Chapter 13 Swedish Massage Techniques Copyright 2013 Wolters

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. Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins