Tapotement and Vibration Massage Techniques

• Tapotement is a rhythmic, percussive massage technique that is used to help warm up an athlete before an event and to stimulate nerve endings.
• Hacking is the most common form of tapotement, and it is performed with the therapist’s hands held outstretched with palms facing each other.
• Pounding/Pummeling is a more vigorous form of tapotement, in which the therapist’s hands are held in a soft fist with the little finger portion of the hand making contact with the client’s body.
• Cupping is a type of tapotement in which the therapist forms the palmar aspect of his or her hand into a cup-like shape, by slightly flexing the fingers.
• Tapping is the lightest and most gentle of all the percussive movements, and is often performed at a slower rate than the others.
• Plucking is a type of tapotement in which the client’s skin is gently picked up by the thumb and fingers of each hand in a kind of light pinching or pecking motion.
• Four benefits of tapotement are that it has a hyperemic effect, increases local blood circulation, stimulates nerve endings, and reduces fatty deposits.
• Tapotement is a stroke that should be used only for short periods of time, as prolonged use will result in muscle fatigue and become counterproductive.
• Tapotement comes when you are not thinking about it. Let it just flow. Trying to concentrate on getting it correct will result in an uneven rhythm and a massage session that feels a bit disjointed to the client.
• Vibration massage technique is a fine, gentle, trembling movement performed with hands or fingers.
• Vibrations can be used to stimulate soft tissues in the body.
• Vibration movements can help stimulate nerves, relieve muscular tension and decrease stress.
• Vibrations at a slower pace are an effective treatment to produce a feeling of relaxation.
• The benefits of vibration massage techniques are relief of tight muscles, reduced stress and improved circulation.
• Therapists can use vibrations as an effective massage technique to treat a range of conditions.
• Vibration is a massage technique which can be used:
• For tight muscles
• Pre Event
• To promote stimulation.
• Vibrations can increase the temperature of soft tissues.
• Vibrations stimulate an increase of temperature by friction against the skin.
• Friction causes an increase of blood flow to the muscles, which in turn causes the temperature to increase.
• Cellular exchange can occur within the tissues, which can help to remove waste products.
• Increased blood circulation to the muscles allows more cellular exchange to happen.
• Cellular exchange can be important for maintaining healthy muscles.

Learn about tapotement and vibration massage techniques used by therapists to warm up athletes, stimulate nerve endings, increase blood circulation, and reduce stress. Discover the benefits of these techniques and how they can be effectively applied in massage therapy sessions.