What massage technique could best aid in expelling mucus from a client recovering from viral pneumonia?

Tapotement is a percussion technique that involves rhythmic, tapping movements on the client's body, which can effectively stimulate the respiratory system. This vigorous technique encourages lung function and can help loosen and expel mucus from the airways, making it particularly beneficial for clients recovering from conditions like viral pneumonia.

In this context, tapotement promotes circulation and helps to mobilize mucus, facilitating its clearance from the lungs. This method can create a stimulating effect that enhances respiratory efficiency, making it ideal for someone convalescing from respiratory infections.

While effleurage is a gentle gliding stroke that helps with relaxation, and petrissage involves kneading and compression to improve tissue elasticity and circulation, neither of these directly addresses the need to expel mucus. Frictions provide localized pressure to create heat and increase circulation but may not be as effective in mucus mobilization compared to tapotement. Thus, tapotement emerges as the most effective choice in this scenario.