The massage technique known as percussion, characterized by rhythmic striking, tapping, or pounding of the body’s soft tissues, is formally called Tapotement. This term originates from the French verb tapoter, which means “to tap” or “to pat”. Tapotement is a stimulating form of manual therapy that is typically applied briskly and alternately with both hands.
The Massage Technique Known as Percussion
Tapotement is one of the five primary hand strokes within the framework of Swedish massage, developed in the 19th century. The main purpose of this stroke is to invigorate the body and stimulate underlying tissues, rather than promote deep relaxation.
This technique is often applied toward the end of a massage session to transition the client back toward a more alert, grounded consciousness. The repetitive, quick contact helps activate the nervous system, promoting a feeling of energy and alertness. By stimulating the tissues, tapotement prepares the muscles for activity or addresses areas of sluggish circulation.
Variations of Percussive Strokes
The execution of Tapotement includes several distinct variations, each utilizing a different hand shape to modulate the depth and sensation of the percussion. Hacking involves using the pinky-finger (ulnar) edge of the hands in a quick, alternating, chopping motion. The fingers are generally held close together, and the movement is driven by loose wrists to ensure a light, rapid contact.
Cupping is performed by shaping the hand into a slight concave or hollowed position, as if holding water. When the cupped hand strikes and lifts from the skin, it creates a vacuum effect, producing a characteristic hollow sound.
Tapping is the lightest and most gentle form of percussion, where only the tips of the fingers make contact with the body. This stroke is often reserved for more delicate or sensitive areas, such as the face and head. For larger, more fleshy muscle groups, variations like Pounding or Beating are used, which involve striking the area with a soft, loosely clenched fist or the heel of the hand.
Modern percussion devices, often referred to as massage guns, are a mechanical extension of the traditional pounding and beating strokes. These handheld tools deliver rapid, concentrated pulses of pressure deep into the muscle layers, targeting deep tissue tension and enhancing blood circulation.
How Tapotement Stimulates the Body
The rapid, rhythmic force of tapotement movements produces both mechanical and reflex effects on the body’s systems. Mechanically, the repeated striking action generates a localized, transient increase in tissue temperature through heat generation. This action helps to warm and soften the underlying muscle fibers, making them more pliable.
The neurological response is heightened stimulation, as the rapid taps activate mechanoreceptors in the skin and muscle fascia. This intense sensory input to the central nervous system can lead to a reflex action, causing brief contractions in both voluntary and involuntary muscles. This neurological “wake-up” effect is why the stroke is often employed to increase overall muscle tone and promote alertness.
The stimulating action also induces a hyperemic effect, significantly increasing local blood circulation. This enhanced blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to the tissues while assisting in the removal of metabolic waste products. Furthermore, the cupping variation is utilized in respiratory therapy, where the percussive action on the back or chest helps to loosen and mobilize mucus within the lungs for easier clearance.
Situations Requiring Caution or Avoidance
Percussive massage must be approached with caution, as the stimulating force can be counterproductive or even harmful. The technique should be completely avoided over any areas of acute injury, such as recent sprains or muscle strains, because the force can increase inflammation and exacerbate tissue damage. Similarly, areas with recent bruising, open wounds, or specific skin conditions like severe eczema or psoriasis should not receive tapotement.
The percussive force should never be applied directly over bony prominences, the kidneys, or major joints, as this can cause discomfort or potential injury. Individuals with certain medical conditions must also avoid this stroke, including those with:
- Osteoporosis, due to the risk of fracture.
- Severe varicose veins, where pressure could damage fragile vessels.
- Deep vein thrombosis.
- Conditions requiring blood thinners, as increased circulation and pressure could pose a serious risk.