CMP Massage Techniques & Reflexology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which massage stroke is typically used to begin and end a foot massage to warm up the tissue and promote relaxation?
- Petrissage
- Effleurage (Correct answer)
- Tapotement
- Friction
Correct answer: Effleurage
Effleurage is a gliding stroke used to open and close massage sequences, warm superficial tissue, and promote relaxation.
Question 2: In reflexology, the area on the sole of the foot that corresponds to the spine is located along which zone?
- The heel pad
- The lateral edge
- The medial arch (Correct answer)
- The ball of the foot
Correct answer: The medial arch
In reflexology, the medial arch running along the inner edge of the foot maps to the spinal column from sacrum to neck.
Question 3: Petrissage techniques include which of the following movements?
- Long gliding strokes
- Kneading and compression (Correct answer)
- Tapping and percussion
- Rapid vibration
Correct answer: Kneading and compression
Petrissage involves kneading, squeezing, and compression movements that work deeper muscle tissue to release tension.
Question 4: A client has varicose veins on the lower leg. How should the pedicurist adjust the massage?
- Apply deep friction directly over the veins
- Avoid massage over and proximal to the affected veins (Correct answer)
- Use tapotement only on the affected area
- Increase pressure to improve circulation
Correct answer: Avoid massage over and proximal to the affected veins
Massage over or immediately proximal to varicose veins can dislodge a clot and is contraindicated; the area should be avoided.
Question 5: Which foot reflexology zone corresponds to the head and brain?
- The heel
- The arch
- The toes (Correct answer)
- The ball of the foot
Correct answer: The toes
In reflexology, the toes represent the head, brain, and sinus areas, with each toe mapping to specific cranial regions.
Question 6: Tapotement (percussion) is CONTRAINDICATED over which of the following?
- The gastrocnemius muscle belly
- Bony prominences and inflamed tissue (Correct answer)
- The plantar fascia
- The Achilles tendon insertion
Correct answer: Bony prominences and inflamed tissue
Percussion strokes over bony prominences or inflamed tissue can cause pain, bruising, or further injury and must be avoided.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of friction massage when applied around the nail fold and cuticle area?
- To thin the nail plate
- To stimulate blood flow and loosen adherent dead tissue (Correct answer)
- To apply pressure to reflexology points
- To cool the tissue rapidly
Correct answer: To stimulate blood flow and loosen adherent dead tissue
Friction around the cuticle area stimulates circulation and helps loosen and lift adherent dead skin for easier, safer removal.
CMP Massage Techniques & Reflexology 1
Which massage stroke is typically used to begin and end a foot massage to warm up the tissue and promote relaxation?