately describe this movement. Centrifugal refers to movement outward from a center point, which is opposite to the directional characteristic of effleurage meant to draw towards the heart. Perpendicular relates to an angle of 90 degrees, which does not define a direction of movement in this context. Horizontal describes a side-to-side motion, whereas the focus of deep effleurage in this setting is vertical, moving toward the center of the body. Thus, centripetal is the correct term for this specific massage technique.