Which type of massage technique is primarily aimed at increasing flexibility and range of motion?

The technique primarily aimed at increasing flexibility and range of motion is pre-event massage. This type of massage focuses on preparing the body for physical activity by loosening tight muscles, increasing blood flow, and enhancing the range of motion in joints. Pre-event massage is typically applied shortly before athletic events and is designed to help athletes perform at their best by ensuring their muscles are warmed up and flexible, reducing the risk of injuries.

While compression techniques involve applying pressure to muscles to enhance circulation and relieve tension, they do not specifically focus on flexibility. Petrissage techniques, which involve kneading and rolling of muscles, can contribute to relaxation and improved muscle tone but are not exclusively designed for increasing flexibility in a pre-event context. Deep friction techniques primarily address scar tissue and adhesions rather than enhancing overall range of motion in a short-term pre-event scenario. Thus, pre-event massage stands out as the most direct approach to increasing flexibility and range of motion in athletes prior to competition.