Tapotement
Tapotement is a Swedish massage technique that entails tapping, slapping, pounding and other types of percussive movements.
Tapotement
Written by Shawn White, LMT
This article takes a deeper dive into tapotement, hoping you will be inspired to explore the intricacies of touch. In my practice, I use the elements of massage to help me analyze every technique used throughout my sessions. I hope they will serve as a tool for you as well. The purpose of the elements is to help you slow down and think about every detail of touch you apply.
The Elements of Tapotement
- Point: Tapotement is a single point that is applied and immediately released.
- Shape: The shape could be the point of your finger, fingers, slide of your hand, fist, or any other variation.
- Pressure: Tapotement can be light, medium or firm pressure.
- Line: This technique differs from others because it does not maintain constant contact. Additionally, it is the most difficult technique to offer complete touch with. When tapotement has a line it is defined by the path along a muscle or area it is being applied to. A way to imagine a line is to see all other technique lines as a solid line, while tapotement is a dotted line. It is the road telling you where to go.
- Movement: Movement is the most important factor of this technique and the reason many massage therapists are ineffective with its application. This basic Swedish massage technique requires rhythm. This means each point is applied with predictability. If you are new to tapotement focus on matching the rhythm of the heart. Learn to match the natural pace of the body before embarking on your own. Additionally, avoid performing drum solos on your client’s back and body. Even if you are a drummer, it will feel weird to most of your clients.
- Temperature: The warmth of your hands is not easily discernible when using tapotement, but like most massage techniques it is best to have warm hands.
Virtues of Tapotement
Empathy
As mentioned in the movement element, think about how your technique feels. Just because your approach seems cool, it doesn’t mean it feels good. When using tapotement its application must be appropriate. If your client is in a state of peace and ease, quietly sleeping, refrain from using tapotement because it will most likely wake them. It is an invigorating technique, best used to reach deep muscle structures with reduced discomfort.
If you are going to use it in a relaxing massage, add it as you would if you were writing a story. This means integrating foreshadowing into your session. Foreshadowing in massage is the process of introducing a technique early on, so when it is used later it feels appropriate. Remember, use tapotement because it makes sense, not because it is interesting. If you do add it into your session ask yourself why you are using it. What is it actually contributing to the experience? Is it a junk move to waste your client’s time. These are important questions to ask because when you receive a massage you want every second of the session to be thoughtful and focused on your wants and needs. The money you earn is sacred and no dime is worth squandering. Take the time to make sure every technique used in your client’s session is to help them experience a magnificent massage. The Golden Rule, do onto others as you want done unto you is critical in massage. Imagine what they want, filter it through the lens of the treatment’s expectations, and ask yourself if tapotement is appropriate in the current session.
Tapotement can easily be perceived as a junk move, especially if it is performed lazily. Think about and imagine how every technique is experience by your client. Filter their experience through the expectations of the session they have scheduled. If you used any techniques that do not match their requested experience it will reduce their satisfaction.
Think, imagine, reflect, and adjust accordingly.
Humility
Have the humility to take responsibility for an unsatisfied massage experience. If a client is unhappy with the session internalize their opinions, think and search for ways you are to blame, then change. We live in a society that rarely takes ownership of their failures. If a client is dissatisfied, you are most likely the reason. You are the professional, you have trained to help feel delightful, so instead of disregarding their complaints as a poor massage match, ask yourself how you could have made the session better.
Creativity
Tapotement isn’t used very often in a relaxation massage, this is because it is typically a vigorous technique. It can also be very calming if use appropriately and with proper foreshadowing. Practice in your off time to discover effective ways to use tapotement as a relaxing technique.
It is far easier to use it in corrective, deep tissue and pain management massages. In general tapotement permits us to offer deep muscle relief without firm pressure discomfort. If you want to creatively explore the value of tapotement use it on targeted muscles, using hyper precise points. Communicate with your client and learn how tapotement feels on various sensation zones, and develop your own unique tapotement style.
Intent
Those who use tapotement in their massage often aim to,
- increase circulation.
- reduce muscle tension and loosen muscles.
- promote lymphatic function.
- stimulate the nervous system.
