Which massage technique uses pressure to relax muscle tension?

The technique that uses pressure to relax muscle tension is compression. This technique involves the application of pressure to specific areas of muscles through various means, such as pushing or squeezing. The goal is to create relaxation in the muscle fibers, improve blood circulation, and alleviate tension. Compression can be effective in releasing tightness within muscles by enhancing the flow of oxygenated blood to the tissues, which can promote healing and relaxation.

Friction, while it can also help alleviate tension, typically involves a rubbing motion that targets the superficial layers of tissue and may focus more on stimulating circulation rather than specifically relaxing muscle tension. Burning is not recognized as a legitimate massage technique in this context, while rubbing encompasses various motions and may not always apply the sustained pressure needed to effectively release deeply held tension in muscle groups.