What massage movement utilizes a light tapping or slapping movement?

What massage movement utilizes a light tapping or slapping movement?

• A. Tapotement
• B. Effleurage
• C. Petrissage
• D. Friction

Answer: (A)

Light tapping or slapping movements are called tapotement. This percussive technique uses rhythmic, quick strikes to stimulate nerves, increase blood flow, and wake up the underlying tissues. It’s performed with various hand shapes—fingertips, edges of the hands, or cupped palms—depending on the variation. Effleurage involves long, smooth gliding strokes; petrissage is kneading and squeezing the tissue; friction uses deep, small circular motions to create heat and address adhesions.

Light tapping or slapping movements are called tapotement. This percussive technique uses rhythmic, quick strikes to stimulate nerves, increase blood flow, and wake up the underlying tissues. It’s performed with various hand shapes—fingertips, edges of the hands, or cupped palms—depending on the variation.

Effleurage involves long, smooth gliding strokes; petrissage is kneading and squeezing the tissue; friction uses deep, small circular motions to create heat and address adhesions.