NCBTMB Bodywork Application and Physiology 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a CONTRAINDICATION for applying massage directly over an area of the body?
- Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
- Healed surgical scar tissue
- Active deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (Correct answer)
- Mild chronic muscle tension
Correct answer: Active deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Active DVT is an absolute local contraindication because massage could dislodge the clot, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.
Question 2: The muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot and frequently addressed in massage for runners with Achilles tendinopathy is the:
- Tibialis anterior
- Peroneus longus
- Gastrocnemius (Correct answer)
- Extensor digitorum longus
Correct answer: Gastrocnemius
The gastrocnemius (with the soleus) is the primary plantarflexor and attaches to the calcaneus via the Achilles tendon, making it central to Achilles tendinopathy.
Question 3: A client experiences a sudden muscle cramp during a massage session. The MOST appropriate immediate response is to:
- Apply deep pressure directly on the cramping muscle
- Passively stretch the affected muscle gently and slowly (Correct answer)
- Apply ice immediately and discontinue the session
- Perform rapid tapotement to stimulate the muscle
Correct answer: Passively stretch the affected muscle gently and slowly
Gentle passive stretching of the cramping muscle lengthens it and interrupts the spasm cycle, providing the quickest relief.
Question 4: Which anatomical structure is the primary site of gas exchange between blood and tissues?
- Arterioles
- Venules
- Capillaries (Correct answer)
- Lymphatic capillaries
Correct answer: Capillaries
Capillaries have walls only one cell thick, enabling oxygen, nutrients, and waste to diffuse between blood and surrounding tissue.
Question 5: The principle of 'palpatory literacy' in massage therapy refers to the therapist's ability to:
- Read client intake forms accurately
- Detect tissue texture, tension, and temperature differences through touch (Correct answer)
- Educate clients on anatomy using written materials
- Document session notes in clinical language
Correct answer: Detect tissue texture, tension, and temperature differences through touch
Palpatory literacy is the trained skill of distinguishing tissue quality, temperature, and tension variations to guide therapeutic decisions.
Question 6: In the context of the NCBTMB exam, which term describes the range of motion available at a joint without any assistance from the therapist?
- Passive range of motion (PROM)
- Resistive range of motion (RROM)
- Active range of motion (AROM) (Correct answer)
- Accessory range of motion
Correct answer: Active range of motion (AROM)
Active range of motion (AROM) is the movement a client performs independently using their own muscular effort, without therapist assistance.
Question 7: When a therapist uses cross-fiber friction on the IT band, the primary purpose is to:
- Stimulate hair follicles and sebaceous glands along the band
- Mobilize the iliotibial band fibers and reduce adhesions (Correct answer)
- Stretch the hip flexors through indirect tension
- Increase synovial fluid production in the knee joint
Correct answer: Mobilize the iliotibial band fibers and reduce adhesions
Cross-fiber friction applied to the IT band works perpendicular to its longitudinal fibers to break up adhesions and improve tissue mobility.
NCBTMB Bodywork Application and Physiology 4
Which of the following is a CONTRAINDICATION for applying massage directly over an area of the body?