Massage Therapy Assessment & Treatment Planning 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Postural assessment is performed to identify:
- Deviations from ideal alignment that may indicate muscular imbalances (Correct answer)
- The client's cardiovascular fitness level
- Bone density and joint space narrowing
- Nerve conduction velocity
Correct answer: Deviations from ideal alignment that may indicate muscular imbalances
Postural assessment reveals asymmetries, deviations, and compensatory patterns that guide the therapist in selecting appropriate techniques.
Question 2: Palpation in massage therapy is used to assess:
- Tissue texture, temperature, tension, and tenderness (Correct answer)
- Blood oxygen levels
- Bone fractures
- Cardiac output
Correct answer: Tissue texture, temperature, tension, and tenderness
Skilled palpation allows the therapist to assess soft tissue quality, including areas of hypertonicity, inflammation, and fascial restriction.
Question 3: Range of motion (ROM) testing before a session helps the therapist to:
- Establish a baseline and identify restricted movement patterns (Correct answer)
- Determine bone density
- Assess neurological reflexes
- Measure lymphatic output
Correct answer: Establish a baseline and identify restricted movement patterns
Pre-session ROM testing establishes objective baselines so the therapist can set measurable treatment goals and track improvement.
Question 4: A hypertonic muscle is best described as:
- A muscle with excessive, sustained tension that is shorter than normal (Correct answer)
- A muscle that is completely paralyzed
- A muscle with reduced tone that is elongated
- A muscle with normal tone and full range of motion
Correct answer: A muscle with excessive, sustained tension that is shorter than normal
Hypertonic muscles have elevated resting tone, feel tight on palpation, and restrict joint range of motion.
Question 5: Which assessment test is used to identify potential thoracic outlet syndrome by raising both arms overhead?
- Roos test (EAST test) (Correct answer)
- Thomas test
- Ober test
- Apley scratch test
Correct answer: Roos test (EAST test)
The Roos (elevated arm stress) test has the client hold arms at 90° abduction/external rotation and open and close the hands; symptom reproduction suggests thoracic outlet syndrome.
Question 6: Which finding during palpation suggests active inflammation in soft tissue?
- Increased local temperature and tissue edema (Correct answer)
- Decreased tissue temperature and firmness
- Uniform tissue texture with no tenderness
- Reduced skin color and dryness
Correct answer: Increased local temperature and tissue edema
Acute inflammation presents with heat (calor) and swelling (tumor) that can be detected through skilled palpation, indicating a local contraindication.
Massage Therapy Assessment & Treatment Planning 1
Postural assessment is performed to identify: