Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Chapter 13 Swedish Massage Techniques

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–5: Tapotement Effects of Tapotement –Rapid, rhythmic percussion stroke using hands in various formations to drum on client. –Varies depending on speed, force, length of application. –Short bursts of forceful tapotement stimulating to both local area and body as whole. –Longer applications relax body area and body as whole.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–5: Tapotement Effects of Tapotement –Very light tapotement with fingertips causes vasoconstriction of superficial capillaries. –Moderate drumming applied with medial sides of hand causes vasodilation and increased circulation. –Brief applications of light percussion help tone atrophied muscles. –Long applications of moderate percussion help soothe areas of hypersensitivity.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–5: Tapotement Effects of Tapotement –Should not be used directly after athletic activity; may cause muscles to cramp. –Tapotement over kidneys and floating ribs contraindicated; may be damaged by stroke.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–5: Tapotement Effects of Tapotement –Avoided on boney areas (especially spine) and over bruises and varicose veins. –Check with client regularly to ensure strokes are comfortable.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–5: Tapotement Application of Tapotement –Hold hands in different formations for different types of tapotement. –Hacking uses ulnar side of hand. –Cupping uses hands shaped like cup.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–5: Tapotement Application of Tapotement –Hands held open in slapping. –In pincement fingertips used to pick up small bits of superficial tissue. See Technique 22: Tapotement.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–5: Tapotement Application of Tapotement –Applied to dry or oiled skin; even over drape. –Often called percussive stroke; similar to drumming. –Rhythm very important in delivery. –Irregular strokes that suddenly speed up or slow down can feel irritating to client’s nervous system.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–5: Tapotement Application of Tapotement –Move up and down and across body area fluidly. –Avoid overtreating one area. –Keep moving stroke.

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Topic 13–5: Tapotement Application of Tapotement –Keep your wrists and fingers loose. –Stiff wrists or fingers may hurt client or yourself. –Practice on soft surface like pillow, with music, to improve your rhythm and regularity.