Centurion TAPOTY User manual

Operation Manual
EQUINE TAPOTEMENT MASSAGE SYSTEM

Table of Contents
Section Page
1 Introduction 3
2 What is Tapotement Therapy? 3
3 The Benefits of using the Tapoty 4
4 When should I use the Tapoty 4
5 TipsforUse 5
6 Important Safety Instructions 6
7 Contraindications 6
8 Getting to Know Your Tapoty 7
- Tapoty Components 7
- How Tapoty Works 9
- Tapoty Power Settings 9
9 Cleaning and Storage 10
10 Use and Service Considerations 10
11 Specifications 11
12 Regulatory Compliance 11
13 Troubleshooting 12
14 ServicePolicy 12
15 Warranty 12
16 Three Month Rental Program 13
17 Contact Information 14
02/05/09 Tapoty Manual Page 2

1. Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing your Centurion Tapoty equine massage system. For 30
years, Centurion has carefully cultivated a reputation as a world leader and innovator in
equine therapy equipment, and the Tapoty continues Centurion's tradition of excellence.
Tapoty has been specifically designed with the comfort and performance of your horse
in mind. Guidelines for the safe use and servicing of the equipment are outlined in this
manual and it is essential that you read the manual fully prior to operating Tapoty for the
first time. Keep the manual for future reference and refer to it for safe and efficient use of
the equipment.
1
2. What is Tapotement Therapy?
Tapotement therapy uses the Centurion Tapoty to supply a steady, pulsed acu-
pressure unique to the equine massage field. While other massage equipment sold for
use on horses relies on vibratory cycloid action (a vibration parallel to the muscle tissue
sending most of the energy radiating sideways from the treatment area), the Tapoty
penetrates ¼" perpendicular to the muscle for deep relief. This percussive action
effectively "kneads" muscle tissue, breaking down stiffness and tension and allowing the
treated muscles to return to normal range and motion.
Tapotement therapy penetrates into deeper tissues supplying your horse with:
- a more limber and supple body
- improved muscle tone
- a more relaxed nervous system
- better overall functioning of muscles and joints
02/05/09 Tapoty Manual Page 3

Tapoty reduces the typical equine massage by hand from one hour down to only 15
minutes! This makes a Tapoty massage a very time efficient way to give your horse an
enjoyable and therapeutic massage.
Tapoty is ideal for horses in training or competition, recovering from an injury and those
who are nervous or "sour". Tapoty relieves muscle aches and relaxes improving the
attitude of difficult horses.
Also, Tapotement therapy is great for horses that don't get enough exercise or those
who just need some pampering. For animals that are forced to remain inactive because
of injury, illness or age, massage can be a mild form of exercise for their muscles and
joints.
Your horse will enjoy Tapotement therapy!!
3. The Benefits of using the Tapoty
 Increases blood supply & nutrition to the muscles
 Speeds up the recovery process
 Reduces fatigue
 Dilates blood vessels & improves circulation
 Hastens elimination of harmful by-products
 Helps reduce inflammation and swelling
 Can compensate, in part for lack of exercise in horses who are
inactive due to age, illness or injury
 Improves muscle tone
4. When should I use the Tapoty?
 Before and/or after work
 Before and/or after competing
The areas shown on the following page are the first to break down on a horse during
strenuous activity and are the root of most lameness problems. Most injuries on horses
are a result of repeated stress and overuse. A physically fit horse has very strong, tight
muscles that produce extreme resistance. Keeping these muscles relaxed and working
freely will enable your horse to perform at it's best.
A daily Tapotement Therapy regimen will help prevent muscle injuries from developing,
while allowing your horse to realize its full potential.
The Best Massage in Just 15 Minutes!
02/05/09 Tapoty Manual Page 4

5. Tips for Use
Develop your horse's full potential and prevent muscle injuries using the Tapoty equine
massage system while observing the following tips:
 Use on muscle only
 Use your Tapoty for one minute or less in each area working in a clockwise
direction in the groupings suggested above
 Do not use on bone
 Do not use a massage oil or liniment
 Tapoty your horse before and/or after exercise
 Do not use on areas showing heat
 If your horse is sensitive, use less pressure, and/or put a sheet between the skin
surface and the massager
The Tapoty is sold with a GFCI (ground fault current interrupter) device. This device
provides additional protection against electrical shock in environments that are open to
moisture such as stables and barns. The GFCI must be connected on the electrical
cord, between the massager and the electrical outlet, at all times.
02/05/09 Tapoty Manual Page 5

6. Important Safety Instructions
When using an electrical appliance like Centurion Tapoty, basic
precautions should always be followed, including the following:
Read all instructions before using Tapoty.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury to persons:
Do not operate where aerosol products are being used or in the presence of flammable
anesthetic mixture with air, oxygen, nitrous oxide or other explosive gases.
Connect the Tapoty to a properly grounded outlet only using the supplied GFCI attachment.
Keep the cord away from heated surfaces. Take care to route the cord, and any extension cords
used, in such a way to reduce the risk of tripping hazard.
Always unplug the Tapoty from the electrical outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.
To disconnect, first turn off switch and then remove plug from outlet.
The Tapoty should never be left unattended when plugged in.
Do not carry the Tapoty by the cord or pull the cord sharply.
Never operate the Tapoty if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has
been dropped, damaged, or immersed in water. Contact your closest Centurion office to have the
Tapoty examined or repaired.
Use the Tapoty only for its intended use as described in this manual.
Do not use attachments not recommended by Centurion.
Never drop or insert any object into any openings of the Tapoty.
Never operate the Tapoty with the ventilation openings blocked. Keep the ventilation openings
free of lint, hair, and the like.
7. Contraindications
The Tapoty should not be used over:
 Swollen or inflamed area or skin eruptions (open wounds, fractures, etc.)
 Reproductive organs, eyes, ears, or head
 Directly on bone
Consult your veterinarian for further advice.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
3
02/05/09 Tapoty Manual Page 6

8. Getting to Know Your Tapoty
Tapoty Components
02/05/09 Tapoty Manual Page 7

Tapoty Components (continued)
02/05/09 Tapoty Manual Page 8

How Tapoty Works
The Tapoty works through percussive massage rather than orbital action. The massage
spheres are designed to pivot up and down, penetrating deep into all muscle layers,
twenty-six times per second. No attachments are needed with the Tapoty.
Its own 7 lb. Weight supplies all the needed force. Adding weight by pressing will result
in less penetration. The Tapoty contains a built-in safety buffering mechanism that
prevents you from hurting your horse, even if you inadvertently apply extra pressure. If
that should occur, the added pressure is absorbed and the Tapoty actually vibrates
less. Thus, you cannot receive more force than the highest setting. When used
correctly, the Tapoty does not pinch. Do not press down, stroke with additional weight,
or "dig."
It is recommended that you "PARK" the Tapoty for at least 10-15 seconds (but no longer
than 60 seconds) in each area before moving to another area.
Tapoty Power Settings
The Tapoty has 2 different controls for adjusting the strength of the massage: (1)
Variable Speed Dial (2) Impact Adjuster Dial (see illustration on page 8). The larger the
muscle, the higher the settings. Be sure to turn the Tapoty off before changing the
Impact Adjuster Dial.
The Tapoty is designed for massage of soft tissue (muscle) not hard tissue (bone)
using direct drive percussive stroke that travels downward into your muscles. The
muscle you select to massage should be at least 1/4" thick or the Tapoty may bounce or
shake, and may cause discomfort to your horse. Stay away from bony projections (legs,
spine, etc.).
02/05/09 Tapoty Manual Page 9

10. Cleaning and Storage
If the external surfaces become soiled, wipe clean with a cloth dampened with a mild
cleanser. Do not use thinner, benzene, or any other solvents. The Tapoty should not be
stored for extended periods of time on its massage spheres as they may flatten over
time. Tip the Tapoty over onto its side with cord up. The Tapoty’s cord may be coiled
and stored in the handle
as shown on page 7. For best results, always store your equipment in a dry
environment.
11. Use and Service Considerations
The Tapoty is maintenance free, constructed with permanently lubricated sealed ball
bearings. No additional lubrication is necessary. The Tapoty has no user serviceable
parts inside.
The Tapoty is designed for continuous use. With extended use it is normal for the
housing to get warm. If temperatures exceed normal limits, a thermal breaker will shut
off the power, resetting itself when cooled.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, the Tapoty has a polarized plug (one blade is wider
than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit
fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to
install a proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way. Remember, when using the
Tapoty in the barn or any other environment prone to damp conditions, it is
required to use the supplied GFCI box between the Tapoty and the power source.
In a double-insulated product, two systems of insulation are provided instead of
grounding. No grounding means is provided on a double-insulated product, nor should a
means for grounding be added to the product. Servicing a double-insulated product
requires extreme care and knowledge of the system, and should be done only by
service personnel qualified by Centurion Medical Corp. Replacement parts for
double-insulated product must be identical to the parts they replace. A double-insulated
product is marked with the words "DOUBLE INSULATION" or "DOUBLE INSULATED."
The symbol (square within a square) may also be marked on the product.
02/05/09 Tapoty Manual Page 10